What Does Matcha Latte Taste Like? Full Flavor Guide

What’s creamy, bitter, earthy, sweet and delicious? A matcha latte.

If you’ve never had a matcha latte then you’re certainly in for a treat!

But, what does matcha latte taste like?

The taste of a matcha latte can be described as the perfect blend of bitterness, sweetness and creaminess. The slightly bitter taste comes from matcha while it’s complimented by the creamy, smooth texture of the frothed milk Adding additional sweeteners might further elevate the taste according to your preference.

If you’re curious about the natural taste of matcha latte or how to make it then read below. This blog covers the full flavor guide on what matcha latte tastes like with variation ways to enhance the natural taste.

What Is a Matcha Latte?

Matcha latte is a popular and tasty beverage that can be either made at home or found in many cafes.

A matcha latte is a delicious beverage that perfectly mixes matcha powder, milk or dairy alternative, and a sweetener.  The addition of matcha is a twist on the classic latte which has a much more vegetal flavor profile than coffee. It tastes sweet, earthy, and slightly bitter with a creamy texture.

Matcha is known for its potential health benefits. Since it is made from the entire tea leaf, matcha packs a more potent nutritional punch than traditional green tea. It contains high antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins, potentially benefiting your health and well-being.

However, the preparation affects the health benefits. Matcha lattes can be a healthy choice if you avoid adding excessive amounts of sugar or dairy. So next time you want a new healthy and flavorful drink, consider treating yourself to a delightful matcha latte!

What Does Matcha Latte Taste Like?

When you first taste a matcha latte, you may notice its unique flavor profile. 

A matcha latte has a delightful taste that perfectly balances earthy, sweet, and slightly bitter notes. The distinct vibrant green color and earthy taste come from the matcha, while the milk contributes to its creaminess and is often sweetened for added depth.

Matcha is known for its umami taste, pleasant savory taste, and natural sweetness. This rich and full-bodied flavor is balanced by the slight bitterness from the tea’s high catechin content.

The taste of a matcha latte can vary depending on the grade and quality of the matcha green tea powder used. Higher-quality matcha tends to have a more vibrant green color and a smoother, less bitter taste. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what matcha latte tastes like.

Sweetness

Matcha lattes range in sweetness levels because of the preparation and ingredients used. While some matcha lattes are left unsweetened, some prefer adding a sweetener to balance matcha’s bitterness.

Typically, matcha is sweetened by using sugar or honey. This helps amplify the natural sweetness of the matcha powder. Sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or sugar syrup can add a more nuanced flavor.

Bitterness

One of the notable characteristics of matcha is its slight bitterness. The bitterness in your matcha latte comes from catechins, a natural antioxidant in green tea leaves. 

The intensity of this bitter taste can be influenced by the grade and quality of the matcha powder used in the latte. Higher-quality matcha tends to be less bitter, delivering a smoother taste. At the same time, lower-grade matches are more bitter and have less of a naturally sweet flavor.

Creaminess

Adding milk or dairy substitutes will help produce a matcha latte’s creaminess. Dairy, almond, or soy milk can create a rich, creamy mouthfeel. 

This creaminess complements the matcha’s distinct flavor by adding depth and smoothness to the beverage. When properly blended, it can even enhance the overall tasting experience.

The type of milk used can change the taste. For example, almond milk may leave a slight nuttiness, while oat milk may give a slightly sweet and creamy texture.

Aroma

When you sip a matcha latte, you’ll notice its distinct aroma. It’s fresh, slightly sweet, and vegetal, all characteristics of a quality matcha latte. 

This aroma results from matcha powder and milk, creating a unique and inviting scent.

Matcha itself has a fresh green leaves aroma. While the milk in the latte has a rich and warm aroma that complements matcha well. 

Umami

Matcha lattes showcase a rich umami flavor, the fifth taste sensation often called a “savory” taste. The umami taste of matcha is derived from its amino acids, particularly L-theanine.

This umami flavor blends with the other components in a matcha latte, delivering a depth and complexity that distinguishes it from other drinks.

With these taste profiles in mind, enjoy exploring a matcha latte’s unique flavors and sensations.

The Factors Affecting Matcha Latte Taste

Here are several factors that can affect how a matcha latte tastes.

Matcha Quality

The quality of the matcha you use plays a big role in how a matcha latte tastes.

High-quality matcha gives a smooth, vibrant green color and a rich, slightly sweet vegetal taste. While lower-quality matcha may have a more dull color and can be bitter or astringent in taste. 

The flavor and aroma are big reasons why matcha is so expensive.

Here’s a breakdown of the difference between higher and lower-quality matcha.

Factors	Lower-quality matcha	High-quality matcha
Tea Leaf Quality	Often made from lower-quality tea leaves, usually from later harvests	Made from higher-quality, early-harvest tea leaves
Flavor	It can have a bitter taste due to higher amounts of astringencyLess vibrant, grassy aroma and flavor	Smooth, complex flavor profile with little to no bitternessPronounced, pleasant grassy aroma
Color	It may have a dull, pale green color	Bright, vibrant green color
Health Benefits	Lower levels of antioxidants and amino acids	Higher concentration of antioxidants and amino acids, such as L-theanine

Milk or Dairy Alternative 

The type of milk used in your matcha latte will also affect the overall taste. Dairy milk, such as whole or skim milk, can provide a creamy, rich flavor that complements the earthy taste of matcha. 

Alternatively, plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk can provide a unique twist to the flavor profile of your latte. 

Each alternative milk option has distinct characteristics, so trying different kinds of milk can help you find your preferred taste.

Types of Sweeteners

Adding sweeteners to your matcha latte can help balance the taste and bring out the subtle flavors of matcha. 

Various sweeteners can be used, depending on your preference and dietary needs. Some options include:

• Sugar: Traditional white or brown sugar can add a classic sweetness to your latte.
• Honey: Honey can provide a natural sweetness with a hint of floral or fruity flavor.
• Agave: Agave syrup has a lower glycemic index than sugar, making it a suitable option for those watching their sugar intake.
• Stevia: Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener that can be used in small amounts to sweeten your latte without adding calories.

Experimenting with different sweeteners can help you find the perfect balance of flavor in your matcha latte. Avoid adding too much sweetener because it can overpower the natural flavor of matcha.

Are Matcha Lattes Gluten-Free?

If you’re a celiac or have gluten sensitivities, you may wonder, are matcha lattes gluten-free?

Yes, matcha lattes are gluten-free because neither matcha powder, sweetener, or milk contains gluten, which is the protein in wheat, barley, and rye. Matcha latte is suitable for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. 

Matcha is made from the green tea leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Since there aren’t any traces of gluten, matcha is gluten-free.

All types of plain cow’s milk are naturally gluten-free. While dairy alternatives such as plain milk made from coconut, macadamia nut, almond, and soy are gluten-free. If you are sensitive to gluten, avoiding oat milk is best. Although oat milk is inherently gluten-free, some oats are cross-contaminated, so it’s best to read the label.

Additionally, pure matcha is low in FODMAP, which is great for anyone with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Just make sure to check whether the dairy and sweeteners are also FODMAP-friendly.

What Does A Matcha Latte Taste Like At Starbucks?

Although Starbucks is a coffee shop, they have a respectable menu of matcha-flavored beverages. One of the most popular is their matcha latte, which can be warm or cold.

A Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte latte has a creamy, smooth texture, and the taste is a mix of the natural earthiness of matcha and the sweetness from added sugar. 

Starbucks uses a matcha powder pre-blended with sugar to create their lattes, making their version taste sweeter than a traditional matcha latte made with unsweetened matcha powder.

Since Starbucks matcha powder is pre-sweetened, it does contain more calories than usual. Also, pre-mixed matches tend to have a much sweeter taste profile which may overpower matcha’s natural bitterness.

Here’s the nutritional information:

Nutritional Factor	Tall	Grande	Venti
Calories	190	240	320
Caffeine	55 mg	80 mg	110 mg
Cholesterol	20 mg	25 mg	35 mg
Total Fat	5 g	7 g	9 g
Total Carbohydrates	25 g	34 g	45 g
Protein	10 g	12 g	16 g
Scoops of Matcha Powder	2	3	4

If you’d like to control how much sugar is in your matcha latte, you can make your own! Below is a simple and convenient recipe for a homemade matcha latte.

How To Make a Matcha Latte At Home

Here’s a simple and easy matcha latte recipe you can make at home. Luckily, making a matcha latte doesn’t require many ingredients since the star is quality matcha powder.

Tools and ingredients

To make a delicious matcha latte at your own home, you will need the following tools and ingredients:

• A small bowl or matcha bowl
• A bamboo whisk or an electric frother
• 1-2 teaspoons of ceremonial matcha powder
• 8 ounces of milk or dairy alternative
• Optional sweetener of choice
• 2 ounces of hot water

Recipe and directions

1. Heat water in an electric kettle to about 175°. 
2. Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha into a small bowl to remove clumps.
3. Add 2 ounces of hot water to the bowl with the sifted matcha powder.
4. Whisk the matcha and hot water together using a bamboo whisk or electric frother until it forms a smooth, frothy layer. Be sure to whisk in a zig-zag motion for the best results.
5. Heat 8 ounces of your preferred milk or milk alternative in a separate saucepan or microwave until warm.
6. Pour the heated milk into a serving cup.
7. Slowly pour the prepared matcha mixture into the serving cup with the warm milk, and stir gently to combine.
8. Add sweetener if desired, and enjoy your homemade matcha latte!

Different Variations of Matcha Latte

When enjoying a matcha latte, you have several options to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations that you can try to customize your matcha latte experience.

1. Experiment with the type of milk you use

A traditional matcha latte uses steamed milk, but you can easily switch things up using different milk types. 

For a creamier taste, try whole milk or even oat milk. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, almond, soy, and coconut milk are popular choices with unique flavors.

Some dairy alternatives are also pre-sweetened. These are good options if you prefer a sweeter matcha latte than usual.

Dairy alternatives

There are various milk alternatives that you can use to make your matcha latte. Some popular choices include:

• Almond milk
• Soy milk
• Coconut milk
• Oat milk
• Rice milk

Feel free to try and choose the milk alternative that best suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.

2. Adjust the sweetness to your liking

A classic matcha latte usually contains a sweetener like simple or granulated white sugar.

Natural sweaters such as honey, agave syrup, or cane sugar are great options because they add depth to the flavor. 

If you prefer a less sweet beverage or have dietary restrictions, you can choose sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amount of sweetener to suit your taste buds.

Sugar alternatives

If you prefer a sweet matcha latte but want to avoid traditional sugar, consider using natural alternatives like:

• Raw honey
• Maple syrup
• Stevia
• Agave syrup
• Coconut sugar

Experiment with different sugar alternatives to find the one that adds sweetness to your matcha latte experience.

3. Play around with added flavors and toppings

Consider using additional flavorings to add some extra depth to your matcha latte. Natural extracts like vanilla, almond, and coconut can enhance the taste and aroma of your drink. 

For a festive touch, add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.

Lastly, if you’re a fan of boba milk tea, then consider adding tapioca pearls to your matcha latte. Not only do they taste good, but they add a nice chewy texture to each sip.

4. Explore different matcha grades

The flavor profile of matcha can vary depending on how it’s produced.

Ceremonial grade matcha, made from the youngest and highest quality tea leaves, offers a smoother and less bitter taste than the lower quality culinary grade variety. 

While there are endless ways to customize your matcha latte, these suggestions offer a great starting point. Mix and match these ideas to create the perfect beverage that suits your taste and preferences. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Matcha Lattes

Final Thoughts

A matcha latte is one of the most popular teas worldwide and for a good reason.

Its delightful balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and faintly grassy notes promises a refreshing experience that could easily top your beverage favorites. While the flavor nuances can hinge on the matcha’s quality, premium matcha typically deliver a richer umami taste with less bitterness. 

Now it’s your time to dive into the world of matcha latte and taste it for yourself!