Why offices should consider getting matcha for their coffee machine

If you have spent any time in the City or the West End recently, you will have noticed a distinct shift in the morning rush. The familiar queues for a double espresso now compete with those for a vibrant green alternative. From the pale-green minimalist counters of Blank Street and Jenki to the coffee stalwarts turned fruity-matcha vendors like Black Sheep Coffee and Caffé Nero, matcha is no longer niche. It is well and truly in the mainstream.

For Facilities Managers and Finance Directors, this trend represents more than just a change in taste. Selecting the right beverage options for your office coffee machine is a strategic decision that affects employee satisfaction, wellness initiatives, and even the midday productivity curve.

The mindful break

To understand why matcha has such a dedicated following, we have to look back at its origins. Long before it reached the streets of London, matcha was central to the Japanese tea ceremony, or Chanoyu. This was never just about drinking tea; it was a meditative practice rooted in mindfulness, harmony, and respect.

For the Buddhist monks who pioneered its use, matcha was a tool for zen focus. The ritual of whisking the powder into a froth required a moment of stillness and intention. In a modern London office where the pace is often relentless, introducing a beverage associated with calm provides a gentle way to encourage a more peaceful and positive culture.

While an automated machine handles the whisking for you, the act of choosing a vibrant green tea over a standard coffee encourages a more mindful break. It offers employees a chance to reset their mental state rather than just refuelling their caffeine levels.

A cup of matcha averages at around 70mg of caffeine, compared to the 125mg normally found in a latte. This, combined with its slow release gives a much calmer drinking experience than coffee, contributing to its popularity.

From tradition to mainstream success

The journey of matcha from ancient temples to global menus has been driven by a shift in how we view performance. For decades, the corporate world relied on a high-intensity lifestyle supported by high-acidity coffee and quick fixes. However, a new generation of trend-savvy business owners and high performers has started seeking a more balanced approach to success.

They have discovered that sustained energy is more valuable than a short-term buzz. This philosophy has propelled matcha into the mainstream. It is now a staple in every major London coffee chain because it meets the demands of a demographic that wants to feel sharp without the jitters. This shift is now trickling down into the workplace, where team requirements for focus and energy have fundamentally evolved.

And its not going anywhere. The matcha market is projected to be valued at just under $8bn in 2033. Many businesses have jumped on the matcha wagon, for example the afformentioned Blank Street (formerly known as Blank Street Coffee) has diversified to the point of removing the word ‘coffee’ from its name. And dedicated matcha brands are seeing a boom in business too. The retailer PerfectTed saw 500% growth in 2025.

It might be a new trend, but it offers a unique experience that allows it to co-exist alongside coffee. And it can easily be incorporated in office coffee machines.

Incentive to stay in the office

Retail matcha prices currently average £5.35, and they aren’t slowing down. As demand outpaces supply, matcha’s popularity is skyrocketing. The global supply of matcha has yet to reach the scale of the coffee industry. Despite this, most chains now offer a matcha menu alongside their coffee options. This scarcity, fueled by its viral aesthetic appeal, has driven retail prices up.

Bringing matcha to your coffee machine does two things: it puts money back in your employees’ pockets and removes the friction of leaving the building for a caffeine fix. It’s a simple way to incentivise “office days” while keeping the team fuelled and focused.

The science of behind it

The real magic of matcha lies in the fact that you are consuming the entire ground tea leaf rather than just the steeped infusion. When you drink traditional green tea, you throw away the most nutritious part. With matcha, the leaf is stone-ground into a fine powder, ensuring your team receives the full spectrum of its biological benefits.

This delivery method provides a concentrated dose of EGCG antioxidants, which actively defend cells against daily stress and inflammation. However, for the busy London professional, the most valuable component is the unique combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine.

While coffee provides a sharp spike in energy, it often leads to a subsequent crash and feelings of restlessness. Studies have reported that the L-theanine in matcha creates a feeling of mental sharpness and calm alertness. This provides a sustained energy boost over several hours without the typical jitters associated with espresso. For a Finance Director looking to maintain high performance during long strategy sessions, this flow state is a significant advantage over the traditional caffeine cycle.

Supporting a health-conscious workforce

Modern workplace culture has shifted significantly towards holistic wellbeing. Younger professionals, particularly those aged 35 and under, are increasingly prioritising their health when choosing where to work. Offering high-quality matcha in the office is a clear signal that your business values employee wellness and is attuned to modern health trends.

While matcha is often celebrated as a superfood, it is important to look at the evidence through a professional lens. Beyond the mental clarity provided by the caffeine and L-theanine pairing, a growing body of research suggests several physical health benefits that could support a busy team:

• Research suggests that the high concentration of catechins, specifically EGCG, may help support heart health by assisting in the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels.
• Some studies indicate that the combination of caffeine and antioxidants in matcha may help to support a healthy metabolic rate and increase fat oxidation.
• Due to its high chlorophyll and polyphenol content, regular consumption has been studied for its potential to help protect skin cells from oxidative stress and environmental damage.
• Evidence suggests that the alkaline nature of matcha is significantly gentler on the digestive system for those who find the high acidity of traditional coffee causes discomfort.
• Studies into the amino acid L-theanine suggest it may help to reduce physiological stress responses, potentially leading to lower blood pressure during high-pressure tasks.

By diversifying your machine’s drink menu, you cater to colleagues who may be looking to reduce their coffee intake or those who simply prefer a functional beverage that aligns with their lifestyle. For a Facilities Manager or a Finance Director, providing these potential health benefits on-tap is an extremely cost-effective way to bolster a corporate wellness programme without the need for expensive external consultants.

Operational convenience

One of the biggest hurdles for Facilities Managers is the perceived complexity of new products. Traditionally, preparing matcha involved bamboo whisks, specific temperatures, and a fair amount of mess. In a fast-paced office environment, this simply is not practical.

The good news is that technology has caught up with the trend. At FreshGround, we provide high-quality soluble powders that operate in a similar way to granulated milk or hot chocolate. This allows businesses to add a matcha latte or a plain matcha to their rotation with minimal effort.

Our modern bean-to-cup machines can be configured to include a dedicated powder module. This means a barista-style matcha drink is available at the touch of a button, keeping your kitchen area clean and your maintenance routine simple. It is a high-impact addition that requires zero extra time from your cleaning or facilities staff.

Creating a modern and inclusive office culture

The physical office space is now a tool for recruitment and retention. For energetic startups or businesses in the health, beauty, and creative sectors, the feel of the office kitchen matters. An office that only offers standard black coffee can feel dated compared to the artisan cafes your employees visit on their way to work.

Introducing matcha helps transform the breakroom into a cultural hub. It makes the office feel modern and aligned with current trends, which is a powerful way to encourage a return to the workplace. It is an easy win for a Facilities Manager looking to refresh the office environment without a full-scale renovation.

Strategic recommendations for your beverage service

To make the most of this addition to your office, we recommend exploring how our different machine setups can accommodate new ingredients. Integrating matcha is most effective when paired with a machine that can handle multiple soluble ingredients alongside fresh beans.

For those looking to upgrade, you should consider browsing our latest range of bean-to-cup coffee machines with vending powder capabilities. These units are designed for high-traffic London offices and can be easily configured to serve speciality drinks like matcha lattes.

Furthermore, because matcha is often enjoyed as a milk-based drink, it is worth reviewing our guide on the best dairy-free milk alternatives for the office. Providing oat milk options for example, ensures your new matcha offering is inclusive for all dietary requirements.

Finally, if you are unsure how this might fit into your current budget, our team can provide a detailed breakdown of costs. You can use our online price calculator tools located on every machine page to see how a new machine rental could fit into your monthly facilities spend while providing a significant boost to office morale.

Final thoughts for London decision makers

The transition from traditional coffee to a more varied beverage menu is a sign of a business that listens to its people. For London businesses, the goal is always to stay one step ahead. By integrating matcha into your office coffee machine, you are not just following a trend; you are providing your team with a tool for better focus, better health, and a more enjoyable workday.

Whether you are looking to boost productivity or simply want to provide the best possible amenities for your team, matcha is a cost-effective and operationally simple solution. You can contact our team at FreshGround today to see how we can help you upgrade your office drinks menu.