This Matcha Latte is an energizing alternative to coffee, using just 3 ingredients. I love how quick and easy it is to make at home, so you can skip the fancy coffee house prices.
What is Matcha?
Matcha means “powered tea.” Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are brewed with hot water and then discarded, you’re drinking the actual leaves when you enjoy a cup of matcha. The tea plants are grown in a special way for producing matcha, giving the leaves a deeper flavor when compared to traditional green tea.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Since you’re drinking the whole leaves when you consume matcha, you’ll ingest more nutrients when compared to drinking a steeped glass of green tea. In addition to trace vitamins and minerals, matcha is loaded with antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been linked to:
- better blood sugar regulation
- protection against heart disease
- anti-aging
- boosting metabolism
- possibly slowing or preventing the growth of cancer cells
These benefits don’t necessarily outweigh the calories and refined sugar added to a fancy coffeehouse latte, so I’m thrilled to have this healthy matcha recipe that is dairy-free, naturally-sweetened, and just as delicious.
Does a Matcha Latte Contain more Caffeine than Coffee?
Matcha can have up to three times the caffeine of regular green tea, giving it a similar amount of caffeine to a regular cup of coffee. However, matcha also contains a substance called l-theanine which promotes relaxation (without drowsiness!), so the “buzz” from the caffeine in matcha may keep you more calm, while also being alert.
What Kind of Matcha Powder to Use?
Not all matcha is created equal, so the first thing I look for is one that is certified organic. I bought Jade Leaf Matcha Green Tea Powder on Amazon, because I noticed that it’s USDA certified organic and it’s third-party tested in the United States for purity and safety.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn on qualifying purchases.
When shopping for matcha, make sure the only ingredient on the label is matcha powder. Some brands sell matcha “mixes” where the first ingredient is sugar or powdered milk, so it’s more like a hot chocolate mix than a health beverage.
Does Adding Milk to Matcha decrease the health benefits?
The reason I make this Matcha Latte dairy-free is because research has shown that milk can decrease the health benefits found in green tea. The milk protein casein may bind with the antioxidants in the tea, preventing their free radical protection. (source)
How to Make a Matcha Latte at Home
Making a matcha latte is almost faster than brewing a cup of coffee. Inspired by my Instant Vegan Latte, all you have to do is add the matcha powder, a date, and a spoonful of nut butter to your blender with hot or cold water. Blend it for a few seconds and it’s ready to serve!
I like this beverage using homemade almond butter or cashew butter for creaminess, without the need for a specialty vegan milk. However, if you’d prefer to use homemade almond milk or oat milk, feel free to use that instead of the water in this recipe. (You can omit the nut butter in that case!)
3-Minute Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1 cup water (hot or cold)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 2 Medjool dates , pitted
- 1 teaspoon almond butter or cashew butter
Instructions
- For a warm drink, use boiled water, and for an iced drink use cold or room temperature water.
- In a blender, combine the water, dates, almond butter and matcha. Blend until the dates have totally broken down and the mixture looks creamy.
- Taste and adjust the ingredients as needed to your taste. I typically use 1/2 teaspoon of matcha to keep the caffeine lower, but 1 teaspoon will have more and a stronger matcha flavor.
- If you don't have a high-speed blender, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any bits of date that didn't get blended, directly into your cup. Serve right away, and over ice for a chilled drink.
Nutrition
Per Serving: Calories: 163, Fat: 2g, Carbohydrates: 36, Fiber: 3g, Protein: 1g
Recipe Notes:
- For a sugar-free drink, feel free to leave out the dates. It’s still creamy just using the small amount of nut butter.
- If you’d like to use a different natural sweetener, feel free to use honey or maple syrup to taste.
- For a nut-free latte, use homemade oat milk instead of water and omit the almond butter.
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Reader Feedback: Do you have a favorite matcha recipe? I like adding it to my Matcha Mint Cookies.
Wow, this is delicious! I thought matcha was much more involved than this, so thank you again for sharing such an easy and approachable recipe. I used the full teaspoon of matcha in my latte this morning, and I’m definitely feeling energized!
Thanks!!!!👌
This was so fast and easy to make. I used the full teaspoon of matcha and loved it!
So. Good.
I’m trying to wean myself off of coffee and tried this today. It’s so good and easy! Thanks for sharing.
Love the photos! I’ve never thought to add dates to my matcha lattes before, will have to give it a try!
-Jared
Is there a healthy Macha tea Joe’s? That can be purchased at Costco, Walmart or Trader Joes?
SO easy and delicious! Just used water and it was still full of flavor.
I’ve been making this everyday this week and can’t imagine my mornings without it now. So good!! Thank you!!
I had run out of almond milk & oat milk – made this latte and its delicious!! Creamy, sweet and frothy.
Outstanding, love this drink.
I used sun butter. Tasted great. I was so pleasantly impressed
Yum!! I used vanilla almond milk and tahini instead of almond butter because that’s what I had on hand.
So yummy and easy! I did a cup of almond milk and a cup of water. Added a total of 6 Deglet Noor dates. I doubled the recipe. Thanks for another keeper and winner recipe!
This is a dynamite little treat. Thanks for sharing!! Had mine hot for a late afternoon pick me up. Such an interesting combination and feels so nourishing as you sip!!
Love this recipe! Also love that I could make my own almond milk in the process 🙂 I added 10 mint leaves to make it minty
Delicious!!
I was surprised how good yet simple this recipe was. The matcha flavor is great even with 1/2 tsp. Thank you Megan!