'Matcha Mylkbar' is a matcha café is Melbourne, Australia, that has a menu offering a number of unconventional products -- one of which includes a latte that uses blue algae as an ingredient.
Dubbed the 'Smurf Latte,' the drink is said to have a sweet and sour taste that's gotten mixed reviews from consumers. In addition to a teaspoon if 'E3 live blue algae powder,' the drink's ingredients include ginger agave, lemon and coconut milk. Though the Smurf Latte isn't listed on Matcha Mylkbar's regular menu, it has become an incredibly popular order due to its strange appearance being shared over Instagram.
Shop co-owner Nic Davidson explained the surge in demand for the blue algae lattes by saying "It's been crazy. Over the weekend we've sold well over 100 of the lattes, and considering we're a small 40-seat cafe, it's a lot."
Blue Algae Lattes
Matcha Mylkbar's 'Smurf Latte' Has a Strange Sweet and Sour Taste
Trend Themes
1. Blue Algae Lattes - Opportunity for cafes and beverage companies to experiment with unconventional ingredients like blue algae in order to create unique and visually appealing drinks.
2. Unconventional Menus - Trend of offering unconventional and unique food and beverage items on menus, like the 'Smurf Latte,' to attract customers seeking new and exciting dining experiences.
3. Social Media Marketing - Opportunity for businesses to leverage visually appealing and Instagram-worthy products to create buzz on social media platforms and generate increased demand and footfall.
Industry Implications
1. Cafes - Opportunity for cafes to differentiate themselves by offering unique and visually appealing drinks like the 'Smurf Latte' that can attract customers seeking novel dining experiences.
2. Beverage - Opportunity for the beverage industry to explore the use of unconventional ingredients, such as blue algae, to create innovative and eye-catching products that can cater to evolving consumer preferences.
3. Food Service - Opportunity for restaurants and food service providers to embrace unconventional menu items like the 'Smurf Latte' in order to capture the attention of customers and create a unique brand identity.