If you’re a matcha enthusiast like me, you know that the choice of milk can make or break your perfect matcha latte.
The creamy texture, velvety smoothness, and unique flavour of your latte all depend on the type of milk you use. In recent years, there has been an explosion of plant-based milk options on the market, giving us even more choices to experiment with.
But which milks enhance a matcha latte, and which milks just don’t work well with matcha?
Join me as we dive into the world of milk for matcha lattes, exploring the different types and their pros and cons, so you can create your own delicious matcha latte at home.
Why drink matcha tea?
Since spontaneously ordering my first coffee shop matcha latte, I haven’t looked back. Matcha has now almost fully replaced my regular tea in my daily routine.
What’s so good about matcha? Firstly, I like the taste. Matcha tea is has a light flavour, a little bit sweet and savoury at the same time. It is not an overpowering taste, like regular tea can sometimes be.
Secondly, I’ve found my concentration and energy levels have dramatically improved since switching out regular tea for matcha tea. This is no doubt thanks to the slow and steady dispersion of caffeine from matcha, as opposed to the sharp peak and drop of a caffeine high from regular tea.
Matcha contains up to five times more L-theanine than is found in green tea. L-theanine is an amino acid known for improving brain function. Which is probably why I feel a lot more alert and productive since developing my habit for matcha lattes!
What is Matcha?
Matcha consists of green tea leaves that have been ground into a fine powder. With its origins rooted in ancient Chinese tea culture, matcha offers a myriad of health benefits that have earned it a well-deserved reputation as a superfood.
The benefits of matcha tea
- Matcha is packed with antioxidants and catechins like EGCG, which help combat free radicals and support overall cellular health.
- It’s known to boost metabolism and aid in weight management by increasing thermogenesis and fat oxidation.
- Matcha provides a sustained, clean energy boost due to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine.
- Matcha promotes alertness without the jitters associated with coffee.
- It contains chlorophyll, which supports detoxification
- Matcha’s rich concentration of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals contributes to improved mental clarity and relaxation.
- Regular consumption of matcha can enhance immune function, lower cholesterol levels, and promote cardiovascular health.
What is the best milk for Matcha Latte?
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a popular choice for those seeking a creamy matcha latte with a hint of tropical flavour. Thanks to the sweet taste of coconut milk, it pairs exceptionally well with the umami taste of matcha powder.
I have particularly enjoyed the Pret a Manger matcha latte, made with a coconut and rice milk combination. Coconut milk works particularly well in an iced matcha latte.
Pros:
- High in fat for an decadent matcha latte
Cons:
- It’s distinct flavour may overshadow the delicate taste of matcha.
- Doesn’t froth well
- Curdles at high temperatures
Matcha latte made with coconut milk seems to divide opinion. It’s worth trying coconut milk in your matcha latte to see if you are a fan or not.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is known for its high protein content, making it a popular choice for vegans looking for a protein boost in their matcha latte. It has a slightly sweet flavour that pairs nicely with matcha’s earthy notes.
Pros:
- Soy milk froths the best out of all the plant-based milks
- Protein levels almost on a par with cow’s milk
Cons:
- Soy milk has a distinctive flavour that can overpower the matcha
- Produces large bubbles when frothed
Cashew Milk
Cashew milk is a less common but excellent choice for a creamy matcha latte. It’s known for its rich texture and creamy flavour, adding a luxurious touch to your drink.
Pros:
- Creamy and neutral in flavour
Cons:
- Not as widely available as other plant-based milks
Rice Milk
Rice milk is one of the lighter milk options, both in terms of flavour and texture. If you’re looking for a matcha latte that won’t overpower the delicate taste of matcha, rice milk is a great choice.
However, rice milk has a very different profile to cow’s milk, so it’s often best practice to blend rice milk with another plant-based milk in order to create a creamy frothy matcha latte.
Pros:
- One of the lowest calorie plant-based milks
- Mild flavour
Cons:
- Rice milk can be watery
- Rice milk does not contain enough protein to froth
Almond Milk
Almond milk is another great option. It has a mild nutty flavour that complements the earthy taste of matcha. Almond milk froths well, creating a lovely, creamy texture in your latte. Plus, it’s readily available in most grocery stores.
Pros:
- Creamy and froths well
- Naturally slightly sweet
Cons:
- A more distinct flavour than oat milk
- Almond milk has a higher environmental impact than other plant-based milks
Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is a nutritious option packed with healthy fats and a seedy flavour. It can give your matcha latte a unique twist and boost its nutritional value.
Pros:
Froths well
Cons:
Hemp milk has a vegetal taste, as does matcha. So you’d be doubling up on that umami flavour by using hemp milk in your latte.
Oat Milk
Oat milk has gained popularity in recent years, and it’s no surprise why. It’s naturally sweet, making it a good choice if you prefer a sweeter matcha latte without added sugar. It froths well and offers a velvety texture.
Pros:
- Doesn’t have an overpowering flavour
- Froths well (especially barista versions)
- Oat is an inexpensive crop with a comparatively small environmental footprint.
Cons:
- Oat milk is not suitable for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Cow’s Milk
For those who can tolerate dairy, whole milk can create a rich and creamy matcha latte.
Cow’s milk with ceremonial grade matcha is one of the most popular matcha latte combinations. However, it’s not one that I personally enjoy. I find that the distinct taste of cow’s milk detracts from the flavour of the matcha.
Pros:
- Makes for a very creamy matcha latte
- Cow’s milk is cheaper than plant-based milks
Cons:
- Cow’s milk is less healthy than plant-based milks
- Not suitable for vegans or people who need to be dairy free
Top tips for the best matcha latte
Now that we’ve explored different kinds of milk, let’s talk about enhancing the flavour of your matcha latte:
Sweeteners: You can sweeten your matcha latte to your personal preference with options like maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla essence or honey. The vegetal taste of matcha definitely works best when combined with a subtle sweetener.
Matcha Powder: Using high-quality matcha is crucial for the best results. Look for ceremonial grade matcha for a delicate taste and vibrant green colour. Use culinary grade matcha for a more robust matcha flavour.
Matcha Whisk: Invest in a bamboo whisk for proper matcha preparation. Matcha does not fully dissolve in water, so a whisk is important. It helps to evenly disperse the matcha powder and create a creamy, frothy texture.
My verdict on the best milk for matcha lattes
Having experimented a lot with different types of milk for my matcha drinks, my vote goes to oat milk as the best milk for a matcha latte.
Oat milk doesn’t disrupt the taste of the matcha. With it’s neutral base notes, oat milk allows you to build your preferred matcha latte recipe. Oat milk will provide a subtle sweet taste, but won’t be too sweet like coconut milk.
A barista oat milk works really well in matcha latte recipes, thanks to it’s creamy frothy texture.
Barista oat milk is available in most supermarkets. Or if like me, you find your milk and bread supplies run low way faster than your weekly shop, you can use a milk delivery service for your oat milk.
What is the best matcha?
Over the past months I have been trying out various different milks and various different matcha brands on the search for the best matcha latte that I can make at home.
I’ve learnt that cheaper bulk matcha brands taste nothing like a good quality matcha powder, and that plant-based milks lead to a superior matcha latte.
My current favourite matcha powder is Sweet Revolution’s vanilla matcha latte. The added vanilla counteracts any bitterness from the earthy tones of the matcha.
My go-to matcha latte recipe
1. Heat some barista oat milk
2. Add in a small amount of brown sugar if you have a sweet tooth.
3. Whisk in 1 teaspoon of matcha powder until frothy
4. Your matcha latte is ready to drink!
For the iced matcha latte version:
1. Whisk 1 teaspoon of matcha powder alongside your preferred sweetener in a small amount of hot water (boiling water takes the goodness out of the matcha)
2. Add in cold oat milk and whisk until frothy
3. Add ice cubes
You can also whizz your iced matcha latte in a blender with some ice for a frappe-style matcha.
The best milk for your matcha latte ultimately comes down to personal preference and dietary needs. Whether you’re a fan of plant-based or dairy-based options, there’s a milk of choice that can help you create your own perfect matcha latte.
Experiment with different types of milk and find the one that suits your taste buds and dietary requirements. With a good milk frother and quality matcha powder, you can enjoy a delicious matcha latte in the comfort of your home, rivalling those served in your favourite coffee shops.
Cheers to your creamy, flavourful, and oh-so-delicious matcha latte journey!
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Thank you to The Modern Milkman for partnering with Sorry About The Mess on this article. Check out their guide all about the best plant milk options for tea
