An iced matcha latte is a refreshing and nutritious twist on your usual warm weather drink. Whether you’re starting your day or enjoying a mid-afternoon pick me up (yes, please!) this vibrant green drink offers not only a smooth earthy flavor but packs a punch of antioxidants that provide a natural energy boost without the crash that often comes with coffee. Let’s dive into how you can make the best healthy iced matcha latte at home with simple wholesome ingredients!
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What Is The Difference Between Matcha And Green Tea?
Matcha and green tea definitely share similarities, but they do have some differences.
Origins & Flavor
Traditional to Japan, matcha is a vibrant green powder made from stone ground, specially cultivated and processed green tea leaves. It has a very distinct vegetal flavor with a subtle sweetness and a hint of bitterness.
Green tea is originally from China and it’s made from whole leaves that have been steamed in order to halt the oxidation process and preserve the color and flavor of the leaves. Green tea can have a broad range of flavor notes from grassiness to hints of sweetness.
Growing & Harvesting
Matcha plants are grown in shade and green tea plants are grown in the sun. Matcha leaves are de-stemmed, de-veined and then ground into a fine powder with a stone while green tea are leaves that are rolled, dried and broken to be put in bags.
Preparation
Preparation for each is a bit different as well. Matcha is usually whisked together with water to make a frothy beverage, and the entire leaf (in powder form) is consumed while green tea leaves are steeped in hot water and the infused liquid is what is consumed.
Both are high in antioxidants, but Matcha has a higher caffeine content.
Why Is Matcha So Amazing?
There are many reasons matcha is so great. It has grown in popularity in recent years because of its reputation as a health-conscious alternative to coffee and there are many benefits to including it into your diet. With its nutritional profile, matcha is considered a superfood.
Natural Energy Boost:
Matcha provides a sustained energy boost without the jitters and crash that are often associated with coffee due to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine.
Rich In Antioxidants:
- Reduce Inflammation: Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins such as EGCG which can help combat free radicals and protect cells from damage. This can help reduce inflammation.
- Heart Health: The antioxidants and polyphenols in matcha may contribute to improved heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.
- Brain Function: The L-theanine in matcha is known to improve cognitive function, promote calm and balance.
- Detoxification: Chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color, is also known to have antioxidants that support skin clarity as well as the liver’s natural detoxification process.
Versatility:
There are many ways to use matcha powder. The possibilities are truly endless, but here are a few!
- Hot Latte
- Iced Latte
- Add to coffee
- Add to smoothies
- Matcha cocktails
- Add to baked goods
- Add to snacks like popcorn
Making Your Matcha Latte
Ingredients:
- Matcha Powder
- Milk of choice (I prefer almond)
- Vanilla Extract
- Maple syrup
- Collagen powder (optional)
Matcha Powder:
There are 3 main grades of matcha and ceremonial grade is considered to be the highest quality available. It’s a good choice for lattes, but less so for things like baking because its delicate flavor can be lost amongst stronger flavors.
Daily grade, or traditional grade matcha is a good choice for those who are just trying matcha out because it has more of a balanced flavor. It’s less expensive than ceremonial grade so easier on the wallet if you’re consuming matcha multiple times a day.
The last main grade of matcha is culinary grade which is best used for baking because of its stronger flavor.
My recommendation for a high quality ceremonial grade matcha is from Pique Tea. It is 100% organic and TRIPLE tested for toxins! It is the best out there and has a really pure, clean flavor.
Milk:
Use whatever milk you prefer. For this recipe, I use almond milk to keep it light yet creamy. We like Califia Farms brand because it only has 2 ingredients, water and almonds. Simple and healthy.
Vanilla Extract:
You can stop here and make your latte, but to make it more of a treat, I’d suggest adding the rest of the ingredients. If you’re interested in making your own vanilla extract, you can use that or you can purchase a quality brand like this. I usually add a teaspoon but a splash will do just fine.
Maple Syrup:
When used in moderation, maple syrup is a much healthier sweetener than white sugar or fake sugars you can use. It has a lower glycemic index so doesn’t immediately raise your blood sugar, but it also contains natural antioxidants. For this latte, maple syrup is a great choice if you’re looking for just a hint of sweetness. We usually get it from our friends at Blue Ridge Farms, but when we don’t, we like to buy this one.
Collagen Powder:
This is totally optional but I do like to add in a scoop of collagen powder to add to the benefits of my healthy matcha latte. I’m a big fan of this particular collagen for a few reasons. First, it doesn’t clump up which is super important when you’re mixing a drink, right? Second, I used this exact collagen when I was postpartum and losing so much hair. It was the only thing that truly gave me results. I started growing new baby hairs immediately after starting to consume it daily. I highly recommend for postpartum mama’s or those struggling with hair loss for any reason.
Steps to Make Your Iced Matcha Latte
- First, you want to add about a cup of milk to a glass.
- Add the matcha powder to the milk and use your milk frother to mix the powder into the milk.
- Add in a scoop of collagen and mix with milk frother.
- Add in 1 tsp of vanilla extract (or a splash) and 1 tbsp of maple syrup.
- Use milk frother to mix.
- Add in 4-5 ice cubes.
- Enjoy your iced matcha latte!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour 1 C of almond milk into your glass
- Add 1 tbsp of matcha powder (or 1 packet) into the milk. Use your milk frother to mix it in well.
- Add in 1 scoop of collagen and mix well with your milk frother.
- Add in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
- Add 1 tbsp of maple syrup
- Use your milk frother to mix the final ingredients in
- Add in 4-5 ice cubes
- Grab a straw and enjoy your healthy iced matcha latte!
Notes
Sources:
Sounds delicious! Have you tried adding a bit of honey or vanilla for extra sweetness?