Is Pandan the New Matcha? The Global Rise of Asian Vanilla
Since its move from a niche health product to a mainstream sensation in the early 2000s, matcha has been the reigning “green” ingredient of the East. In search of the next big thing, one particular aromatic herb is now ready to take the stage: pandan.
While it shares a similar natural green hue, pandan has a distinct aromatic profile which makes it a pleasant addition to modern applications. Here is why this Vanilla of the East deserves to be called the new matcha.
The Slow Burn of Asian Food Trend
For over a decade, matcha was the green health icon, the Asian sensation. The success of this Japanese green tea has opened the door to different exotic ingredients. One of them being pandan, a spiky tropical plant from Southeast Asia. The plant has long been a staple in the region, used for its flavor or as a traditional medicine and inflammatory relief.
The momentum began in 2017, when celebrity chef Nigella Lawson quipped that “pandan is going to be the new matcha.” This brought pandan into European soil, shining a light on a brand new ingredient in the mainstream media.
It was further solidified when pandan was unexpectedly mentioned again as one of the twelve trendy predictions and must-haves in 2025 by the New York Times. Today, pandan has gained a space in the western hemisphere’s culinary world. Innovative food players use it in lattes, toasts, cakes, and savory Asian-inspired dishes.
Pandan’s rise is not just a sensory gimmick. It’s also meeting the modern demand for functional, clean-label, and culturally authentic ingredients.
A Matching Green Hue
Pandan’s comparison with matcha initially comes from their similar green hues. That’s because they both derived their colors from the same naturally occurring pigment, green chlorophyll.
In an era where clean labels are the standard, customers are fleeing synthetic dyes to avoid health risks and environmental issues. Instead of artificial green colorants, matcha and pandan offer the same brilliance without the health baggage.
However, cautions should be taken when choosing products as the market has become saturated with synthetic imitations of pandan. To truly obtain the sensory depth of pandan, authentic products are essential. Observe some quick comparisons between real and synthetic pandan in this article.
The Sensory Edge: Sweetness Over Bitterness
One edge that pandan has over matcha? Its flavor. Especially if you have an aversion to bitterness.
Matcha has an earthy, grassy, umami profile with gentle bitterness typical of green teas. This is due to a mixture of bioactive components: catechins, phenolic compounds, amino acids, and caffeine.
On the other hand, pandan has a similar grassy and earthy notes like matcha; but topped with nutty, creamy, and floral tones. This complex and pleasant flavor is the reason it’s often called the Vanilla of the East. Pandan’s prominent signature fresh popcorn scent is attributed to a compound called 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP), while other phytochemicals give the plant its layered flavor.
Unlike matcha, pandan has no caffeine content. This could be an advantage when a substitute ingredient for serving caffeine sensitivity is needed.
The slight bitterness of matcha can be polarizing, but pandan’s flavor is much easier to adopt into different palates. Let’s look into pandan’s versatility in the modern food industry applications in the next section.
Where You’ve Seen Pandan and Where You’ll See it Next
You may have seen a pandan latte here and there, but the versatile leaf has endless application possibilities.
Traditionally, pandan is used in both savory and sweet dishes. It’s a must-add ingredient in sweet drinks like cendol ice and wedang jahe. It’s also infused into savory rice or meat to extract its floral and nutty flavor.
Here’s how the modern food industry can capitalize on pandan’s popularity (and versatility):
- Beverage Angle: In addition to the pandan latte, pandan can also be used as a substitute in tea-based drinks for caffeine sensitive markets, green tonics, cold brews, and artisanal Asian wellness drinks (wedang jahe, jamu).
- Bakery Boom: Pandan can be used to infuse green hues in confectioneries and chocolate, such as white chocolate or marshmallows. Its nutty-vanilla notes will pair beautifully with sweet desserts.
- Creative Savory Applications: Aside from the usual infused rice, pandan can be creatively added into modern savory fusion recipes. Think swicy, like Ginger Prawn Dome with Pandan Cucumber Gelée or as a meat glaze substitute by wrapping it around chicken.
Matcha vs Pandan: A Simple Comparison
While both ingredients offer natural green color, their culinary foundations and chemical properties differ. The following breakdown highlights the comparison between the two ingredients:
Final Take: Embracing a New Layer of Flavor
Pandan is more than just a trend, it’s a versatile ingredient in the clean label space. Boasting natural colors, pleasant aromatic profile, and health benefits, it’s no wonder the Vanilla of the East is gaining a new nickname: the New Matcha.
As the culinary world continues to prioritize authentic, botanical flavors, pandan is set to become a staple in the global pantry. Discover our pandan extract powder and get ready to innovate!
Curious to know more about pandan? Browse through these articles:
FAQs
Is Pandan just a Southeast Asian version of Matcha?
While they share a natural green color, they are fundamentally different. Matcha is a ground tea leaf with a grassy, umami, and slightly bitter profile. Pandan is a botanical leaf used for its nutty, floral, and vanilla-like aroma.
Why is Pandan becoming popular in the West now?
The rise of the clean label movement and the search for natural alternatives to synthetic dyes have put Pandan in the spotlight. Its ability to pair well with familiar flavors like coconut, coffee, and vanilla makes it highly accessible.
Can Pandan be used in the same ways as Matcha?
Absolutely. From lattes and smoothies to cakes and savory infusions, pandan is arguably even more versatile because it lacks the slight bitterness of the tea powder.
What are the differences between Matcha and Pandan?
Their flavors are different, as matcha can be slightly bitter while pandan has no bitterness. Matcha also has caffeine, while pandan has none. Lastly, matcha comes from Japan, while pandan comes from Southeast Asia.
Why is pandan called the Vanilla of the East?
Pandan has similar flavor and aromatic characteristics to vanilla, with the addition of a hint of coconut. It’s also used in similar ways in the East as to how the West uses vanilla, such as traditional desserts and sweet drinks.