No More Matcha? Global Shortage Hits M’sian Cafés Like ZUS Coffee, Niko Neko Matcha & More

If your favourite matcha latte has mysteriously vanished from the menu, or gotten pricier at your go to café, you’re not alone. All over the world, cafés are facing a global matcha shortage, and Malaysia is no exception.

Here's the reasons behind the global matcha shortage and how it’s impacting cafés across Malaysia.

Why is there a shortage of matcha?

The vibrant green powder, once a niche wellness drink, has recently exploded into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Thanks to TikTok trends, health-conscious consumers, and a surge in Japanese tourism, demand for matcha has skyrocketed like never before.

Image Credit: Noa Matcha

However, matcha’s artisanal production process can’t keep up as it takes years to cultivate the leaves, and climate change is wreaking havoc on Japan’s historic tea-growing regions like Kyoto and Uji, where harvests have dropped by up to 40%.

How it's affecting Malaysia

ZUS Coffee recently shared on Instagram that they’re running low on their supply of ceremonial grade matcha—the key ingredient in their popular Meowtcha Series. While fans can still order their favorite matcha drinks for now, ZUS warned that availability might start to dip across outlets as stock continues to shrink. Despite the hiccup, ZUS Coffee emphasised that they’re doubling down on efforts to bring it back ASAP.

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A post shared by ZUS COFFEE® (@zus.coffee)

Meanwhile, Niko Neko Matcha previously announced a temporary purchase limit—just one unit per customer for each matcha powder retail pack, whether you're shopping in-store or online.

"This measure is in response to an unexpected surge in demand and is aimed at allowing more customers the opportunity to experience our Matcha, while reducing the risk of disappointment as much as we could, especially for those who make the effort to visit us in-store," they explained.

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A post shared by NIKO NEKO MATCHA / OFFICIAL (@nikonekomatcha)

So if your go-to matcha latte is suddenly missing or costs a little more, now you know why. With demand rising and Japan’s harvests struggling to keep up, cafés in Malaysia are feeling the squeeze. Here’s to hoping matcha finds its way back to our cups soon!

Featured Image Credit: A Cozy Kitchen, ZUS Coffee | Instagram