Matcha Latte

What is matcha latte?

Matcha latte is made from two main ingredients – matcha (of course) and latte, which means “milk” in Italian. It can really be considered as similar (but we believe a better and healthier one) to coffee latte. Matcha lattes usually have a sweetener of choice. Milk options can vary depending on dairy or vegan preferences. Matcha lattes can be served hot (usually the default choice) or iced and may also have other added ingredients or flavors such as vanilla or chai spices.

What does matcha latte taste like?

Matcha inherently has a slightly bitter, earthy or grassy taste. The bitterness will depend on the grade and quantity of matcha used to make latte. If you take matcha from a café and find it too sweet, it generally means that the matcha powder used has too much sugar added to it and less of actual matcha, which defeats the purpose of having a matcha latte. Make sure you check the packaging of the matcha used by the shop and if it has other ingredients like milk solids and sugar, it means you are consuming very small quantity of actual matcha powder. To some people, matcha is an acquired taste because of slight bitterness or umami taste, intensity of which varies between brands, origin, and the grade of matcha.

What matcha should be used for lattes?

Matcha comes in two main grades – ceremonial and culinary. Ceremonial matcha is higher grade and more expensive compared culinary matcha. Culinary grade is more bitter than Ceremonial grade. If you are new to matcha, please read our blog – frequently asked question on matcha. Generally, culinary grade matcha is used for cooking, baking and desserts. Best matcha to use is organic, vegan, and all natural matcha of Japanese origin that is pesticide free and made with ISO certified processes. Usually what you pay is what you get when it comes to matcha. But ceremonial grade matcha is preferred for matcha lattes. If you intend to use a sweetener in lattes, then culinary matcha can also be used.

Does matcha latte have caffeine?

Yes, matcha has caffeine and good amount of it. But the effect of caffeine in matcha is different from the caffeine in coffee. While coffee can give instant “hit” and may even cause jitters to some people, matcha on the other hand, releases caffeine slowly and hence has a sustained effect of caffeine for a longer time. Matcha contains high concentration of l-theanine, which has a calming effect at the same time. Drinking matcha gives a feeling of mental alertness and calmness at the same time because of both caffeine and l-theanine.

The amount of caffeine in matcha is at least twice of that in green tea and even more than coffee per gram. However, a standard 240 ml (1 cup) of matcha tea uses 2g of good quality matcha powder, while a standard espresso single shot can have 7-9g of coffee. Hence net caffeine intake from 1 cup of matcha is effectively less than coffee, but nevertheless higher than green tea, 

Which milk to use for matcha latte?

Matcha latte can be made from dairy or vegan (plant-based) milk like Almond, Cashew, Oat or Coconut. However, it is generally accepted that vegan milk goes well with matcha. Our recommendation is Oat milk, but it comes down to personal preference. Frothing the milk or blending using a mixer will make it foamy and elevates the richness.

What sweeteners to use for matcha latte?

A sweetener, although not necessary, is generally used in matcha lattes (hot or iced). It is not advisable to use refined (white) sugar in matcha lattes, as it is increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease and the drinking matcha is intended fight these and other chronic diseases. So using refined sugar pretty much goes against the very purpose of drinking matcha. Rapadura sugar, which is unrefined (and not the same as brown sugar) is a healthier option. Alternatively, maple syrup or honey are much better alternatives and also give richness to the taste of matcha lattes.

How does homemade compare with Starbucks matcha latte?

Homemade matcha latte is any day better than matcha lattes from cafes such as Starbucks. Cafe matcha lattes tend to be loaded with sugar and because they are made on same processing blenders as other drinks, are not guaranteed to be purely vegan. They carry the risk of contamination with allergens. The quality, grade and origin of matcha used in the cafés varies significantly. Hence it is always better to buy you own matcha and make lattes at home using this simple recipe.

Hot matcha latte recipe

This hot and delicious latte is simple and quick to make at home and might even make you consider replacing your normal latte with Matcha.

Ingredients

• Matcha green tea powder – preferably organic ceremonial– 2.5gm (1/2 teaspoon)
• Hot water – 80 degrees Celsius (175 degrees Fahrenheit) – 20 ml
• Milk – frothed or steamed – 150 ml (three quarter cup)
• Honey – 1 teaspoon (according to taste)

How to make

1. Sift Matcha powder into a cup. Or, you can simply put 1/2 teaspoon directly into the cup if the Matcha powder used is high quality, smooth and very fine.
2. Pour hot water (80 degree C or 175 degree F) into the cup.
   • Tip: Cup with wide base is preferred as it gives enough space for proper whisking and there is less risk of the cup tipping over. Japanese tea ceremonies use Chawan bowls to drink Matcha tea. These are wide and do not have handles. At home, any cup or glass with wide based is good to use.
3. Whisk vigorously until there are no lumps and uniform foam or fine froth with tiny bubbles is formed.
   • Tip: Preferably use Japanese style bamboo whisk, called chasen, which gives perfect consistency. But if you don’t have chasen, normal kitchen manual or hand-held powered whisk can be used.
4. Add honey to taste
5. Add warm, frothed or steamed milk and serve

This café style matcha latte can be prepared in 5 mins once you have all the required ingredients and utensils. It is smooth, refreshing, healthy and rejuvenating.

Additional Tips

• Enhance your experience with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top
• You can use any sweetener of choice instead of honey. Other healthy options are maple syrup stevia, rapadura sugar
• If allergic to normal milk or vegan option is preferred, use Oat, Almond, or coconut milk. Oat milk specifically goes well with Matcha

Relax and Enjoy!

Watch Matcha Latte Recipe on YouTube.

Blends for matcha lattes

Pinnacle Matcha has created organic matcha blends, combining ceremonial matcha with additional natural goodness for enhanced flavors and variety. Try our Sweet Matcha and Matcha Chai Latte mix – all natural – crafted and blended in Sydney, Australia with highest quality ingredients.