Search to Sip: Google Trends reveal new breakout drinks

India’s beverage culture is experiencing an experimental flavour burst. Today, Matcha is slowly moving from specialty menus to an everyday home ritual - with "how to make matcha" surging 1300% in the past year on Google Search in India. At the same time, two new distinct flavours are rising, with searches for purple yam Ube and roasted Japanese green tea Hōjicha reaching all-time highs this year.

From combinations like Ube Matcha to mastering traditional whisks at home, Google Trends shows how people in India are gradually diversifying their sips. Here are the latest trends, along with ways Google’s AI tools can help you discover, decode, and brew them.

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🍵 Matcha in Cups, Homes, and Apparel

While search interest for matcha peaked in mid-2025, curiosity remains high. People are searching for fun combinations and at-home kits, while first-timers ask “what does matcha taste like.”

• Seasonal favourites: Summer saw searches spike for “mango matcha” (+200%) and “strawberry matcha” (+400%), while the monsoon triggered breakout interest in “dirty matcha” and “coconut matcha”.
• Matcha has entered our kitchens: In addition to the 1300% surge for “how to make matcha”, “matcha whisk” and “matcha bowl” became breakout searches in August 2026.
• Functional wellness: Searches for “matcha health” are up 1000% and “matcha protein” is up 2500%. People are also evaluating caffeine levels, pushing “does matcha have caffeine” up 70% and “matcha vs coffee” to breakout status.
• The lifestyle crossover: Searches for “matcha shoes” and “matcha enzyme scrub” emerged as breakout queries over the past year, while August 2026 saw surges for “matcha candle”, “matcha face wash”, and “matcha perfume.”

💜 Ube & Hojicha hit all-time search peaks

Google Trends points to two other standout flavours: Ube, the sweet purple yam, and Hōjicha, the Japanese roasted green tea.

• The purple wave (Ube): Interest on Search rose steadily over the past year, reaching an all-time high in August 2026. Experimental drink lovers mixed flavours for breakout hits like "ube matcha" and "ube coconut," while queries for "ube latte" and "ube cafe" saw growth.
• The roasted alternative (Hōjicha): Hōjicha hit an all-time high in March 2026. People are also comparing options, pushing “hojicha vs matcha” to breakout growth. Curiosity remains high, with the tea seeing a breakout surge in August 2026 as people search for “what is hojicha” and “hojicha latte.”
• Curiosity across the map: Telangana leads national searches for Ube, Delhi is driving Hōjicha interest, while Delhi, Goa, and Chandigarh top the spots searching for "matcha near me."

🧋Exploring new flavours with Google’s AI tools

Whether decoding a taste profile, tracking down local cafés, or perfecting home ratios, here is how Google’s AI tools can help find or create your next favourite sip:

• Compare flavor profiles with Search's AI Mode: If you aren't sure which drink suits your palate, use AI Mode in Search to break down notes. Try asking: “I want to try a new flavour. Can you compare Matcha, Ube, and Hōjicha for me? I usually like something sweeter and healthier.” You can also ask follow up questions and upload a photo to support your question.
• Discover local spots using ‘Ask Maps’: Looking for a nearby café that actually serves these unique flavours? Instead of scrolling through endless reviews, you can query Maps directly. Try asking: “I want to try out Ube and Hōjicha in my city. Can you recommend some good places near me and tell me what the top-rated favourites are on their menus?”
• Whip up a perfect blend at home with Gemini Live: For hands-free brewing guidance in the kitchen, speak with Gemini Live in real time. Try asking: “Hey Gemini, I have my full matcha kit in front of me. Can you tell me how I can make the perfect matcha?”