Drink at Starbucks and Costa Rochelle Humes loves can help with weight loss

Drink at Starbucks and Costa Rochelle Humes loves can help with weight loss The feel-good order has gone from being niche to a high street staple TV presenter and former The Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes has long been a pioneer of a drink going viral across the UK - matcha. Rochelle loves matcha so much that she created her own matcha brand, called Cloudcha, back in 2023 alongside Pilates teacher Bryony Deery. The vivid green tea powder has gained popularity in recent years and is available at Starbucks, Costa Coffee and Cafe Nero. Matcha offers various health benefits. Some studies suggest it can help with weight loss, improve brain performance, and clear skin. But before anyone treats it like a shortcut in a cup, experts say it isn’t a quick-fix hack on its own. The drink’s benefits are usually discussed alongside regular exercise and healthy eating habits, rather than as a standalone miracle. Matcha comes from plant compounds called catechins, which are linked to protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. That’s why it’s often pitched as a general wellness booster with long-term health upsides, if consumed alongside a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. Some studies have also linked matcha to improved heart health and enhanced brain skills such as memory and attention. Researchers have even suggested it may support weight management when it’s part of an active lifestyle. Studies suggest that drinking matcha before working out can enhance fat oxidation, this is the process your body uses to break down fat for energy during exercise. Matcha contains antioxidants, specifically epigallocatechin gallate, which may slightly increase daily calorie burning and energy expenditure. Matcha can help support clearer skin because it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, though it is not a standalone cure for acne. Epigallocatechin gallate also helps soothe redness and calm irritated, acne-prone skin. Thanks to its popularity on social media, big chains are now selling it on the high street. Stores like Starbucks, Costa Coffee and Caffè Nero commonly list matcha drinks, as do plenty of independent cafés. If you’re not keen on the taste, some shops soften it with extra flavours and sweeteners. That can make it easier to drink, even if purists prefer the plain version. However, matcha contains caffeine, so it won’t suit everyone. Anyone who’s prone to anxiety or sleep problems is advised to check with a healthcare professional before making it a daily habit. Although the This Morning presenter reportedly tends to make her own matcha at home, according to a Women's Health feature, people can try her take on the drink without having to buy all the ingredients. The mum-of-three appears to enjoy her drinks hot, but some cafe chains, like Starbucks, offer an iced alternative if that is what customers prefer. - The base: Matcha green tea latte (customers can ask for an iced or hot version). - The milk: Oat milk (baristas will swap the default cow's milk). - The sweetener: Maple-flavoured drizzle (the maple add-on is in stock for the autumn 2026 menu). - The spice: Cinnamon powder (ask to be shaken on top). What does matcha taste like? People say that matcha has a grassy, slightly bitter taste that can be a shock if you’re used to sweet coffees. Blending it with oat milk, cinnamon, or a drizzle of syrup can make it sweeter. If you’re trying it in a café, you may want to consider starting with a matcha latte rather than straight matcha for a softer flavour. Ask for less sweetener first, then adjust next time if you want it sweeter. Avoid overloading the drink with too many add-ins. This could wipe out some of the health benefits that people may be seeking from this vibrant drink.