The Grind Café at College of the Sequoias spotlighted a pair of rising stars on its menu: the Chai Latte and the Matcha Latte, which emerged as today’s bestselling non-coffee drinks.
In the morning, students gravitated toward the chai latte, celebrated for its rich blend of spiced black tea, cinnamon, and cardamom. By the afternoon, the vibrant green matcha latte took the spotlight, flavored for its smooth texture, health benefits, and undeniable Instagram appeal.
We interviewed a psychology major and athlete, Mia who says “I love drinks that give me both comfort and energy,” while balancing her gym bag and laptop outside the café. “Chai warms me up in the mornings, but matcha is my go-to before practice—it keeps me focused without the coffee jitters.”
Mia’s words reflect a growing campus trend. Chai has become a staple for students seeking comfort in a cup, while matcha’s global reputation for antioxidants, heart health, and sustained energy continues to drive its popularity.
As the semester progresses, The Grind staff expect coffee staples like the caramel latte to remain strong, but today’s success story belongs to chai and matcha—drinks that combine tradition, wellness, and student lifestyle in every sip.