Matcha Shortage Hits South LA Cafes as Global Demand Surges

Coffee shops and boba cafes throughout South Los Angeles, including those frequented by Inglewood residents, are facing a growing shortage of matcha, the vibrant green tea powder that has become a popular alternative to coffee in recent years.

Matcha, a finely ground tea powder traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, has seen its global demand triple since 2010. This surge is largely attributed to its perceived health benefits and viral popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, creating supply challenges that are now affecting local businesses.

The traditional production methods in Japan, which rely on labor-intensive processes and an aging farmer population, haven’t been able to keep pace with the explosive demand. Japanese producers have subsequently imposed purchase limits, leading to supply constraints that are impacting cafes from USC to Inglewood.

Café Dulce, a popular spot in the USC Village just minutes from Inglewood, is among the establishments dealing with the shortage. Assistant manager Ian Castorillo reported that while their prices haven’t yet been affected due to a strong relationship with their supplier, many other local cafes aren’t as fortunate.

“We probably wouldn’t try to change the prices within the next year or so,” Castorillo said. “With Los Angeles coffee prices, our matchas and our coffees are pretty low, I would say.”

The matcha shortage is further complicated by a 24% tariff imposed by the U.S. on Japanese matcha imports, which industry experts predict will drive prices even higher in the coming months.

For consumers across South LA and Inglewood, the shortage could mean higher prices and potentially lower quality as some businesses might resort to substitutes or blends with additives to meet demand.

“I think when it comes to advertising something as matcha when you know it’s not, is pretty disingenuous and that’s pretty unethical from a business standpoint,” Castorillo noted.

The shortage has prompted some local cafes to explore alternatives or source matcha from different suppliers. Inglewood-based boba shops and coffeehouses are among those working to maintain their matcha offerings while keeping prices accessible to local residents.

For matcha enthusiasts in Inglewood and surrounding communities, experts recommend checking with local cafes about their sourcing practices and being prepared for potential price increases or temporary unavailability of favorite matcha-based drinks in the coming months.