Sad Girl matcha spread came into existence when founder Yukako Sunaba felt lost and confused. At the time, she was ending average days with good desserts, and feeling all the better for it, and she realised this was a remedy she could quite literally bottle up and sell. “A jar of delicious Silky Matcha Spread is all you need when you’re feeling sad,” she says.
Give us the elevator pitch, what makes Sad Girl matcha spread different and/or special?
Think Nutella… but nut-free, and guilt-free, handmade, matcha, and a tiny bit salty. Silky Matcha Spread is made in Melbourne using Japanese Uji matcha powder. It’s smooth and sweet, and contrary to the name, it’s the perfect complement for every dessert, mood and occasion.
Who are you and what are you all about?
I’m Japanese and I lived Tokyo until I was seven. After moving to Australia, I’d go back every year to visit family. I vividly recall that what I looked forward to most about these trips was eating matcha desserts. Fast forward two decades. I was working in digital design, yearning to apply my skills to a food product. I’ve had so many ideas that almost came to fruition, but my fears and doubts always held me back. When I came up with the idea of the Silky Matcha Spread, though, I knew that I’d found a gap in the market and couldn’t waste any time. I wanted to capture the deliciousness of a matcha dessert in a jar. I took the project from idea to launch in just a few weeks at the start of this year — and it’s been a rollercoaster ever since. I still find it surprising when a supermarket sells out over the weekend, or I learn that someone buys multiple jars every week.
What are you sad about exactly?
We’re all a little bit sad sometimes, whether it’s because we’ve received a passive-aggressive comment from our manager, or been dumped by a partner, or received a parking fine or spilled our $8 matcha. Sadness is as inevitable as it is relatable.
Does matcha help?
If you like the sound of an earthy, green tea powder that’s been grown, harvested and processed in a small town called Uji by farmers who have perfected their craft over generations and sent their product to Melbourne where it’s been hand-mixed with a buttery, creamy, sweet base by a girl who’s sometimes happy and sometimes sad, then yes, it definitely helps.
I’m of the opinion that sweet treats make everything that little bit better. If you’re feeling down, a spoonful of Silky Matcha Spread will make you feel better. And if you already feel good, then a spoonful will make you feel great. That’s what the brand is all about.
Explain like we’re five: how do you make it?
Every week, my friend and I head to our commercial kitchen and put on a sexy playlist. Then we carefully sift the matcha powder, before combining and mixing all of our top-quality ingredients, including matcha powder, cocoa butter, sugar and, salt. While the spread is setting, we catch up on saucy gossip, and then pour the spread into individual jars. Then, with the help of my loyal friends, I label all the jars, ready to be delivered.
What excites you about this project?
It excites me that the branding has raised so many eyebrows. It’s been such a great conversation starter; people either love it or hate it. In terms of what’s next, I’m leaning into the brand name, and the love of matcha everywhere, to expand our product line, dream up some equally eyebrow-raising campaigns and collaborate with other brands.
What are the perfect conditions to enjoy Sad Girl matcha spread? Do you have to be sad and/or a gorl?
Grab all your favourite snacks and a jar of Sad Girl. Then get cosy and warm on a comfy couch with your best friends, or turn on your favourite TV show. Warm up the jar and drizzle a spoonful over ice-cream (vanilla, say, or strawberry), eat it with yoghurt and berries or just stick your finger straight in the jar. There are no rules or limitations, girl, boy or not. You can even put it on your face and let the matcha tears fall.
Is this here for a good time or a long time?
Sad Girl matcha spread is definitely here for your good times and will be around for a long time. She will be creeping up in your favourite drinks, cafes and bakeries. And, if you like the sound of matcha-chocolate-covered pretzels, you’ll be excited to know we’re about to launch a new product called Knot Matcha I Can Do About It!
Where can I buy it?
Sad Girl matcha spread is stocked in La Manna, Ima Pantry, Keoma, Spring Street Grocer, Le Bajo, DK Asian Grocery, Toscano’s, Maita and Stocked, with many more stores listed on our Instagram @sadgirl_matcha
If you’re interstate, we also do online orders via our website, sadgirlmatcha.com.