I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach, gluten-free recipe creator, and home detoxification expert with a focus on gut health. I show burned-out women with digestive issues how to take a proactive, holistic approach to healing by sharing nutrient-dense recipes, and sustainable lifestyle tips that are easy to implement in everyday life.
When I really need to focus, sipping a coconut milk matcha latte is one of my favorite ways to give my brain an energizing boost. There are myriad ways to enjoy matcha, but this post explores three ways to craft a delicious and nutritious matcha tea latte using non-dairy milks: 1) Coconut Milk Matcha Latte 2) Iced Matcha Latte, and 3) Mint Matcha Latte for a refreshing twist.
With three variations, both hot and cold, there’s a dairy-free matcha latte recipe below that’s sure to suit your fancy.
Matcha is a bright green powder that’s made from finely ground tea leaves and dissolves in water. Instead of steeping the leaves as you would for traditional green tea, the leaves are blended with water resulting in a highly concentrated, nutritious beverage.
For centuries matcha has been celebrated in Japanese culture due to its unique flavor and incredible health benefits. While not traditionally served with milk, the matcha tea latte has become a popular variation in the West.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Loaded with powerful disease fighting antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, matcha has gained superfood status with good reason.
As one of the oldest and most popular beverages in the world, green tea has been studied extensively. Whether you choose a coconut milk matcha latte, a mint matcha latte or an iced matcha latte, rest assured that you’re drinking a subtly stimulating beverage with dozens of recognized health benefits.
Matcha Tea Latte Health Benefits:
Potent antioxidant levels, namely catechins, have significant anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties
Anti-viral properties
Cardioprotective effects
High levels of essential vitamins and minerals including trace minerals
Contains L-theanine, an amino acid that’s been shown to improve cognitive function, lower blood pressure and reduce the stimulating effects of caffeine. (L-theanine is associated with relaxation, so while the caffeine will wake up your brain, many people describe it as a much smoother buzz compared to coffee.)
Coconut Milk or Coconut Cream
Coconut has a strong flavor with a hint of sweetness which pairs nicely with the fresh, grassy flavor of high-quality matcha. The type of coconut product you use will impact the flavor.
Due to the high saturated fat content, I prefer to use a small amount of unsweetened coconut cream or milk. The fat content ensures a nice foam, and a little bit goes a long way. Native Forest Unsweetened Coconut Milk (in a can) doesn’t contain any additives or gums and tastes great.
To keep your latte from tasting too heavily of coconut, add another unsweetened non-dairy milk. A splash of cashew or almond milk makes a delicious combination as both have a slightly sweet flavor without added sugar. Use what works for you.
Best Matcha Powder
When it comes to choosing the best matcha for your health (and your latte), you get what you pay for. Since matcha tea lattes are trendy, there’s an increase demand for cheap matcha. Unfortunately, this has resulted in widespread adoption of non-traditional farming methods and mass production of significantly inferior products with very little benefit to health.
Trust me when I say that once you’ve had a high-quality matcha, you won’t be satisfied with anything less.
Here’s what to look for when shopping:
Independent lab testing for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, microbials and radioactive isotopes
Intense color: High-quality matcha is bright green. Each varietal will be a slightly different shade, but it shouldn’t look dull or muddy
Traditional farming practices, and/or organic certifications
Ceremonial grade vs. culinary grade
I’ve tried several varieties from different top-quality brands, and without a doubt, Matcha Kari is the best. They have several different varieties, and you can order a sampler to see which you like best. I use their Organic Superior Matcha for the smooth flavor. (This is not a sponsored link, I’m just a raving fan).
Temperature for Matcha
A matcha latte tastes delicious hot or poured over ice.
Ideal Water Temperature
The perfect temperature for a coconut milk matcha latte is 170-175º. Green tea is delicate, and boiled water ruins the flavor.
An electric tea kettle with various temperature settings is worth it if you’re a big tea drinker. You can also use a meat thermometer to test the temperature of the water as it warms. Lastly, if you bring the water to a boil and let it sit for about 6-8 minutes, it’ll cool down to the correct temperature.
Warm vs. Cold Coconut Milk
If desired, gently heat the milk before adding it to the matcha, but don’t boil it. Warm it on the stovetop until it just starts to steam. I don’t typically do this as it adds another step, but if you want your latte to stay warmer longer, warm milk is the way to go.
Quick Iced Matcha Latte
Matcha doesn’t have to steep like green tea, so an iced version saves time. Use cold water right from the start and add ice after blending. I particularly a cold matcha in the summer after a brisk morning walk.
Understanding Matcha Caffeine Content
Does Matcha Contain Caffeine?
Yes, but the levels will vary significantly based on the varietal, age of the plant and preparation method. In general, an average matcha contains less caffeine than coffee.
Non-caffeine sensitive people describe the stimulation from matcha as very smooth and energizing, without the jitters that often accompany coffee. Some people also find the brain stimulating effects last a lot longer.
How Much Matcha Powder to Use?
Most matcha latte recipes call for 1 teaspoon of matcha per 8 ounces of water, but there’s no standard and caffeine content varies significantly.
If, like me, you have an overactive nervous system and a tendency toward anxiety, start with less and see how you feel.
I am highly reactive to caffeine and only tolerate it about 1/2 teaspoon when my hormonal cycle is peaking. I often make coconut milk matcha latte shots that only contain 1/4 teaspoon.
Trust your body and vary the quantity based on your taste and tolerance.
Coconut Milk Matcha Latte Recipe
A warm, comforting coconut milk matcha latte is the perfect way to enjoy the health benefits of matcha during the cooler months.
Ingredients
8-12 ounces water (at 175º)
½-1 teaspoon matcha powder
1-2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut cream or milk
1-2 tablespoons unsweetened non-dairy milk such as almond or cashew
Heat the water to 170-175º. If you don’t have an electric tea kettle or thermometer, bring the water to a boil and let rest for about 6-7 minutes.
In a small bowl or cup, add the desired amount of coconut milk and nut milk and froth using a latte frother.
Pour a few ounces of water into your mug and add the matcha powder. Using a small whisk or matcha frother, whisk until the powder has completely dissolved. Add the remaining water, coconut milk, and sweetener of choice and stir.
Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
Whether using coconut cream or another non-dairy milk, an iced matcha latte offers a refreshing, cool, post-breakfast pick-me up for hot summer mornings.
Ingredients
8-12 ounces cold water
½-1 teaspoon matcha powder
1-4 tablespoons unsweetened coconut creamer and/or another unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice
Pure liquid monk fruit drops or liquid stevia to taste
1 handful of ice
How to Make an Iced Matcha Latte
Combine about 4 ounces of cold water and the milk into a cup, add the matcha powder and sweetener of choice and whisk or froth using a matcha frother until the matcha has completely dissolved.
Add the ice and top off with the remaining cold water. Stir and enjoy your iced matcha latte!
Mint Matcha Latte Recipe
Matcha and mint come together in a surprisingly refreshing mint matcha latte recipe that’s just as delicious hot or chilled.
Ingredients
12-14 ounces boiling water
1-2 mint teabags (spearmint, peppermint or one of each)
½ teaspoon superior matcha
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut cream or milk
liquid stevia or pure liquid monk fruit drops to taste
How to Make a Mint Matcha Latte
Bring water to a boil and steep teabag(s) for 6-8 minutes. The water will cool to the appropriate 175º while the tea steeps. Remove teabags and squeeze to get the most flavor.
Add the matcha powder, and sweetener to taste and blend with a matcha frother.
Top with coconut milk or any non-dairy milk of your choice.
Notes
For a stronger mint flavor, use 2 teabags.
Steeping spearmint tea for a refreshing mint matcha latte.
Boost your focus with a delicious and nutritious coconut milk matcha latte! Served warm or poured over ice, it’s just a satisfying. For a refreshing twist, try the mint matcha latte recipe variation.
Ingredients
Scale
Coconut Milk Matcha Latte:
8–12 ounces water (at 175º F)
1/2–1 teaspoon matcha powder
1–2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk
1–2 tablespoons unsweetened non-dairy milk such as almond or cashew (optional)
Pure liquid monk fruit drops or liquid stevia to taste
Iced Matcha Latte:
8–12 ounces cold water
1/2–1 teaspoon matcha powder
1–4 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk and/or another unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice
Pure liquid monk fruit drops or liquid stevia to taste
1 handful of ice
Mint Matcha Latte:
12–14 ounces boiling water
1–2 mint teabags (spearmint, peppermint or one of each)
1/2 teaspoon superior matcha
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk
Liquid stevia or pure liquid monk fruit drops to taste
Instructions
Coconut Milk Matcha Latte:
Heat the water to 170-175º (see note below)
In a small bowl or cup, add the desired amount of coconut milk and nut milk and froth using a matcha frother.
Pour a few ounces of water into your mug and add the matcha powder. Using a small whisk or matcha frother, whisk until the powder has completely dissolved. Add the remaining water, coconut milk, and sweetener of choice and stir.
Iced Matcha Latte:
Combine about 4 ounces of cold water and the milk into a cup, add the matcha powder and sweetener of choice and whisk or froth using a matcha frother until the matcha has completely dissolved.
Add the ice and top off with the remaining cold water. Stir and enjoy your iced matcha latte!
Mint Matcha Latte:
Bring water to a boil and steep teabag(s) for 6-8 minutes. The water will cool to the appropriate 175º while the tea steeps. Remove teabags and squeeze to get the most flavor.
Add the matcha powder, and sweetener to taste and blend with a matcha frother.
Top with coconut milk or any non-dairy milk of your choice.
If you don’t have an electric tea kettle or thermometer, bring the water to a boil and let rest for about 6-7 minutes. Boiled water will burn the matcha.
If desired, gently heat the milk on the stovetop before adding it to your matcha. Be careful not to let it boil.
For a stronger mint flavor, use 2 teabags.
A matcha frother works best for whisking matcha and does so quickly. The paddle is made specifically to break up powders. You can also use a traditional bamboo matcha whisk or a small wire whisk. A latte frother will also work, but it’ll foam the milk, so take that into consideration when filling your mug or glass to prevent spills.
Let me know which variation you chose and leave a comment below!
