Not all matcha lattes are created equal. Our intern tested 5 in Fresno | Opinion

Matcha is more than just a trendy drink, it’s a centuries-old tradition rooted in Japanese culture. High-quality matcha is often sourced from Uji, a small city in Kyoto Prefecture known for its ceremonial-grade green tea powder. 

The greener the matcha the better the quality but with tins of premium matcha reaching prices of $50 or more for just 30 servings, it can be hard to know where to find the best cup without going broke.

So I set out on a mini taste test around Fresno to compare multiple popular matcha drinks to see if they are actually worth the hype. One drive-thru favorite, seasonal specialty, and other customizable matcha lattes around Fresno were worth it while others were not. Here’s how they ranked.

Austro Coffee internet fans claim the strawberry matcha to be a 10/10 lets see if that’s true. 

1. Austro Coffee (downtown Fresno)

• Drink: Strawberry Matcha

• Price: $7.04

• Color: Medium green with red and white layers

• Matcha Brand: Not listed

• Sweetness: On the heavier side

• Customizable: No

• Flavor Rating: ★★★★★ (9.5/10)

Visually stunning and flavor-forward, Austro’s Strawberry Matcha stands out with its layered presentation and surprisingly bold matcha taste. Even with the sweeter profile it’s a great lunch to pick me up. 

2. Alchemist Coffee Lab (Tower District)

• Drink: Iced Strawberries & Cream Matcha (Seasonal – until end of July)

• Price: $5.49

• Color: Deep green with red and white layers

• Matcha Brand: Tazeo

• Sweetness: Medium

• Customizable: Limited – seasonal options

• Flavor Rating: ★★★★☆

A visually striking, dessert-like drink with good matcha balance. Tazeo’s brand gives it a deeper flavor and richer green color.

3. The Sacred Heart (downtown Fresno)

• Drink: Iced Matcha (customizable)

• Price: $7.04

• Color: Medium green

• Matcha Brand: Not listed

• Sweetness: Medium

• Customizable: Yes, with various syrups

• Flavor Rating: ★★★½☆☆

Smooth and balanced, Sacred Heart’s matcha offers a middle ground. Perfect for people who like options without overpowering sweetness.

4. Urban Pearl (Nees & Willow)

• Drink: Iced Brown Sugar Matcha

• Price: $8.13 (priciest of the bunch)

• Color: Rich medium green

• Matcha Brand: Not listed

• Sweetness: Very sweet, especially with the brown sugar jelly at the bottom

• Customizable: Not clearly advertised

• Flavor Rating: ★★★☆☆

Although the brown sugar jelly adds a dessert-like sweetness, the matcha flavor surprisingly holds up , stronger than Kuppa Joy’s,. The sugar overwhelms the experience. Better suited for boba fans than traditionalists.

5. Kuppa Joy (Cedar & Herndon)

• Drink: Iced Vanilla Matcha

• Price: $5.50 for a small 

• Color: Light green (indicates lower grade matcha)

• Matcha Brand: Jade Leaf (sourced from Uji and Kagoshima, Japan)

• Sweetness: Lightly sweetened with vanilla syrup

• Milk Options: Oat, almond and whole milk

• Customizable: Not really

• Flavor Rating: ★★★☆☆

Though the matcha is from quality regions, the drink is on the lighter side in flavor and color. A solid starter and cost effective option, but not for purists.

According to the Healthline websitematcha should be consumed in moderation, it contains caffeine and some pesticides. Other health benefits include weight management, it’s a good alternative to coffee and promotes better brain function. 

Matcha in Fresno isn’t cheap, but when done right, it’s worth every sip. Just be prepared: not all green drinks are created equal.

This story was originally published August 22, 2025 at 2:25 PM.