Jet-black café trend sweeps America as experts share health benefits behind the hype

From black sesame ice cream to jet-black lattes and bakery pastries, a once-niche seed has planted itself on menus across the country.

Black sesame has emerged as a standout flavor over the past year. Searches for matcha drinks featuring the ingredient are up 147%, as trendy cafés incorporate it into cream puffs, croissants, Japanese rice cakes, lattes and other specialty beverages, according to Yelp's 2026 Food & Drink Trend Forecast.

While its bold, nutty taste may be driving the craze...