This Matcha Green Tea Latte is the perfect morning drink. It's smooth and creamy, light and rejuvenating. Packed with many benefits and antioxidants from matcha green tea powder. It's tasty, sweet, and super easy to make at home with just 3 ingredients. A great alternative to your regular caffeinated drink.
Matcha is in one word amazing! Seriously. Ever since I tried matcha latte a few years ago, I’ve never turned back to my regular coffee in the morning. Matcha latte became my favorite hot caffeinated drink. For many reasons.
It’s smooth, creamy, rejuvenating, and tastes like no other hot drinks. It wakes me up nicely and keeps my brain sharp and focused for hours. No sudden crushes of energy later in the day, like with coffee. It doesn't give me that "nervous energy" that caffeine sometimes does. Plus, it's easy on a tummy as well.
You've probably seen me posting matcha latte on my Instagram stories like millions of times. Now it's time I hand you my secret recipe for this amazing antioxidant-rich drink. This homemade matcha latte tastes so much better than Starbucks and costs really nothing competing to the price you pay there.
And when you crave a more refreshing drink during Summer, you can just pop the ice and make Iced Matcha Latte. How cool is that?!
Jump to:
What is matcha green tea?
Originated from Japan, matcha is a powdered green tea containing 137 times more antioxidants than classic brewed green tea. Both come from the tea plant (Camellia Sinensis), but with matcha powder, the entire leaf is consumed.
During the last few weeks of their growth, the tea leaves are shaded from the sun to increase their chlorophyll content and produce vibrant green color. The leaves are then ground to produce a fine powder which is known as matcha green tea powder.
Matcha powder has been used in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries but has become more widely known and popular in recent years. Matcha latte is one of the many ways it's consumed now. Matcha green tea powder can be used in smoothies, cookies, and more! You can learn more about the history of matcha here.
Best matcha powder for lattes
There are two main grades of matcha: culinary and ceremonial. The culinary grade matcha is best for cooking and baking while ceremonial matcha is best for lattes.
Ceremonial grade matcha green tea leaves are picked by hand and tend to be more sweet-tasting. They are stone-grounded to reduce heat and friction, which prevents bitterness. As a result of this care and craftsmanship, ceremonial matcha is more expensive than culinary grade but also more flavorful.
Starbucks uses Tazo matcha powder that has two ingredients: sugar and green tea powder. I use ceremonial grade matcha green tea powder that has pure matcha green tea taste.
Matcha green tea latte ingredients
To make Matcha Green Tea Latte at home, you will need only 3 simple ingredients:
- matcha powder
- hot water
- milk
- sweetener (optional)
As I said, I like to use pure ceremonial grade matcha powder for lattes. It's worth investing a few more dollars in quality matcha.
If you tried making matcha latte at home and you ended up being completely disappointed with its taste (bitter, leafy flavor), well the secret is not only in the quality of matcha powder but also in the choice of MILK.
I've tried many milk combinations, and it turned out that the perfect milk for the perfect Matcha Green Tea Latte is dairy-free milk, My favorites are organic soy milk or oat milk. They both have a smooth and somewhat sweet flavor. They also have a creamier consistency, which makes them a good coffee creamer and great for making frothy drinks like matcha latte.
If you like you can add some sweetener to your matcha latte. Pure maple syrup or mild-tasting honey is the best. But you can easily skip added sugars if you got the right milk and top-quality matcha green tea powder. I encourage you to try without added sugars and experience the true matcha unbelievable taste.
How to make matcha latte
- Prepare all the ingredients. (Picture 1)
- Add a teaspoon of matcha powder into a small bowl. (Picture 2)
- Add in a small amount of hot (but not boiling) water (to help preserve the nutrients and avoid bitterness). I usually add 1-2 tablespoons. (Picture 3)
- Take the bamboo whisk and whisk until completely dissolved. Whisking in an “m” motion can help achieve a nice foam texture. (Picture 4-5)
- Transfer the matcha mixture into a mug. (Picture 6)
- Heat the milk until steaming, then make the froth using a whisk or milk frother. If you have an automatic milk frother, add the milk to the frother, heat, and froth the milk.
- Pour the milk into a mug over the matcha. (Picture 7)
- Add sweetener if desired and to taste.
- Enjoy hot!
Useful tips
- If you don’t have a bamboo whisk, you can use a spoon, metal whisk, handheld frother, or blend the matcha in the blender. Bamboo whisks are gentle on the matcha and also help it dissolve more completely. I highly recommend investing in a matcha set!
- When whisking matcha, make sure there are no lumps.
- Matcha green tea latte tastes best lightly sweetened. So don't go wild with adding sweeteners. I like to use liquid, light sweetener, like honey or maple syrup. Stevia works fine too. Coconut sugar and date syrup are not good here.
- The quality of matcha green tea powder is crucial for the overall taste of this drink, so don't go cheap when choosing the right matcha powder. I always use the highest ceremonial grade matcha because I love my matcha strong and powerful but also sweet tasting. Not bitter and leafy.
- I tested oat, almond, coconut, and cashew milk, and the first two stood out as real winners. Cow's milk tastes the works so please, just don't even try.
FAQ about matcha
Matcha has a rich earthy flavor with grassy, spinach-like notes and pleasant bitter undertones. Pure ceremonial matcha whisked up with hot water has grassy flavor but mixed with milk and sweetener, gives a smooth, sweet and delicious morning drink.
Like coffee, matcha contains caffeine, but it wont give you jitters and nervous energy like coffee does. A cup (240ml) of matcha has around 60mg of caffeine. The caffeine level is more comparable to that of black tea, or about ⅔ cup of coffee. But matcha is much more energising and longer-lasting.
Yes. Matcha has the ability to control your stress, and appetite, thus assist with weight loss. A compound in matcha called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) reduces inflammation and speeds up the metabolic rate of cells. This means that when when you’re doing nothing, matcha is helping you burn off more calories.
Matcha green tea latte benefits
- Matcha latte is a drink packed with L-Theanine, an amino acid that reduces mental stress, enhances mood and performance, and creates a calm-yet-alert state of mind.
- It's full of powerful antioxidants that promote good health.
- It's made without added sugars and low in calories, great for weight loss.
- It's full of wonderful pure matcha flavor.
- It's vegan, easy to make, and in one word - incredible!
This matcha drink is trully amazing. It's smooth and creamy, mildly sweet, full of flavor and so cozy. Perfect drink for cold mornings and lazy afternoons.
It's the perfect replacement for the usual cup of coffee. It helps keeping your brain boosted and super-charged for everyday mental work. Plus, it's vivid green and looks pretty awesome.
More drinks to try
- Gingerbread Latte
- Turmeric Latte
- Cold Brewed Iced Mocha Latte
- Cold Brewed Iced Earl Grey Latte
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Iced Coconut Matcha Latte
Enjoy!
📖 Recipe
Matcha Green Tea Latte
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder pure ceremonial
- 1-2 tablespoons hot water
- ¾ cup oat milk or almond, or organic soy milk
- Sweetener: maple syrup or honey (optional and to taste)
Instructions
- Add a teaspoon of matcha powder into a small bowl.
- Add in a small amount of hot (but not boiling) water (to help preserve the nutrients and avoid bitterness). I usually add 1-2 tablespoons.
- Take the bamboo whisk and whisk until completely dissolved. Whisking in an “m” motion can help achieve a nice foam texture.
- Transfer the matcha mixture into a mug.
- Heat the milk until steaming, then make the froth using a whisk or milk frother. If you have an automatic milk frother, add the milk to the frother, heat, and froth the milk.
- Pour the milk into a mug over the matcha.
- Add sweetener if desired and to taste.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have a bamboo whisk, you can use a spoon, metal whisk, handheld frother, or blend the matcha in the blender.
- Matcha green tea latte tastes best lightly sweetened.
- The quality of matcha green tea powder is crucial for the overall taste of this drink, so don't go cheap when choosing the right matcha powder. I always use the highest ceremonial grade matcha.
- I tested oat, almond, coconut, and cashew milk, and the first two stood out as real winners. Cow's milk tastes the works so please, just don't even try.
Nutrition
If you’ve tried this Matcha Green Tea Latte recipe or any other recipe on Natalie’s Health, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!
This post is originally published in January 2019. It's updated with new information and republished in February 2021. The recipe reminded the same.
Hey I love cows milk in my matcha ! I prefer the creaminess of dairy over the texture of. non-dairy alternatives . I can enjoy oat or soy milk straight...But adding it to a latte distract from the intended flavor of matcha for me. Just my thing, and I’m sure many would have an opinion on either side.
That's interesting to hear. Thanks for the feedback. I find cow's milk too strong for matcha. But it's all about finding what's works best for you personally. :)
My husband will love this Matcha Green Tea Latte tomorrow morning! It looks really delicious.
I got tired of drinking coffee and tried this matcha green tea latte. Let's just say, there is no going back, loved it!
This is such a great take on the a matcha green tea latte! It's perfectly creamy and decadent without being loaded with unnecessary ingredients. Great way to start the morning!
I've added matcha to smoothies but never made a latte with it. This looks and sounds so good! On my to make list!
I love to drink tea so much but never tried to have a matcha green tea latte ever. I will definitely be making this to taste it.
Sounds like a healthy morning drink option. Love the color and the smooth and cream texture too. Easy and quick to make too.
Thanks for posting this recipe! I just bought my first jar of matcha and this will be the perfect first recipe to try. :)
It's amazing how just a few ingredients can make such a delicious latte. I prefer mine with honey.
People seem to LOVE this! I haven't tried it but I have heard good things!
This Matcha Green Tea looks so refreshing! And, I love how it has low-calories and made with only 3 ingredients! I need to try this out, not only for myself, but for my family too!
This latte brings me down memory lane, this used to be my go to drink about a year ago. Time to start drinking it again!
Yum this sounds an looks good and so much cheaper to make at home and saves time not having to wait in line for the coffee shop!
I'm always looking for a healthier drink and this one fit perfectly!
I'm not that familiar with matcha but I'm totally intrigued. I've been drinking too many cups of coffee and need a change. I'm definitively interested in trying matcha and replacing my morning joe'. Thanks for the recipe.
The color of the matcha is beautiful and your explanation on how to make matcha tea is perfect. Thanks for sharing.
I had no idea how simple it was to make a match green tea latte. Thanks!
I know so many friends that would love this. Can't wait to try it!
I love matcha!! This is a great recipe.
I love making this instead of having coffee every morning!
Hello Natalie. I am wondering if culinary grade matcha and ceremonial one are different only in taste or also in the amount of nutrients, mainly antioxidants. I would appreciate your answer.
Jola
Hi Jola. Well, I would say there is a difference. Higher grades of Matcha (ceremonial matcha) contains higher amounts of L-Theanine meaning its more nutrient dense. As far as the antioxidant content, that really depends on specific growing conditions and location. Culinary matcha is often grown and manufactured in China while high grade ceremonial matcha is grown in Japan in very specific location and conditions. Also, matcha from China tends to have more contaminants (aluminum and fluoride). I would say that's not that big issue but I would avoid it if possible.
I love this recipe! I just started taking L-theanine as a supplement as well and it has helped me so much with anxiety. I am obsessed with the cup you used for this recipe and have been searching the web off and on for weeks for it. Do you happen to know the company that makes them? Thanks so much 😊
Thanks Melanie :) Glad you like the recipe. And I'm glad to hear L-theanine is helping you with anxiety. The cup is from IKEA. :)
This looks delicious!!
Hey Natalie, your iced coconut latte was simply awesome. I'll try this tea latte later this month. Just have been a little busy.
Glad you liked iced version. Oh, you gonna love this one too. ;)
This looks AMAZING - I've never made one but this looks like a great one to start with.
I have to confess I've been waiting so long to try matcha. With so many delicious matcha recipes out there, it's naot fair to wait any longer. I'm saving your latte recipe to try soon. It sure looks absolutely delicious!
I love everything matcha but I can't believe I have never prepared anything myself with it. This match latte looks like an easy, quick, and yummy recipe to start with!
I love matcha as an afternoon treat. I love your recipe even better! Creamy and rich.
I love a good matcha latte and this one looks delicious! I love how you photographed it, it's beautiful. Thank you for sharing, Natalie! :)
I have some matcha in my cupboard, I'm going straight to my kitchen to make this! This sounds so warming and delicious! Can't wait to try it!
I have Matcha tea I bought at a tea shop. I've yet to unseal the package -- I really hadn't any idea what I was going to do with it. Your Latte has inspired me to open the bag and make me a nice nutritious drink this afternoon. It's cold and windy outside - a nice warm drink in front of the fire sounds ideal.
Matcha lattes are my favorite afternoon treat! When I was pregnant with #2 I couldn't stand the taste of coffee but needed some sort up mild jump start to keep up with #1. Matcha lattes to the rescue! I can't wait to try this one with the vanilla and maple.
Such a gorgeous vibrant drink! I have been trying to cut back on coffee and this looks like such a fun, healthy alternative! Also, your pictures are SUPERB!
Still haven't tried matcha, but was reading about how the antioxidants can help level out blood sugar. Where did you get the glass mug? I love it! It looks vintage.
This matcha latte looks SO creamy. I love matcha so much, especially dairy free lattes. I'm adding this one to my list to make.
Mmm I could go for one of these right now! So warm and healthful ..perfect any time of day ^_^
This sounds delicious and would be such a healthy drink to start the day with! I do love my regular latte too though!
I've been meaning to the matcha I have in the pantry for a long time now. This looks like a wonderfully delicious drink for the mornings. Going to try ...thank you!
Were do you buy this tea at??
I buy matcha powder from company called Indigo Herbs. It's quite good, very good quality. But you can get matcha green tea powder online. There are many brands and sellers. Just look for ceremonial high grade matcha powder, not cooking (cheeper) grade.
I love matcha everything. This needs to happen soon! My family will love it!
That’s the best recipe of Matcha tea I have seen so far. I always start my day with matcha tea. Thanks for sharing.
I have to add honey to matcha to make it not so bitter but love the health benefits. A good switch up once in a while.
What a healthy and comforting drink for winter, and it's so pretty too. And I'm loving your iced version for the warmer days.
Definitely would love to work another delicious antioxidant drink into my diet! Thank you for this!
This sounds like a great afternoon beverage. Wishing I had the ingredients to make one right now.
This fits right in with my resolution to be healthier in 2019. I love to have a cup of tea in the afternoons and this one is packed with good for you ingredients.
I've never tried matcha but really want to! I need to cut back on caffeine. Can this be made in my Vitamix instead of using a frother?
I love all kinds of tea and this is new to me as a latte I bet its so delicious and creamy. I must try this!