Curious about the viral TikTok drinks? Discover the ultimate showdown: Whipped Matcha vs. Dalgona Coffee. We compare taste, health benefits, prep time, and popularity to reveal which trendy drink truly reigns supreme.
The TikTok Beverage Battle: Why These Drinks Went Viral
In the age of viral videos and aesthetic food trends, TikTok has emerged as a cultural force shaping not only how we consume content, but also how we consume beverages. Two of the most iconic drink trends born from this digital phenomenon are Whipped Matcha and Dalgona Coffee. From cozy kitchens in Seoul to trendy cafés in New York, both drinks have stirred up global interest. But the burning question remains: Whipped Matcha vs. Dalgona Coffee – which one truly reigns supreme?
In 2020, during the height of the global lockdowns, Dalgona Coffee—also known as Korean whipped coffee—exploded on TikTok with over 4.5 billion views under the hashtag #DalgonaCoffee. Soon after, health-conscious TikTokers and matcha lovers responded with Whipped Matcha, offering a calming, antioxidant-packed alternative. Both drinks captivated audiences, not just for their taste, but for their visual appeal, simplicity, and viral-making potential.
“We eat first with our eyes,” said Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, and on TikTok, we drink with our cameras.
How Whipped Matcha Became a Matcha-Lover’s Dream
Matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, has deep roots in Japanese tea ceremonies dating back to the 12th century. Its rise in Western pop culture—especially among millennials and Gen Z—reflects a growing shift toward wellness-driven consumption.
Whipped Matcha, often made with coconut cream or aquafaba, takes this traditional ingredient and reinvents it as a fluffy, visually satisfying beverage. Unlike matcha lattes, whipped matcha is dairy-optional, plant-based, and Instagram-ready. With its vibrant green color and calming reputation, it speaks to a generation craving both aesthetic and mindful living.
Why it became a hit:
Health-forward branding (rich in antioxidants, L-theanine, and chlorophyll)
Visual pop of bright green foam against iced milk
Vegan-friendly and customizable
Surging interest in adaptogens and natural caffeine alternatives
“Matcha makes you feel calm but focused. It’s like meditation in a cup.” – Emma Chamberlain, YouTuber & Matcha Enthusiast
See more: How to Make Whipped Matcha at Home (Better Than Starbucks!)
Dalgona Coffee: The Creamy King of Early Quarantine
The story of Dalgona Coffee starts in South Korea, where the frothy drink became a social media sensation after actor Jung Il-woo tasted it on a TV show and declared it resembled “Dalgona,” a traditional Korean honeycomb toffee. The drink’s recipe—just instant coffee, sugar, and hot water whipped to creamy perfection—offered something irresistible during quarantine: a DIY café experience at home.
Dalgona Coffee embodies indulgence and nostalgia, offering the energy boost of caffeine with the satisfaction of dessert. It became more than a drink—it became a quarantine ritual, a bonding activity, and for many, their first step into the world of homemade barista creations.
Why it resonated:
Minimal ingredients and easy prep
Dessert-like taste and texture
Bold coffee flavor without needing espresso machines
Perfect for video content with mesmerizing whipping sequences
Head-to-Head Comparison: Flavor, Texture & Aesthetic
To truly determine the superior TikTok drink, we must compare them across critical sensory dimensions: flavor, texture, and visual presentation.
| Feature | Whipped Matcha | Dalgona Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Smooth, earthy, mildly sweet | Bitter-sweet, strong coffee punch |
| Texture | Creamy, light, sometimes mousse-like | Thick, airy foam, like whipped cream |
| Visual Appeal | Green top over milk or nut-based alt | Golden-brown crown on iced milk |
| Sweetness | Subtle or customized | Usually quite sweet |
| Caffeine Level | Moderate, calming | High, energizing |
“Coffee sharpens you. Matcha centers you. Both wake you up, but in different ways.”
Taste Test: Bold Coffee vs. Earthy Matcha
For coffee lovers, Dalgona Coffee hits the spot with its intense flavor and thick sweetness. But if you’re into a more refined, layered profile, Whipped Matcha delivers an earthy, subtle richness that lingers on the palate. The beauty of matcha lies in its umami depth, while dalgona appeals with its instant gratification.
User Poll Snapshot (Based on a Lyoncafe IG Story – 10,000 votes):
Whipped Matcha Lovers: 46%
Dalgona Coffee Fans: 43%
❔ Undecided or Like Both: 11%
Visual Appeal: Instagram-Worthy Layers & Color
Aesthetic matters. Dalgona Coffee’s caramel tones and precise foam layers have turned it into a social media staple. Yet, Whipped Matcha’s vibrant green often stands out even more on camera. The presence of plant-based milk—almond, oat, coconut—adds to the pastel palette, making both drinks an influencer’s dream.
Pro Tip for TikTok Creators:
Use clear glassware, natural light, and vertical framing. Stir slowly to show the color gradient for maximum effect.
Health Benefits: Matcha’s Antioxidants vs. Coffee’s Energy Boost
The health-conscious crowd leans heavily on this point when choosing between the two. Let’s dive into their nutritional profiles and functional benefits.
Whipped Matcha: Clean Energy & Calm Focus
Matcha is more than just powdered tea. It’s a superfood, high in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)—a potent antioxidant known for fighting inflammation, enhancing metabolism, and possibly reducing the risk of chronic disease.
Health highlights of matcha:
L-theanine promotes calm alertness
Rich in antioxidants
Supports skin health and detoxification
Lower caffeine, but longer-lasting effects
Studies published in the Journal of Food Science show that matcha contains 137x more antioxidants than regular green tea. Its combination of caffeine + L-theanine provides focused energy without the crash—ideal for students, creatives, and wellness lovers.
“Matcha is like having mental clarity in a cup,” says Dr. Mark Hyman, functional medicine expert.
Dalgona Coffee: A Jittery Jolt with Sweetness
While Dalgona Coffee uses instant coffee, it still packs a punch. A single serving delivers up to 150mg of caffeine, providing an instant energy rush. However, this comes with sugar spikes, especially if you add whipped cream or flavored syrups.
Pros:
Immediate energy boost
Sweet and satisfying
Can enhance alertness and reaction times
Cons:
May lead to jitters and crashes
High in added sugar
Shorter caffeine release window
So, if you’re looking for a morning burst or afternoon pick-me-up, Dalgona wins in speed, but matcha wins in sustainability.
Ingredients & Preparation: Which One’s Easier to Make at Home?
TikTok drinks thrived partly because they’re DIY-friendly. But which of the two is truly easier for beginners?
Whipped Matcha Recipe: The Green Goddess in a Glass
Basic Ingredients:
1 tsp culinary-grade matcha powder
2 tbsp coconut cream or aquafaba (vegan egg white)
1-2 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
½ cup milk of choice (almond, oat, soy, etc.)
Ice
Steps:
Whip matcha with coconut cream/aquafaba until frothy.
Sweeten as desired.
Pour milk and ice into a clear glass.
Spoon matcha whip on top.
Mix or enjoy layered.
“Tip: Sift your matcha powder before whipping to avoid clumps.”
Time Required: 5–7 minutes
Equipment: Electric frother or whisk
Dalgona Coffee Recipe: 3 Ingredients, Instant Wow
Basic Ingredients:
2 tbsp instant coffee
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp hot water
½ cup milk of choice
Ice
Steps:
Whip the coffee, sugar, and water until thick and foamy (3–5 min).
Fill a glass with ice and milk.
Spoon the foam on top.
Snap a photo before stirring!
“Use a hand mixer for speed and volume.”
Time Required: 3–5 minutes
Equipment: Spoon or hand mixer
Cultural Impact: What These Drinks Say About Modern Trends
TikTok is more than a platform for viral dances—it’s a catalyst of consumer trends, redefining how people around the world interact with food and beverage culture. The meteoric rise of both Whipped Matcha and Dalgona Coffee reflects deeper social undercurrents: a desire for connection, creativity, wellness, and routine during times of uncertainty. The symbolism behind these drinks speaks volumes about today’s digital-first lifestyle and evolving consumption values.
TikTok Influence: The Role of Social Sharing
In March 2020, at the beginning of global lockdowns, the world was craving not only comfort but also creativity. #DalgonaCoffee became a movement. In over 100 countries, people filmed themselves whisking instant coffee with sugar and water, layering it over milk, and tagging friends to do the same. The drink wasn’t just about flavor—it was about participation and shared experience.
Just months later, #WhippedMatcha began to surface. With the growing interest in plant-based diets, mental wellness, and natural superfoods, it filled the void for those who wanted a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing aesthetic pleasure.
“These drinks are not just beverages. They’re digital rituals that connect people through screens, likes, and shared moments of calm or caffeine-fueled joy.” – Social Trend Analyst, Kaitlyn Robb
East Meets West: Matcha’s Tradition vs. Coffee’s Reinvention
What makes this TikTok drink battle even more fascinating is the cultural duality. Matcha—ancient, ceremonial, rooted in Zen Buddhism—has been reimagined for a digital audience. Meanwhile, coffee—industrialized, global, and habitual—was transformed into something artful and celebratory through Dalgona.
| Aspect | Whipped Matcha | Dalgona Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Origin | Japan (12th century tea ceremonies) | South Korea (inspired by street toffee) |
| Global Adoption | Popular in wellness cafés, juice bars | Adopted worldwide during COVID lockdowns |
| Symbolism | Mindfulness, inner peace, clean living | Resilience, indulgence, comfort |
| Mainstream Appeal | Slow-living & plant-based communities | Coffee lovers, instant gratification |
At Lyoncafe, we see this cultural convergence play out in our shops daily. Guests in Ho Chi Minh City, Tokyo, and Berlin increasingly explore both drinks—some for their morning alertness, others for their afternoon calm, and many just to experience the next Instagrammable moment.
Verdict: Which Drink Truly Reigns Supreme?
So, who takes the crown in this viral beverage battle?
Let’s consider five dimensions:
Flavor Profile
Ease of Preparation
Health Benefits
Visual & Aesthetic Appeal
Cultural & Emotional Connection
Whipped Matcha wins in:
Long-term health benefits
Lower caffeine with mental clarity
Appeal to wellness & plant-based consumers
Cultural depth and modern reinvention
Dalgona Coffee wins in:
Stronger caffeine kick for instant energy
Simplicity and fewer ingredients
Dessert-like indulgence
Sense of comfort during tough times
Final Result?
“It’s not about which one wins globally. It’s about which one wins for you—at that moment, in that mood, for that need.” – Chef Tran Bao, Lyoncafe Beverage Director
Whether you’re reaching for zen or zest, both drinks have earned their spot in our collective caffeine consciousness.
Lyoncafe’s Take: How We Crafted Both Beverages in Our Coffee Lab
At Lyoncafe, we’ve always believed that drinks are more than just refreshment—they are experiences. With a presence in Vietnam and expanding globally, our baristas and beverage designers have experimented with countless versions of these viral favorites, combining tradition with innovation to deliver both authenticity and novelty.
Behind the Scenes: Real Baristas Try the Trend
We put both drinks to the test in our Lyoncafe Experimental Kitchen.
Blind Taste Test with 50 Participants:
58% chose Whipped Matcha for its calming effects and smooth texture
42% preferred Dalgona Coffee for its bold taste and nostalgia factor
Barista Insights:
“Matcha offers more complexity and a canvas for creativity.”
“Dalgona is unbeatable in speed and satisfaction.”
We even tried hybrid drinks—like Whipped Mocha Matcha and Dalgona with almond extract—which scored surprisingly high in post-experiment surveys.
Want to try our exclusive twists on these drinks? Visit us at mtnlyoncafe.com
Consumer Reactions at Lyoncafe Locations
Over the past 12 months, we tracked customer preferences at our café branches.
| Location | Top-Selling Drink | Notable Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City | Whipped Matcha with coconut milk | High matcha interest among Gen Z |
| Hanoi | Iced Dalgona with condensed milk | Preference for stronger, sweet coffee |
| Tokyo | Matcha + oat milk twist | Cultural matcha revival |
| Berlin | Vegan Dalgona on oat milk | Plant-based coffee dominance |
| Los Angeles | Matcha with adaptogens | Health-driven customization |
What stands out is not just the love for these drinks but the personalization around them. Our baristas note customers increasingly asking about caffeine content, origins of ingredients, and whipping techniques—a sign of informed and engaged consumption.
Final Thoughts: Your Turn to Sip & Decide
As we wrap up this flavor-filled journey, it’s clear that both Whipped Matcha and Dalgona Coffee offer more than just a beverage—they offer a statement, a moment, and a way to connect with others and with oneself.
Matcha is for the introspective mornings, the wellness-focused afternoons, and those chasing balance.
Dalgona is for the energetic rush, the sweet memory of quarantine rituals, and those craving comfort.
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!