The Best Matcha Latte Recipe

If you’re looking for a beverage that bridges the gap between cozy comfort-drink and wellness-boosting ritual, this matcha latte offers just that. Crafted with vibrant, powdered green tea that has its roots in Japanese tea Ceremonies, matcha delivers a distinctive flavor profile — rich vegetal notes, subtle sweetness, and a smooth lingering finish — while offering more antioxidants than a standard brew.

In this version, the recipe includes coconut oil for healthy fats, plus coconut- or almond-milk and vanilla extract, making it creamy, flavorful, and approachable for gluten-free lifestyles.

Embracing the vegan-friendly (or at least plant-forward) approach, you can easily adapt this latte to fully vegan by ensuring the milk is plant-based and skipping any animal-derived ingredients (note: the recipe uses grass-fed gelatin, so check for a vegan substitute if you prefer fully plant-based). Whether you’re sipping it on a chilly morning or brewing it as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, the warmth of the drink and the gentle uplift of matcha’s calm energy make it a thoughtful alternative to traditional coffee. With its gluten-free label and simple 5-minute preparation time, it fits seamlessly into busy routines and inclusive diets.

Beyond just the ingredients, this matcha latte signifies more than a drink—it signals intention. The green hue alone cues health, ritual, and mindfulness. The frothy texture invites indulgence without heaviness. And because the base is versatile (plant milks, flavored additions, chilled or warm), you can tailor it to your taste, your dietary requirements, and your mood. Whether you’re pursuing a clearer head-space, embracing a caffeine alternative, or simply craving something delicious, this matcha latte has you covered.

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Matcha Latte

Recipe Details

Yield: 1 serving
Total Time: 5 minutes

Matcha Latte Ingredients

• 1 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon grass-fed gelatin
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk or almond milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make The Best Matcha Latte

1. Combine all ingredients in heatproof blender and blend on high until fully incorporated and frothy.
2. Serve warm.

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Matcha Latte Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 1 serving). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 latte
Calories	≈ 150 kcal
Protein	≈ 4 g
Carbs	≈ 2 g
Sugar	≈ 0 g
Fiber	≈ 1 g
Fat	≈ 14 g

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Matcha Latte Variations & Tips

• Vegan-friendly swap: Replace the grass-fed gelatin with agar powder (½ teaspoon) or skip it entirely for a vegan version.
• Change milk base: Use oat milk, soy milk, or hemp milk instead of coconut or almond milk for different flavors and textures.
• Iced version: Let the drink cool slightly, then pour over ice for a chilled matcha latte variation that works in warmer months.
• Flavor boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ground cardamom when blending to add warmth and complexity to the beverage.
• Sweetness control: Stir in ½ teaspoon maple syrup, agave, or simply use flavored almond milk if you prefer lightly sweetened.
• Extra froth: Use a handheld frother or high-speed blender for 10-15 seconds to create a thick foam on top for café-style texture.
• Superfood addition: Add a small scoop of collagen powder (if non-vegan-friendly) or a plant-based protein powder to turn this latte into a breakfast-style boost.

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Best Matcha Latte Pairings

• Almond-flour biscotti: Serve alongside almond-flour or gluten-free biscotti for a crisp contrast to the creamy latte.
• Blueberry muffin (gluten-free): Pair with a gluten-free blueberry muffin for a balanced breakfast or snack duo.
• Fresh fruit cup: Offer a simple side of berries or sliced orange to brighten the experience and cleanse the palate.
• Dark chocolate square: Include a 70%+ dairy-free dark chocolate square—its bitterness complements matcha’s vegetal notes and makes for a refined treat.
• Sparkling lemon-mint water: A chilled glass of sparkling water infused with lemon and mint sits well beside the warm latte, especially on transitional weather days.
• Vegan breakfast bowl: Pair this drink with a bowl of chia-seed pudding topped with mango and shredded coconut for a fully plant-based morning spread.

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When to Make a Classic Matcha Latte

• Quiet solo ritual: Brew this matcha latte in the morning as a mindful start—steam the milk, take five minutes to yourself, and sip slowly.
• Host brunch for friends: Offer this latte alongside plant-based pastries or breakfast bites; its vibrant green hue makes it visually striking on a menu.
• Office midday pick-me-up: Make it at home mid-workday instead of reaching for coffee—clean, simple, and elevates your routine.
• Warm-weather switch-up: Serve the iced version at a spring or summer gathering—add mint sprigs and serve in mason jars for a relaxed vibe.
• Pre- or post-workout drink: Use the latte as a lighter caffeine option before a workout or as a calm, comforting drink afterwards when you wind down.
• Seasonal transition treat: Use it as a gentle transition from winter to spring—warm cup, green hue, and subtle refreshment accompany change comfortably.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont