Looks like Vancouver’s got another viral matcha drink making the rounds.
This time, it’s the Iced Banana Bread Matcha Latte from Be Fresh Local Market, the neighbourhood grocery spot and cafe.
You know how matcha’s basically everywhere now?
Cafes are getting creative, moving past the usual strawberry matcha combo.
The latest buzz seems to be mixing banana with matcha – think banana pudding or banana bread flavours.
Be Fresh jumped right on that trend, and their iced banana bread version has been popping off on social media for the last few weeks.
It’s been getting some pretty mixed reviews online – people either seem to LOVE it or… not so much.
But for some – it seems to be one that grows on you after more sips.
Naturally, we had to swing by their and see what the fuss was about.
The drink, available in 12oz or 16oz, is made with a housemade base using organic bananas.
You can grab it with regular milk or opt for oat milk.
When we stopped by their sister market, Organic Acres on Main Street, there was definitely a line, and yup, a surprising number of people were grabbing that latte.
The power of going viral is real.
Okay, the verdict?
After giving it a good mix, the banana flavour hits you right away, along with a hint of cinnamon.
It’s very banana-forward, and that taste lingers.
If you’re a big fan of banana flavour (like, banana bread in a cup), this might be your jam.
But fair warning: the actual matcha taste kind of gets lost in the mix.
According to the staff we chatted with, this is a seasonal offering, but the plan is for it to potentially stick around until the end of summer.
So, you’ve got some time if you’re curious.
Now, we’re just patiently waiting for a local spot to bring us that other viral combo: the banana pudding matcha latte, first made famous by NYC’s Magnolia Bakery and replicated across Asia and LA.
Any takers, Vancouver cafes?
Have you tried Be Fresh’s Iced Banana Bread Matcha Latte? What did you think – love it or leave it? Let us know!
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Address:
-1900 W 1st Ave, Vancouver BC
-Organic Acres Market (sister market): 3603 Main St, Vancouver BC