The Best Iced Matcha Latte

 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!

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What is matcha powder?

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

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 this 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!

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

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 it 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!

 

Looking for more healthy drinks?

• 7 Breakfast Smoothie Recipes
• Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
• Slow Cooker Chai Tea Latte
• Strawberry Smoothie Recipe
• Mango Smoothie Recipe