Did you know that matcha contains a unique amino acid called L-theanine that promotes calm focus—and when paired with citrus, it may actually enhance alertness without the jittery crash of coffee? This unexpected synergy is one reason citrus matcha is making waves across the beverage industry. As flavor innovation evolves to meet consumer demand for functional, flavorful, and clean-label options, citrus matcha is rising to the top of trend charts.

One particularly exciting development? A unique blend of citrus drinks with a hint of strawberry matcha. The earthy notes of matcha and the sweetness of strawberries complement the citrus flavors perfectly. In fact, mentions of strawberry matcha in relation to citrus drinks have grown a remarkable 119.7 percent year over year on social media—highlighting a growing appetite for this bold combination!

Where does citrus matcha come from?

Citrus matcha isn’t something you’d find in a 17th-century Japanese tea ceremony—but that’s part of what makes it exciting. This flavor fusion is the result of East meets West, where ancient tradition meets modern taste innovation. While matcha itself hails from finely ground green tea leaves cultivated and used in Japanese rituals, the addition of citrus reflects contemporary flavor preferences that favor brightness, balance, and feel-good benefits.

The citrus component can include anything from lemon and yuzu to orange, lime, and even grapefruit. And as strawberry matcha rises in popularity, more developers are using its naturally sweet and earthy flavor to create even more nuanced citrus matcha blends. The trend gained traction in third-wave coffee shops and wellness cafés before expanding into bottled beverages and broader CPG categories.

Today, citrus matcha is a go-to in the flavor developer’s toolkit, especially for products looking to combine wellness, energy, and clean flavor appeal.

What does citrus matcha taste like?

Citrus matcha delivers a layered sensory experience—earthy yet vibrant, bitter yet bright. At its foundation, matcha brings a grassy, umami-rich, slightly creamy note with an edge of pleasant astringency. Adding citrus unlocks a whole new personality. Together, they form a flavor that is clear, bold, and incredibly adaptable.

When the citrus leans lemony, the result is zippy and clean—think green apple, lemongrass, and a twist of lemon zest. If orange or mandarin is in the mix, you’ll get a sweeter, rounder profile—more juicy and mellow, like a matcha creamsicle. Grapefruit brings a sharper, more aromatic edge with a grown-up bitterness that’s perfect for premium sparkling waters. Yuzu, on the other hand, adds a floral, perfumed citrus flavor with a whisper of spice.

In blends that include strawberry matcha, the flavor becomes even more complex—soft berry sweetness layered over earthy matcha and bright citrus notes. It’s a bold but harmonious mix that’s capturing consumers’ attention across social platforms.

You can expect citrus matcha to taste:

Bright, but not overpowering
Smooth with a structured finish
Slightly creamy and vegetal
Refreshing, with a subtle bitterness
Aromatic, zesty, and clean

Its versatility is what makes it so attractive across product types—it can lean upscale or accessible, indulgent or energizing.

Popular varieties of citrus matcha

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to citrus matcha. Beverage developers and chefs alike are getting creative with citrus combinations to bring out different sides of matcha’s personality. Some pairings are zesty and punchy, while others are warm and soothing.

Here are some of the most popular varieties making waves in the market:

Lemon Matcha – Crisp and energizing with a clean finish; great for detox drinks, iced teas, and sparkling waters.
Yuzu Matcha – A high-end, floral-meets-citrus blend that elevates cocktails, syrups, and confections.
Grapefruit Matcha – Slightly bitter and aromatic; perfect for low-calorie sparkling drinks or mixers.
Mandarin Matcha – Mellow and juicy with soft citrus sweetness; ideal for smoothies, functional shots, or hot beverages.
Lime Matcha – Tart and bright; great for tropical blends, frozen treats, or refreshers.
Strawberry Citrus Matcha – A newer, exciting variety combining sweet berry notes with citrus tang and matcha earthiness. Popular on social media and showing rapid year-over-year growth.

These varieties aren’t just about flavor—they’re also about mood and context. Lemon might be your morning pick-me-up, while grapefruit leans into happy hour, and strawberry citrus matcha offers a smooth transition from indulgent to energizing.

Citrus matcha flavor for food and beverages

What began as a coffee shop trend has quickly turned into a staple across beverage categories. Citrus matcha checks a lot of boxes: it’s antioxidant-rich, has a caffeine boost, is naturally plant-based, and tastes unique yet approachable.

It’s also highly adaptable:

Ready-to-drink teas and sparkling waters – Clean, simple ingredient panels that still feel exciting.
Matcha-citrus energy drinks – Balanced energy without the crash of synthetic stimulants.
Lattes (dairy or non-dairy) – Oat or almond milk blends well with citrus for a smooth, elevated experience.
Smoothies and shakes – Adds a refreshing kick to nutrient-packed formats.
Frozen desserts – Sorbets and popsicles that feel indulgent but align with health-conscious choices.
Strawberry citrus matcha mocktails – Refreshing and trendy, especially among Gen Z consumers.

Formulators love citrus matcha for how it delivers both flavor and function. It supports modern consumer expectations while leaving room for creative expression.

What pairs well with citrus matcha?

Citrus matcha is a chameleon—it can shine solo or partner beautifully with other ingredients. Below are some of the best categories for pairings, along with specific options that elevate the overall flavor profile.

Fruits and Botanicals

Citrus matcha pairs seamlessly with bold fruits and clean herbal notes. These additions bring complexity without overpowering the core flavor.

Pineapple – Sharp and tropical, it adds a juicy punch.
Mint – Provides a cool, clean edge that brightens everything.
Blueberry – A sweet-tart contrast that adds color and antioxidant appeal.
Ginger – Spicy and aromatic, it boosts the wellness halo.
Lemongrass – Echoes matcha’s vegetal notes while enhancing citrus clarity.
Strawberry – Naturally sweet and earthy, especially trendy in citrus blends.

Dairy and Plant-Based Bases

These ingredients mellow matcha’s grassy edge and create a silky texture consumers love.

Oat milk – Adds a mild sweetness and luxurious mouthfeel.
Coconut milk – Rich and tropical, ideal for indulgent smoothies.
Almond milk – Neutral and nutty; doesn’t compete with flavor.
Greek yogurt – Adds protein and tang in functional products.
Kefir – Fermented, creamy, and probiotic-rich for gut health.

Sweeteners and Enhancers

To fine-tune the balance, sweeteners and boosters help round out citrus matcha’s flavor while keeping it clean-label.

Raw honey – Natural and aromatic, supports matcha’s grassy notes.
Maple syrup – A touch of warmth and depth.
Monk fruit – A zero-calorie option that doesn’t overpower.
Vanilla bean – Smooths the blend and adds a touch of indulgence.
Sea salt – Enhances brightness and adds dimension.

Let’s bring citrus matcha to life

At Blue Pacific Flavors, we’re passionate about helping you transform bold flavor ideas into shelf-ready products. Whether you’re developing a new energy drink, upgrading a frozen treat, or experimenting with clean-label snacking—we’re here to guide you with flavor expertise, research and development support, and market insights.

From traditional citrus matcha to buzzworthy innovations like strawberry citrus blends, we’re seeing how this flavor space is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic in the industry.

Contact us today to explore custom citrus matcha formulations tailored to your product vision. Let’s build something vibrant and delicious together.