Matchi Global LLC is pairing ceremonial-grade matcha with complete protein and prebiotic fibre, targeting consumers seeking café-style flavour in a functional canned drink.
Matchi Global LLC, trading publicly as Drink Matchi and Matchi, is introducing a line of canned protein matcha lattes that combines ceremonial-grade matcha with 20 grams of complete filtered milk protein and 4 grams of prebiotic fibre. The Alexandria, Virginia beverage company is positioning the product at the intersection of matcha and high-protein drinks, with each shelf-stable 8.4-ounce can designed to retain a latte-style experience while delivering a functional nutrition profile. Pre-orders are available online, with fulfilment scheduled to begin in December 2026.
The range is built around a matcha-first proposition rather than a conventional protein shake flavoured with tea. Matchi describes its matcha as traditionally shaded and milled from first spring leaves, producing natural sweetness and a nutty finish, while the filtered milk protein contains all nine essential amino acids. The company says the formulation is intended to keep the drink creamy and substantial without moving into shake territory, reflecting the growing overlap between speciality beverages and convenient nutrition products.
Matchi is starting with Vanilla, Lavender and Banana flavours, all using the same recipe structure. The cans contain no artificial flavours, colours, sweeteners or preservatives, and provide approximately 120 milligrams of caffeine, which the company compares with a strong espresso. Matchi says the sensory profile begins with creamy oat, develops into the named flavour and finishes with smooth matcha, while eleven rounds of product development informed the final formula.
The commercial model is direct-to-consumer first, with sales limited initially to drinkmatchi.com and packs offered in quantities of 12 or 24. A subscription option brings the entry price below $4 per can, according to the company, while each pre-order includes a heavyweight tee or hat created with Los Angeles-based Division Street. Matchi also plans a Washington, D.C. activation in spring 2027 timed to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, followed by selected independent retail distribution and a later national retail phase.
The proposition reflects a narrow but increasingly crowded contest to make functional drinks feel more like everyday café orders. Matchi cites a U.S. high-protein shakes category worth $8.1 billion in 2025 and U.S. matcha demand valued at $478.8 million in 2024, though those figures are company-supplied market context rather than independent forecasts. By combining ceremonial-grade matcha, protein and fibre in a portable format, Matchi is seeking to occupy a space between canned matcha beverages and conventional protein products while building its first customer base through online ordering.
