15 Delicious Ways To Sweeten Matcha
A freshly whisked cup of matcha tastes like no other tea.
It’s earthy, frothy and subtly sweet. The first sip is slightly bitter, but as you continue to enjoy it, the depth of flavors develops so you can pick up vegetal and umami notes.
The earthy and bitter notes of matcha aren’t for everyone, especially if you prefer more sweetness.
So, how can you sweeten matcha without overpowering its natural flavors?
There are numerous unique ways to sweeten matcha to suit your taste buds. Traditional sweeteners like white sugar are often used since they are easy and convenient. Natural sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup add a more complex flavor while providing several essential nutrients. And if you’re making a matcha latte, different flavored milk and dairy alternatives, such as coconut or almond milk, can kick the flavor up a notch.
If you’re curious to learn delicious ways to sweeten your matcha, keep reading. This blog will cover how to sweeten matcha in 15 different ways. You’ll also learn about the best matcha flavor pairings, food pairings, and the worst flavor pairings.
What Does Matcha Taste Like?
The popularity of Matcha has grown globally because of its reputation for having a delicious taste, unique powered form, and countless health benefits. Matcha is produced from shade-grown leaves, which affects its taste, nutritional value and imparts a vibrant green hue.
Matcha has a slightly sweet, vegetal taste with hints of earthy and umami notes. It’s bitter during the first sip but becomes smooth and sweet afterward. Matcha can also be slightly bitter, depending on its quality and preparation.
What sets matcha apart from other teas is the production process. Green tea leaves are grounded with granite stone until they become a fine powder. This is why matcha doesn’t have a strong, bitter taste like oolong, black or green tea.
The preparation is quite different for matcha because the powder has to be whisked in hot water. This results in a creamy and frothy texture.
Matcha can be alone without any sugar or other flavor enhancers. But it also makes the perfect vessel to add complimentary flavors such as vanilla, yuzu, or honey. It’s a versatile and delicious tea that can be hot or cold.
Although matcha has a subtle sweetness, many like to enhance the taste by adding sweeteners to tea. Let’s dive into several ways to sweeten matcha.
How to Sweeten Matcha In 15 Delicious Ways
There are various ways to sweeten matcha to suit your taste buds. In this section, we’ll cover numerous methods to enhance the flavor of your matcha.
1. White sugar
White sugar is a staple in many kitchens and the simplest way to sweeten matcha. It’s easy, straightforward, and inexpensive. Add a teaspoon or two, depending on your preference, and stir well to dissolve.
2. Brown sugar
For a richer flavor, use brown sugar. The caramel-like taste pairs well with matcha’s earthy undertones and adds an extra depth of flavor. Kokuto is a Japanese brown sugar used to flavor Okinawa milk tea. It has a roasted, rich and caramel-like flavor that also complements matcha.
3. Honey
Honey adds a hint of floral sweetness to your matcha. Start with a small amount and adjust until you achieve the desired sweetness. It’s rich in many essential nutrients with trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
4. Maple syrup
Maple syrup offers a unique, natural sweetness with hints of caramel and vanilla. Start with a drizzle and adjust to your liking. Opt for pure maple syrup rather than artificial alternatives.
5. Sugar syrup
Sugar syrup is a quick and convenient sweetener. You can make your own by heating equal parts of sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Add different flavors to sugar syrup, such as fresh vanilla beans, which gives it a pleasant aroma. Store it in a squeeze bottle and make sweetening matcha a breeze.
6. Stevia
For a calorie-free option, try stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant. Although stevia tastes sweeter than white sugar, it has zero calories and doesn’t lead to blood sugar spikes. It’s a great alternative for anyone dealing diabetes or watching their weight.
7. Medjool dates
Blend your matcha with a pitted Medjool date for a natural and subtly sweet flavor. Medjool dates also provide extra nutrients and fiber.
8. Coconut milk
Coconut milk offers a rich, creamy sweetness to matcha. Add a splash to your matcha latte and enjoy this earthy, nutty, sweet flavor profile.
9. Almond milk
Almond milk is another dairy-free alternative used to sweeten matcha. Its nutty sweetness and creaminess add depth in flavor to your matcha. Opt for an unsweetened version if you want to control the sugar content.
10. Oat milk
Oat milk is a popular plant-based milk offering a smooth, creamy texture and natural sweetness. It pairs well with matcha and can easily be frothed for a matcha latte.
11. Macadamia nut milk
Macadamia nut milk is a luxurious, creamy milk with a subtle sweetness that complements matcha’s flavor. It’s perfect for a decadent matcha latte.
12. Coconut sugar
Coconut sugar has a caramel-like flavor similar to brown sugar but with a lower glycemic index. Sprinkle a little into your matcha and stir well.
13. Agave syrup
Agave syrup is a sweet liquid derived from the agave plant. It dissolves easily and provides a gentle, balanced sweetness to matcha. This sweetener has a lower glycemic index than sugar which is great for people maintaining their blood sugar levels.
14. Cane sugar
Cane sugar is less processed than white sugar and consists of larger crystals that add a light sweetness to your matcha. Sprinkle the desired amount and stir to dissolve.
15. Yuzu marmalade
Yuzu marmalade is a Japanese citrus preserve with a tangy, sweet flavor. The combination of matcha and yuzu is a common flavor pairing in Japan. Add a spoonful to your matcha for a delightful twist.
Remember, experimenting with different options and adjusting quantities to suit your taste is the key to finding your perfect sweetener. Enjoy exploring these delicious ways to sweeten your matcha!
How To Sweeten Matcha Latte
A matcha latte is one of the most popular ways to enjoy this tea. Making a matcha latte is simple; mix matcha, warm milk, and your favorite sweetener to create a rich, creamy, sweet drink.
Here are simple step-by-step instructions to make a delicious matcha latte:
- First, boil water until it reaches 170°F (76°C) for the best matcha flavor.
- Use 1-2 grams of matcha and whisk powder with hot water in a bowl.
- Then heat milk or a dairy alternative such as coconut, almond, or oat milk in a saucepan or microwave until it steals but not boiling. Use a pre-sweetened dairy alternative if you’d like it to taste sweeter.
- Then add your chosen sweetener, such as honey or agave syrup, to the milk and stir until fully dissolved. You can adjust the sweetness to taste.
- Pour the sweetened milk into a cup, add the prepared matcha, and stir well to combine.
The Best Matcha Flavor Pairings
Finding the right flavors to pair with your matcha can make a difference in creating delicious and satisfying beverages or dishes. As a versatile ingredient, matcha can blend well with various flavors to suit your taste preferences.
Here are some flavors that go exceptionally well with matcha:
1. Tart: Tart pairings such as raspberries, strawberries, or yuzu can create a nice balance of flavors. The tartness balances out the bitterness of matcha. It’s an excellent choice for smoothies or dessert toppings. Adding citrus fruits like yuzu to your matcha adds freshness to your beverage.
2. Vanilla: The essence of vanilla pairs well with the umami taste of matcha. It’s a popular combination for matcha lattes, adding depth to the flavor profile. Add vanilla to your matcha recipes can help you achieve a balanced and delightful flavor.
3. Creamy: The smooth and creamy texture can enhance the taste of matcha in various drinks and desserts. Try adding milk or a dairy alternative to make matcha lattes. Use whipped cream as a topping for matcha-infused baked goods.
4. Sweet: Sweetness compliments the bitterness and earthy flavor of matcha. These ingredients enhance matcha’s natural umami notes, whether sugar, honey, syrup, or fresh fruit. Matcha’s natural flavor adds depth to desserts like matcha cheesecake, ice cream, or milkshakes.
5. Umami: Umami is the fifth taste, providing a savory flavor that complements matcha’s earthy, vegetal notes. Seaweed, mushrooms, and soy sauce are examples of umami-flavored foods. The natural sweetness in umami foods contrasts matcha’s slight bitterness, giving a balanced and enjoyable flavor.
Feel free to mix and match the suggested flavors with matcha in your recipes, experimenting with combinations that work best for your taste buds.
The Worst Matcha Flavor Pairings
While matcha is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed with various flavors, there are certain combinations to avoid. Your palate understands that matcha has a distinctive taste, which can be highlighted or overshadowed by other flavors.
Let’s explore some flavor pairings that don’t work well with matcha.
Strong spices: Avoid pairing matcha with overpowering spices like cumin, curry, or chili, as they can mask matcha’s unique taste and umami flavor. Strong spices can easily overpower the delicate sweetness of matcha.
Rich and intense: Avoid combining matcha with pungent ingredients like blue cheese, kimchi, or garlic. The intense aroma of these foods can clash with matcha’s earthy, grassy profile, creating an unpleasant sensory experience.
Overly sweet: Lastly, there may be better choices than extremely sweet fruity flavors like pineapple, mango, or fruit-flavored syrups for matcha pairings. These flavors can overpower matcha’s subtle, natural sweetness, making it challenging to appreciate matcha’s unique taste.
When looking for matcha flavor pairings, focus on mild, earthy, or creamy flavors that complement rather than compete with matcha’s complex, umami taste.
What Foods Pair Well With Matcha?
The distinct taste of matcha pairs well with a wide variety of flavors, making it easy to create a beverage or dish that truly delights your taste buds. Some of these food pairings are great ways on how to naturally sweeten matcha, without adding sugar.
Here are some of the best food pairings to complement your matcha:
Fruits
Adding fruits to your matcha drink or dish can enhance its natural sweetness. Some of the best fruits for this purpose include pineapple, which brings a delightful tropical touch, and berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, which contribute a refreshing burst of fruity flavor.
White chocolate
For something decadent, you can enjoy your matcha alongside or in combination with white chocolate. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate complements the earthiness of the matcha, creating a luxurious and indulgent treat.
Matcha KitKats are the perfect combination of matcha and white chocolate melted together. It’s rich, sweet, and creamy but has matcha’s distinct earthy notes.
Nuts and seeds
To add a hint of nuttiness and natural sweetness to your matcha, consider adding nuts or seeds to your beverage or dessert. Almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds all round out the flavors and add some extra depth.
Desserts
Matcha and desserts are a perfect pair! Matcha’s unique, earthy flavor tones down the sweetness of desserts and adds a vibrant green color. Its distinctive flavor pairs well with dessert flavors like chocolate and vanilla or fruity flavors like strawberry or mango.
Mochi
Mochi and matcha are a heavenly Japanese duo. A fresh mochi’s chewy and soft texture matches matcha’s creaminess. Mochi’s sweetness enhances the flavor of matcha. In Japan, mochi is served with matcha during tea ceremonies. This cultural connection further strengthens the combination.
Wagashi
In Japanese culture, matcha has enjoyed alongside traditional wagashi sweets. Wagashi are confection desserts typically served alongside green tea. They feature red bean paste, mochi, and intricate matcha designs. The subtle sweetness of wagashi contrasts nicely with the earthy and bitter flavor of matcha.
Baked goods
When you pair matcha with baked, the flavors blend to create a tasting experience. The sweet notes of a fresh cake or cookie go well with the slight bitterness of the matcha. The possibilities of combining matcha with baked goods are endless – cakes, cookies, muffins, and bread.
Red bean paste
Red bean paste and matcha are two popular combinations in Japanese sweets. The bitter, earthy matcha flavor pairs well with the sweetness of the red bean paste. Additionally, the texture of the red bean paste adds a nice contrast to the smoothness of matcha.
Remember, a little can go a long way when sweetening your matcha. It is important to find the perfect balance that enhances the flavor without masking its unique taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try various combinations — you might just discover a new favorite matcha pairing!
Frequently Asked Questions About Matcha Flavor
The best way to sweeten matcha is to find a flavor enhancement that suits your personal taste. You may add natural sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. They’re great options that won’t spike blood sugar levels. Alternatively, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia if you prefer a low-calorie option.
There are several ways to reduce the bitterness of matcha. Use high-quality matcha powder because lower-grade matcha tends to be more bitter. Sift the matcha powder before whisking to prevent lumps and ensure a smoother texture. Use water at the correct temperature, ideally around 170°F (76°C). Boiling water can increase bitterness.
The natural sweetness of matcha depends on its quality. Higher-grade matcha has a subtle sweetness, while lower-grade varieties can taste more bitter. Use a higher-grade matcha powder or add a sweetener to suit your preferences for a sweeter taste.
Yes, using boiling water to prepare matcha can increase its bitterness. Water at around 170°F (76°C) is recommended for the best flavor. Allowing freshly boiled water to cool for a minute or two can help achieve the ideal temperature.
To enjoy matcha without sugar, use milk or a dairy alternative to add a creamy, natural sweetness without adding sugar. Add fruit like a ripe banana to a matcha smoothie. Experiment with different tea blends by mixing matcha with naturally sweeter herbs, such as mint or lemon balm.
Starbucks uses a proprietary matcha powder that comes pre-mixed with sugar. It’s unknown what type of sugar Starbucks uses, but it’s likely powered white sugar due to the flavor. Additionally, Starbucks offers several flavored sugar syrups to add more sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Matcha is a unique tea with earthy, vegetal, and subtly sweet flavors. However, its natural bitterness may not appeal to everyone.
Fortunately, several ways exist to sweeten matcha without overpowering its natural flavors. From traditional sweeteners like white sugar to natural sweeteners like honey and even flavored milk and dairy alternatives, plenty of options suit your taste buds.
With this comprehensive guide on sweetening matcha, you can experiment with different flavors and pairings to find your perfect cup of matcha.
