Peet’s puts healthy spin on coffee shop classics
By Brooke Appe
The menus at coffee shops are often predictable; an assortment of pastries and basic coffee beverage variations are the norm. But Peet’s at Memorial Union puts a different spin on typical coffee fare with wholesome options that will keep you feeling energized even after the caffeine buzz wears off. Seeking variation in our regular coffee routine, we went to Peet’s to try their new Matcha Green Tea Lattes and Peet’s Simply Oatmeal, leaving pleasantly surprised by their new menu items.
No, it’s not a milk pitcher of Hulk tears – it’s matcha powder and milk before they are mixed together.
Many are familiar with the benefits of green tea. Teeming with antioxidants that can prevent damage to DNA, green tea can help fend off cancer, blood clots, and atherosclerosis, according to WebMD. But what distinguishes matcha green tea from its common steeping counterpart? Green tea is usually made by simply steeping a teabag in boiling water. Matcha powder is the whole tea leaf ground into a powder, then mixed into milk or another liquid to make a beverage. Two hand-hammered granite millstones grind the leaves slowly at a rate of 40 grams of tea per hour to prevent damaging the delicate tea flavor. Hailing all the way from the Uji district of Japan, the leaves are plucked from shaded bushes so that chlorophyll and theanine are preserved for color and amino acids.
The matcha mixed with milk comes out to be a mint green color.
Curious about this matcha powder, we tried the classic hot Matcha Green Tea Latte made with 2% milk and sweetened with vanilla syrup. With a bright and distinct green hue, the matcha powder seemed strange at first. Though after tasting it, all previous reservations disappeared. The simple preparation consists of mixing the powder with milk and then steaming it. The green tea flavor was neither overwhelmed nor overpowered by the milk and syrup. Instead, the milk smoothed the tea flavor while the vanilla syrup added the perfect touch of sweetness. The latte proved to be a satisfying alternative for those who do not enjoy coffee, or those in the mood for something different.
Peet’s manager Scott Topel knows how to make the best drinks.
Next, we tried the iced rendition of this Matcha Green Tea Latte. Similarly to the hot Matcha beverage, the powder is added to milk, but instead of steaming and stirring, the milk-matcha combination is mixed using a blender. For an extra boost of flavor (and to display his master drink-mixing skills), Scott added some pumps of peppermint syrup. The peppermint was a refreshing complement to the subtle tea flavor. The ice cooled the creamy matcha and proved to be a great alternative for warmer days. This drink showed that matcha powder is very adaptable to different preferences. Can’t have dairy? Try soy milk instead. Don’t like sweets? Have it unsweetened. Matcha’s delicate flavor can accommodate many different tastes.
Matcha powder being poured into milk to be blended for an iced latte.
All of these healthy drinks need an equally healthy breakfast to go along with it, right? If you aren’t keen on downing a huge pastry first thing in the morning, Peet’s Simply Oatmeal is a suitable alternative. Made with whole-grain and steel cut oats with flax from Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods products, this oatmeal is adorned with fresh almonds and dried blueberries, adding a pleasant texture. The oatmeal is sweet enough to satisfy a craving, but is more wholesome and filling than a pastry.
Peet’s oatmeal.
Overall, we were pleased with Peet’s new Matcha Green Tea Latte and Simply Oatmeal. Peet’s has proven that they offer more than just coffee and tea; they offer a place to rejuvenate yourself anytime of day.
Our taste testers Emily and Austin enjoyed their morning at Peet’s.
