Matcha Latte is a modern take on the traditional Japanese tea called matcha, valued for its numerous health benefits. The idea of transforming matcha into a latte form by adding milk and sweetening ingredients likely originates from Western coffee culture. This modern version creates a blend that combines the soothing qualities of green tea and the creaminess of (plant-based) milk.

What does Matcha Latte taste like?

Matcha Latte has a unique and complex flavor. The main component is, of course, the green tea matcha, which is known for its earthy, green notes. The plant or animal milk used in Matcha Latte gives the drink a creamy texture and softens the bitterness of the matcha. As a result, the latte is particularly velvety and pleasant on the palate.

For those who want to add an extra layer of luxury to their matcha, it can be enhanced with various flavor notes. Here, we present three different variations of the popular Matcha Latte recipe.

Matcha Latte Basic Recipe

Place 1 ¼ teaspoons of matcha powder in a large cup and whisk it together with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of hot water until it becomes frothy. The best tool for this is a matcha whisk, or alternatively, you can use a regular whisk or a milk frother. Heat 350 ml of (plant-based) milk and pour it into the matcha.

Matcha Latte with Cinnamon

For this variation, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the basic matcha recipe. Then froth it up with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of hot water. Afterward, add the heated plant-based milk.

Matcha Latte with Vanilla

For this variation, add a pinch of vanilla extract to the basic matcha recipe. Then froth it up with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of hot water. Afterward, add the heated plant-based milk.

Can all matcha powders be used for making Matcha Latte?

Yes, in general, all matcha powders can be used for preparing a Matcha Latte. However, some powders may contain additional coconut milk powder, which makes the latte especially creamy, as seen in Alpha Foods' Matcha Ritual. It is finely ground to ensure it dissolves well in liquids, which is crucial for achieving a smooth and lump-free Matcha Latte. This is a top-grade Matcha used in Japanese tea ceremonies. To enhance its nutritional value, Matcha Ritual also includes barley grass juice powder and wheat grass juice powder - nutrient-dense greens that provide a variety of valuable vitamins and minerals while imparting a refined taste to the Matcha.

Stefanie Schulz