Why Sweetened Green Tea Became So Popular in Japan
When many Japanese people think of “green tea,” they may picture a sweetened powdered drink mixed with cold water or milk. This version of green tea, often served chilled and sweet, is distinctly different from the traditional unsweetened green teas or ceremonial matcha. But how did this sweetened form of green tea come to be, and why did it gain such widespread popularity? This article explores the cultural and historical background behind sweetened green tea in Japan and how changing tastes shaped its rise.
1. Green Tea Was Originally Unsweetened
For most of Japan’s tea history, green tea—including matcha—was traditionally consumed without sugar. During the Edo and Meiji periods, the Japanese enjoyed the natural bitterness and astringency of tea. In tea ceremonies, the contrast between the bitter matcha and sweet traditional confections (wagashi) was considered an aesthetic harmony, not something to be mixed.
However, this traditional view began to shift during the Showa era (1926–1989), as lifestyles and palates evolved.
2. The Emergence of Sweetened Green Tea in the Showa Era
Sweetened green tea in powdered form began to appear during the 1950s to 1970s—a time of rapid economic growth in Japan. Several cultural and technological developments helped pave the way:
- Widespread use of refrigerators meant people increasingly desired cold beverages.
- Younger generations preferred milder, sweeter flavors, avoiding bitterness.
- New instant tea technology allowed green tea powder to dissolve easily in cold water.
This led to the birth of sweetened powdered green tea, often referred to simply as “Green Tea” in Japan. It found a particularly strong following in western Japan, including Kyoto and Osaka, where traditional tea shops and dessert cafés began offering it as a refreshing summer drink.
3. Why Sweet Flavors Were So Readily Accepted
Several factors contributed to the popularity of sweet green tea:
- Postwar sugar boom: After WWII, sugar became widely available and desirable.
- Children’s changing taste preferences: A shift toward favoring sweetness over bitterness.
- The rise of Western desserts: Cakes, custards, and sweetened drinks influenced local tastes.
- Accessibility and comfort: Sweet green tea was easier to enjoy for all age groups.
Together, these factors transformed green tea from an “adult beverage” into an everyday drink for people of all ages, breaking away from its more serious, traditional image.
4. The Role of Café Culture in Popularizing Sweet Green Tea
During the 1950s and 60s, Japan saw a boom in café culture. These cafés became a perfect setting for introducing cold, sweetened tea beverages. Early versions included matcha mixed with sugar, but soon ready-to-use sweetened green tea powder took over thanks to its convenience.
A standout example is milk green tea, a sweet and creamy variation where the powder is blended with milk. This became a beloved item on café menus and contributed to the growing identity of sweetened green tea as a trendy, casual drink.
5. The Continued Demand for Sweetened Tea Today
Even today, sweetened green tea remains a favorite for various reasons:
- Popular with children: A sweeter alternative to barley tea (mugicha).
- Paired with traditional sweets: Enhances the dessert experience.
- Served cold in summer: A refreshing alternative to standard iced tea.
- Used as a base for creative drinks: Mixed with milk, soy milk, or other ingredients.
Globally, sweet matcha drinks like Matcha Green Tea Lattes have gained immense popularity, showing that sweetened green tea isn’t just a local trend—it’s part of a worldwide movement toward flavorful, health-conscious drinks.
Conclusion
The rise of sweetened green tea in Japan reflects a shift in taste preferences and a response to the cultural and technological landscape of the mid-20th century. From the postwar sugar craze to the café boom and beyond, sweet green tea found a niche that remains strong today. More than just a drink, it represents a modern twist on traditional tea culture, offering a friendly, accessible experience to tea lovers of all ages.
