Rishi Tea Matcha: Calm Energy at Our Wellness Bar

You know it by its striking green complexion.

Matcha has earned a devoted following, with fans swearing by its benefits over coffee. Now a staple at nearly every café, matcha has become the go-to for those seeking calm, sustained energy. Naturally, when it came to crafting our own menu, we knew we had to choose the very best for our Wellness Bar.

What is Matcha, Exactly?

At its core, matcha comes from the same plant as traditional green tea — Camellia sinensis — but there are key differences. Unlike loose-leaf green tea, where leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha is made from the whole powdered leaf, meaning you get the full spectrum of antioxidants, amino acids, and natural caffeine with every sip.

The leaves used for matcha are called tencha, carefully harvested during the early spring “first flush” to capture peak flavor and nutrition. Before harvest, these plants are shade-grown for several weeks, which boosts chlorophyll— giving matcha its vivid green hue — and enriches L-theanine and other amino acids, creating its signature smooth, focused energy. Once harvested, tencha is steamed, dried, and ground into the fine powder we whisk into lattes, drinks, or enjoy straight.

Why Matcha?

As hinted above, matcha fans know it hits differently than coffee. That’s because it’s packed with L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea that promotes relaxation and alpha brain wave activity — supporting a calm yet alert state — which works in tandem with caffeine to boost focus while keeping jitters at bay. Matcha is also rich in EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that supports overall wellness. Since matcha is made from the powdered whole leaf, you’re getting more of these beneficial compounds than you would from traditional green tea.

Many people enjoy substituting matcha for their morning or afternoon coffee, enjoying the sustained, smooth energy without the usual coffee crash. Together, these calming constituents take the edge off caffeine’s intensity — producing a gentle, focused lift rather than a rollercoaster ride.

Why Rishi Tea Matcha?

Our retail lead Presley Foster, discovered Rishi Tea back in 2021, when she was beginning the process of trying to switch up her morning caffeine routine. She quickly found that the Organic Teahouse Matcha would be her new daily beverage of choice. That’s why when we were researching brands to fit the bill of our Wellness Bar, we knew just where to go. 

Rishi Teahouse Matcha is shade-grown on the mineral-rich volcanic slopes of Kirishima Mountain, Japan, using traditional techniques that maximize chlorophyll and amino acids, giving it that signature vibrant color and smooth, focused energy. Harvested early in the tencha season, the result is a lively green powder with a perfect balance of umami sweetness and bittersweet notes.

Rishi At our Wellness Bar

“Rishi Teahouse Matcha has an incredible vibrancy that you don’t often find at your typical drive-through coffee shop, which is why we take such pride in using it in the Wellness Bar. It tastes just as incredible as it looks.”

-Presley Foster

Rishi’s matcha sits in that “just right” Goldilocks zone — balanced, bright, and endlessly drinkable. Our Bar Manager, Morgan Vick, drew on her years of café experience to craft matcha specials that enhance its natural flavors with just a hint of sweetness. Her creations include:

• Lavender Honey Matcha Latte – Rishi Teahouse Matcha, raw honey & organic lavender syrup
• Beauty Matcha Latte – Rishi Teahouse Matcha, raw honey, organic vanilla syrup, cardamom & DIRTEA Tremella powder

With plans to expand our recipe offerings soon, there’s always something new to try. Whether you enjoy it straight and traditional or prefer a latte-style experience, Rishi’s harmonious and sustainably harvested matcha might just win over even the most hesitant sippers.