A matcha latte combines powdered Japanese green tea with milk. It may be served hot or iced and can be unsweetened or flavored. Unlike a coffee latte, it does not contain espresso unless the recipe intentionally adds it.
What is in a matcha latte?
A basic matcha latte contains:
- Matcha powder
- A small amount of water to disperse the powder
- Dairy or plant-based milk
- Optional sweetener or flavoring
- Ice for an iced version
At Tay Leaf, the standard base is 4 g matcha whisked with 30 g water at 160°F / 71°C. For a 16 oz iced drink, we pair it with approximately 160 g milk and ice. A hot latte uses roughly 220–240 g steamed milk.
What does a matcha latte taste like?
Matcha contributes vegetal, umami-rich, gently bitter, and sometimes sweet or nutty notes. Milk softens the bitterness and adds body. The exact taste changes with matcha quality, milk type, dilution, serving temperature, ice, and sweetener.
Kyoto Teien Matcha was selected to remain recognizable in milk while staying balanced enough to drink straight.
Does a matcha latte contain caffeine?
Yes. Matcha comes from the tea plant and naturally contains caffeine. The amount varies with the tea and the grams used. A larger drink does not necessarily contain more caffeine if it uses the same amount of matcha; it may simply contain more milk and ice.
Is a matcha latte automatically sweet?
No. Plain matcha and unsweetened milk do not create the same sweetness as a café drink made with syrup. Sweetening is optional. Start with the unsweetened drink, then add flavor in measured increments until it suits you.
Hot vs. iced matcha latte
Hot latte
Steamed milk produces a warmer aroma, creamy body, and soft foam. Avoid overheating the milk, which can flatten its sweetness and change texture.
Iced latte
Cold milk and ice create a refreshing drink, but melting ice adds dilution. A concentrated matcha base keeps the tea present as the drink sits.
Which milk is best?
There is no single best milk. Dairy milk is rounded and naturally sweet; oat milk tends to be creamy; soy milk has good body and protein; almond milk is lighter and nuttier; coconut milk brings a distinct flavor. For cafés, test taste, separation, steaming performance, allergen procedures, and cost.
How to make one
Use our Hot Matcha Latte Recipe or Iced Matcha Latte Recipe. For flavored versions, explore honey, maple, vanilla, strawberry, mango, lavender, coconut, brown sugar, blueberry, and more in the Complete Matcha Guide.