This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Save money and make this four ingredient iced matcha latte at home! Mildly sweet and ready in 5 minutes, it's the perfect afternoon pick me up.
Matcha is a really great coffee alternative, but I don't love how pricey it can be to buy at a coffee shop. The smarter alternative? Make it yourself at home! Just like my favorite matcha avocado smoothie, this iced matcha latte is ready in under 5 minutes, and tastes just as good as store bought!
Refreshing and packed full of antioxidants, this is my go-to afternoon pick me up. I think you'll love it too!
Matcha powder is made from green tea leaves, but the growing process is slightly different: during the last 30 days, it is grown in the absence of direct sunlight (1), which stimulates the leaves to produce more chlorophyll, giving the leaves a more intense green color. The green tea leaves are harvested extremely quickly, preserving the nutrients.
Because matcha powder is made from the whole green tea leaf, it is rich in antioxidants, including some which are linked to cancer prevention (2), reducing arthritis symptoms (3), and boosting brain function (1).
Types of Matcha Powder for this Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
Matcha comes in two different categories: ceremonial or culinary powders. Ceremonial is often more expensive, and is made from the youngest tea leaves; while culinary is made from older tea leaves and is on the cheaper end of the spectrum (4).
Because it is a higher quality, ceremonial matcha powder is often used for tea ceremonies or drinking it straight. Culinary matcha powder is less smooth in flavor, and is used in smoothies, baking and other recipes.
For this iced matcha latte recipe, you can use any type of matcha powder. I've used Jade Leaf Matcha Powder in the past (it's pricy but delicious) as well as a cheaper brand I purchased at Costco (less smooth, but you don't notice in a recipe like this).
How to Make The Best Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
To make it, we are going to need four simple ingredients, as well as a blender. To your blender, add almond milk, matcha powder, vanilla extract and maple syrup. Blend until smooth, then pour over ice and enjoy!
Matcha Iced Latte: Sweeten to Taste
I like to keep it pretty light on the sweetener, but feel free to add additional maple syrup if you'd like yours sweeter.
Boost the Health Benefits of Your Matcha Iced Latte
Many people like to add other ingredients to their matcha lattes to get added health benefits:
add MCT or coconut oil to make it creamier and more filling
add a scoop of collagen for added protein
add adaptogens (herbal additives which are thought to reduce stress and restore balance in your body); ashwagandha, rishi and lion's mane are four adaptogens that I've personally tried
Can You Make this Iced Matcha Latte Recipe Ahead?
If you don't want to get your blender out each time you want your matcha fix, you can blend up a double or triple batch and store in the fridge. Simply shake it back up, add ice, and your matcha is ready and waiting for you!
Fruit - The earthy flavor of matcha is a great contrast with bright flavors of fresh or frozen fruit! You could add 2-3 strawberries, half a peach, or a squeeze of lemon juice if you want a fruity twist. Consider halving the sweetener at first, then adding more if needed after you taste it.
Herbs & Spices - If you like a fall-inspired, warm spiced touch, add cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, etc.. For floral notes, swap the sweetener with 1-2 tablespoons of lavender syrup or steep a hibiscus tea bag in the milk beforehand.
Coffee - A "dirty matcha" layers matcha tea, cream, and espresso on top. You could skip the layering and simply pour your (cooled) shot of espresso right into the blender with everything else!
Milks - Matcha lattes are generally made with non-dairy milks, but you can use a dairy milk if you prefer. Different milks have varying levels of sweetness, so if you swap out the almond milk with oat milk, soy milk, etc., adjust the sweetener to taste.
Matcha Iced Latte FAQs
Where does matcha come from?
While matcha comes from the same plant as all green tea, it's grown and processed with specific techniques to help bring out the most vibrant color, smoothest texture, and best flavor. The best matcha is grown in Japan, likely due to the soil quality, cultivation techniques, and their shading practices.
Is matcha bitter or sweet?
The best matcha should have a balance of sweet, vegetal (or grassy), bitter, and umami. Lower quality matcha may taste more bitter, and using scalding hot water can increase the bitter flavor as well. This iced latte method avoids hot water and includes maple syrup to help make sure you don't get that overwhelmingly bitter flavor.
Do I need any special equipment?
A simple, cheap blender is all you need for this matcha recipe.
While matcha and green tea powder technically come from the same plant, they are not the same. Matcha is cultivated under specific circumstances to bring out different flavors, nutrients, and textures.
Save money and make this four ingredient iced matcha latte at home! Mildly sweet and ready in 5 minutes, it's the perfect afternoon pick me up.
1matcha latte
Ingredients
1 ¼cupalmond milk
⅛teaspoonvanilla extract
1teaspoonmatcha powder
2teaspoons maple syrup(adjust to your preferences)
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend for 20-30 seconds, until all match powder has dissolved.
Pour into a glass filled with ice. Enjoy!
Tips:
Make it aheadBlend up a double or triple batch and store a mason jar with a lid in the fridge for 2-3 days.To serve, shake it back up, add ice, and enjoy!Optional add-ins
1 scoop collagen
1 tablespoon MCT oil or coconut oil
adaptogens (start with ¼ - ½ teaspoon; some can be quite strong in flavor)
Hi, I'm Annie. With a Bachelor of Science degree, a minor in nutrition and nearly 20 year of both classical training, and self-taught experience, I've spent my career proving that home cooking can be practical, delicious and inspiring. What started in 2013 as one food blog has grown into a full-time business. Today, my husband Clayton and I run five food websites that connect with millions of home cooks every month.
When I'm not in the kitchen or behind the camera, I'm using fueling my love of travel, or chasing down new ideas that keep food fun and fresh.
Hi Angela! I don't have a ton of experience with low carb sweeteners but I have enjoyed monk fruit sweetener. I think they have a liquid version which could potentially work in this recipe? https://amzn.to/2ChhzFG
Angela says
Hi - this looks great. I am trying to keep my carbs low so I am wondering if you have an alternative to the maple syrup?
Denise says
Hi Angela! I don't have a ton of experience with low carb sweeteners but I have enjoyed monk fruit sweetener. I think they have a liquid version which could potentially work in this recipe? https://amzn.to/2ChhzFG
Marty says
It is my favorite Starbucks drink at home!!! This is perfect, thank you.
Denise says
And so much cheaper, right?! So happy you enjoyed, Marty!
Danelle says
do you have a recommendation for matcha powder yet? I definitely want to try this!
Denise says
I have tried Jade Leaf and really enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy this if you give it a try 🙂
Doriann says
Delicious!
Denise says
Yay! Happy you enjoyed, Doriann 🙂