Matcha Latte Recipe

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This frothy Matcha Latte recipe has been my go-to for years now! It’s an easy recipe anyone can make at home with basic ingredients and ceremonial-grade matcha. Get ready to reap the health benefits this green tea powder has to offer.

2 frothy matcha lattes in glass cups on pink table with white towel

What is Matcha?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Equipment Needed
How to Make a Matcha Latte
Recipe FAQs
Storage Instructions
Quick Tips
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Matcha Latte Recipe Recipe

using chasen to whisk matcha and how water in white bowl

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from finely ground green tea leaves (the source of the vibrant green color!). Because it is made from the entire green tea leaf, this green tea powder is an excellent source of antioxidants. It’s known for its distinct, earthy flavor and higher-quality matcha is even described as slightly sweet.

Thanks to my friend Remy from Veggiekins, I’ve been drinking matcha every single day for the last 5 years and have used it as a substitute for a morning cup of coffee. Matcha contains less caffeine than traditional coffee, but matcha contains a high concentration of L-theanine, an amino acid that is well-known for its ability to promote sustained, longer-lasting energy throughout the day.

If you’ve been looking for a morning coffee alternative that can provide a multitude of health benefits and steady energy, a cup of matcha tea may just be the trick! And for an extra afternoon boost, try this Mint Matcha Chia Pudding.

labeled ingredients for matcha latte on pink table: non-dairy milk, hot water, sweetener and ceremonial grade matcha powder

Ingredients You’ll Need

Non-dairy milk: I prefer to use soy or oat milk in my matcha lattes because it has a great rich and creamy texture that is similar to dairy-based milk. My favorite brands are Silk, Chobani, Simple Truth, and Planet Oat.
Matcha powder: The best matcha to use is ceremonial-grade matcha powder. It’s a higher quality than culinary-grade matcha and will have a better flavor, texture, and color which is best for creamy matcha lattes. I highly recommend the brand Ippodo Tea.
Sweetener: Any simple syrup or liquid sweetener of choice will work. I like to use agave or maple syrup. If you prefer to use date sweeteners, try this Date-Sweetened Matcha Latte.

Equipment Needed

Measuring spoons
Microwave or small saucepan (for heating milk and water)
Tea strainer (chakoshi) – Sifts the matcha before whisking
Matcha bowl (chawan) – I use a ceramic bowl from my favorite ceramicist RV Pottery
Matcha whisk (chasen) – This bamboo whisk helps to remove any clumps and makes the matcha smooth and frothy.

How to Make a Matcha Latte

Warm the milk. Pour your favorite oat milk or soy milk into a mug and microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes to warm through. Alternatively, you can do this in a small saucepan on the stovetop or using a steaming wand on an espresso machine.
Sift the matcha. In a small bowl (preferably a matcha bowl), sift in the matcha.
Whisk with hot water. Add hot water into the matcha bowl along with sweetener, if using. Using a bamboo matcha whisk, whisk the matcha in a “W” or “M” formation until smooth and frothy, about 15-20 seconds.
Pour the matcha mixture into the warm milk. Stir again to combine, then enjoy!

close up overhead photo of a frothy matcha latte

Recipe FAQs

Is matcha better for you than regular green tea?

Both matcha and green tea are nutrient-rich and a great beverage to include in a healthy well-balanced diet. Matcha is technically more nutrient-rich than traditional green tea because it contains the entire leaf, not just steeped leaves like green tea.

If you’re looking for the best anti-oxidant boost, matcha is the way to go!

Is matcha vegan?

Matcha itself is naturally vegan (it’s made from plants!). This matcha latte is also vegan-friendly as it is made with plant-based milk and vegan-friendly sweetener.

How much caffeine does matcha contain?

This will depend entirely on the brand you use, as well as how much you choose to add to your latte. A cup of matcha typically contains 50-70mg of caffeine, whereas a cup of coffee typically contains closer to 100-140mg of caffeine.

overhead photo of 2 frothy matcha lattes in glass cups on pink table with white towel

Storage Instructions

This vegan matcha latte is best served immediately while warm but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. For the best freshness, transfer leftover matcha latte to an airtight jar.

Then reheat until warmed through, or add ice cubes and enjoy your leftover matcha latte chilled!

Quick Tips

Use these quick tips and tricks to take your homemade matcha latte from a good matcha latte to a great matcha latte.

Invest in the right tools! If you are planning to make matcha regularly, I highly recommend investing in a chasen and matcha bowl so you can make authentic, frothy lattes the right way. The chasen, or bamboo whisk, not only breaks up any clumps in the matcha but helps to aerate the matcha to improve taste and texture.
Purchase a high-quality matcha powder. Ceremonial-grade matcha will have a vibrant green color, a fresh earthy aroma, and a finer texture. It should also taste mellow and earthy – if it’s noticeably bitter, it’s likely not the best quality. These quality matcha powders tend to be the more expensive option, so beware if the price is low!
Don’t use too hot of water. This can cause the matcha to turn bitter. For optimal results, keep the hot water between 150 and 160F. Or, read the packaging on your particular matcha for the brand’s recommendation for temperature.

pouring whisked matcha into hot soy milk in glass cup for latte on pink table

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