MatchaKo launched the first ready-to-drink premium matcha drink that is certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and vegan.
MatchaKo promotes itself as a lower calorie alternative to sugary drinks that are currently available, and the company said it’s the only shelf-stable matcha drink that is both certified organic and non-GMO verified using the highest-quality ingredients including ceremonial grade matcha sourced from Japan.
Founded by Mark Missirlian in January 2021 with a mission to provide consumers with the best matcha, MatchaKo's ceremonial grade matcha is sourced from the Kagoshima region of Japan, a region known for its volcanic soil.
Working with farmers and a production team with more than 70 years of experience, MatchaKo’s matcha leaves are nurtured in a healthy soil with powerful minerals, producing large volumes of flavorful green tea leaves perfect for matcha production.
“My journey started during the pandemic lockdown, when I started making my own matcha at home, which is a tedious process that involves special tools and expensive tins of matcha,” said Missirlian, who is also the CEO, in addition to being the founder of MatchaKo.
“I tried finding a more convenient option in stores, which are too sugary and contain low quality matcha, or online, and there was nothing that met my expectations in terms of quality and use of clean ingredients,” Missirlian said. “It was then that I was determined to provide an option for a simple, yet high-quality product to bring to consumers.”
MatchaKo, manufactured in the United States, strives to provide consumers with a better and healthier option for energy, with the finest and highest quality ceremonial-grade matcha as the key ingredient.
MatchaKo’s ready-to-drink beverage is available in four varieties – Original Unsweetened, Matcha Lemonade, Oat Milk Matcha Latte, Almond Milk Matcha Latte or a Variety Pack that provides two flavors of each variety. All are sold in 7.5-ounce cans in packs of eight.
As a lower calorie alternative to high-calorie sugary drinks, MatchaKo's beverages range from five to 60 calories per can. Aside from the brand's Unsweetened Matcha, MatchaKo's beverages are sweetened with Grade-A Amber maple syrup sourced from upstate New York.
According to the company, early product sampling has been positive, and early adopters have said MatchaKo's beverages ranged from “smooth and subtle” to “leaves no aftertaste.”
After a soft opening in September 2022, MatchaKo is now available nationwide with free shipping on all orders through its online store at MatchaKo.com and at select stores in Southern California. In 2023, the company plans to expand its presence in the Southwest region of the United States and with in-store sales at select retailers in New York City.
MatchaKo's name comes from matcha and ko. Ko, in Japanese, translates to the word “child,” a reminder that the company's beverages are derived from, and children of, matcha.
To learn more about the new MatchaKo products, visit MatchaKo.com.
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