Canned Matcha Comes to Sunderland with Fretta by Ruhe

A new café, Fretta by Ruhe, has opened near Park Lane Interchange, bringing a unique twist to Sunderland’s coffee scene. The café, which opened on October 18, has drawn attention online for its bespoke canning machine — allowing customers to take their drinks away in sealed cans instead of the usual takeaway cups.

Fretta by Ruhe’s Canned Iced Strawberry Matcha

The name Fretta means “hurry” in Italian, reflecting the café’s focus on convenience. According to the team, the canning system is designed for people on the go, helping reduce spills and single-use plastics. A spokesperson said: “We are proud to announce that we’ve invested in a canning machine — the first in the city to do this.”

The Scandi-inspired cafe is a sister site to Ruhe in Roker Park and both put wellness and sustainability at the forefront of their business. Although the food is fast to grab, it’s no fast food, every fresh and deli-fridge meal is clean, nutritious and macro friendly.

Ruhe has become popular for its flavoured matcha drinks, which combine traditional green tea powder with seasonal ingredients. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, and studies suggest it may help protect cells from damage while promoting calm alertness thanks to its amino acid content.

Ruhe’s best-selling flavours include strawberry and blueberry matcha. For those seeking something more seasonal, Fretta’s Blood Orange and Fig Matcha (£4.70) offers a citrus twist on the classic. Customers can also choose to have any cold drink canned for an additional £1. Other options, such as lattes and chai drinks, start from £3.50.

Local reaction has been enthusiastic. Fitness trainer and activewear ambassador Cameron Fenton commented: “Class these like! Let’s big up Fretta by Ruhe as they do best.”

Let us know in the comments if you’ve had a visit for a taste of Fretta by Ruhe and what you thought!