A non-matcha fan’s thoughts about DQ’s Matcha Creations

Matcha has been a staple in Japan for centuries already but it was only during the early 2000s when it shot up to fame in other countries – including the Philippines, taking the form of coffee, chocolates, cakes, and even ice cream! While there continues to be a divide between people who love its flavor and those who aren’t too fond of its grass-like taste (much like the cilantro debate), brands continue to find ways to make it more appealing to their customers. Take the recent introduction of Dairy Queen’s Blizzard of the Month dubbed as “Matcha Creations” as an example. Considering that matcha isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, DQ opted to offer an option to adjust customers’ matcha ratio so they can enjoy their DQ dessert just the way they like it. After all, it’s just vanilla ice cream mixed with matcha powder.

As a curious millennial with a matcha-loving Gen Z sister, we thought of giving it a try. After all, it’s only available for a limited time. Here are my thoughts as someone who is picky with my matcha:

Dirty Matcha Blizzard

Price: Starts at Php 99

Starting with my favorite, the Dirty Matcha Blizzard is made with DQ’s signature soft serve mixed with matcha sauce and coffee concentrate. They mix these all together before topping it with Uji matcha powder and a generous serving of chocolate chunks.

I honestly enjoyed the blend of coffee, chocolate, and matcha, making this the best out of everything in the menu for me. The matcha tastes sweet, probably because of the vanilla base so the only “bitter” part was the coffee concentrate. The chocolate toppings were also enough to last me ‘til ¾ of the cup so the flavor was well-distributed.

Matcha Cheesecake Blizzard

Price: Starts at Php 99

Same with the Dirty Matcha Blizzard, the Matcha Cheesecake Blizzard is made with DQ’s signature soft serve mixed with matcha sauce. The only difference is that it’s mixed with bite-sized pieces of cheesecake, and then topped with even more cheesecake pieces and a dash of Uji matcha powder.

I was quite doubtful about the mix but it weirdly works! It’s the kind of flavor that will make you question what kind of flavor went into your mouth over and over again ‘til you realize you’re almost done with the whole cup. Also worth mentioning that I like cheese… and cake. So maybe that’s another reason.

Matcha Almond Blizzard

Price: Starts at Php 99

Base is the same as the blizzards above. The only difference is that the soft serve is mixed with crushed almonds and then topped with Uji matcha powder and crushed almonds. As someone who likes eating almonds as a snack, I don’t quite get the appeal of this combination but my sister liked it! I guess if you want more of the matcha than the toppings, then this would be your best bet.

Matcha Brownie Parfait

Price: Starts at Php 169

Another favorite! As someone who likes a lot of toppings and chewy stuff in ice cream, I loved the layer upon layer of DQ’s soft serve with matcha sauce and chewy brownies in between. It’s also topped with whipped cream and more Uji matcha powder. Now this is something I’d come back to DQ for!

Matcha Classic Milkshake

Price: Starts at Php 179

If you prefer something to drink, DQ also offers a matcha milkshake made with DQ’s signature soft serve (as usual), milk, and matcha sauce blended together and then topped with Uji matcha powder. Nothing special if you ask me. What you see (or think) is what you get.

Strawberry Matcha Blizzard Cake

Price: Php 439

Lastly, a little something for the birthday celebrants or anyone who just wants to eat cake: the DQ Strawberry Matcha Blizzard Cake! This ice cream cake is still made with DQ’s signature soft serve, but it has a cake crunch center, strawberry puree, and designed with the usual frosting. It’s topped with matcha cream and strawberry cream pipings and Uji matcha powder. It’s ice cream in cake form. That’s it!

Verdict: Matcha-rap (to an extent)

Overall, DQ’s Matcha Creations are decent in my opinion. I like how it doesn’t taste like grass (or in Filipino terms, we call it “lasang lupa”). I just wish the Blizzards had more toppings because it can get pretty bland when you get to the middle of your order. Probably why I also prefer the Matcha Brownie Parfait and Dirty Matcha Blizzard above all else. Still worth trying, but I highly recommend my two favorites if you’re still unsure about it!

As for my sister who loves and adores matcha, everything was a thumbs up. LOL. For matcha lovers like her, you have the option to add more matcha as you please for only Php 19.

These new offers are available for dine-in and take out in all DQ stores nationwide. You can also have them delivered straight to your doorstep by calling the 8911-1111 hotline, ordering via dairyqueen.com, or via DQ’s official delivery partners GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary).

P.S. What may taste good to me might not taste good to you. If you didn’t like it, you can let me know without questioning my tastebuds and preferences. You do you.

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