Matcha shortage leaves Philadelphia cafes scrambling as demand outpaces supply

Cafes across Philadelphia are running short on matcha, the ground green tea that has become a staple of lattes, cocktails, baked goods and soft serve. Food writer Kiki Aranita reported on the shortage for The Inquirer, describing business owners who are making do with little or no supply.

The scarcity follows a surge in popularity that can be traced largely to social media hype. That enthusiasm has produced booming demand for an ingredient that is difficult to grow. Planting and harvesting matcha requires delicate care, and the quality can vary from one batch to the next.

Quality also separates the city's smaller, independent shops from many of their competitors. Independent cafes tend to source and serve high-grade matcha, while many other shops make their drinks with culinary-grade powder. Connoisseurs, according to The Inquirer's newsletter, can readily tell the difference.

Some customers have not taken the news well. Raquel Villanueva, owner of Baby's Kusina + Market, said at least some people react poorly when their go-to drink is unavailable. "There's a balancing act," Villanueva told Aranita. "People finally love what we love, but by pushing it to the masses, we are straining supply chains."

Among the drinks affected are matcha ice cream at Chloe's Corner and the coconut condensed milk latte at Baby's Kusina, both cited as local favorites in The Inquirer's morning newsletter.

The shortage arrived as Philadelphia was still celebrating the Eagles' home-opener victory over the Cowboys. The forecast for Saturday called for showers that could turn the afternoon soggy.

Other developments in the region as of Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025:

SEPTA expects to restore service on Sept. 14. The agency has asked the state to approve a funding plan that would roll back its cuts. Thirteen men have been charged with racketeering for running a Camden-based car theft ring that officials say is connected to the killing of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez. Law enforcement officials also announced the bust of a "high-level" cocaine-trafficking ring that operated in North Philadelphia and Bucks County. A woman was shot to death Friday evening outside the 7-Eleven at 12th and Chestnut Streets in Center City.

In Delaware County, Media Mayor Bob McMahon is retiring after 33 years. Friends and colleagues say his tenure helped turn the borough into a regional destination.