From Almond to Oat: Here’s the best milk for your matcha latte!

Picture this: you’re savoring a delicious matcha latte, enjoying its smooth texture and unique earthy taste, but something feels missing. That’s right, the milk!

From almond milk to oat milk, there are endless options to try. But which milk is the perfect match for your matcha?

So, join me as we explore the different types of milk and their nutritional value, taste, and texture.

Whether you’re a dairy lover or prefer a plant-based option, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the perfect matcha latte. Get ready to sip on a matcha latte as you’ve never tasted before!

Matcha is a powder made by grinding shade-grown green tea leaves that has a rich history dating back to 12th century Japan.

It is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that provide numerous health benefits. Milk is often added to matcha to balance its bitter taste and create a creamy texture.

However, not all types of milk work well with matcha.

Milk and Matcha: A Perfect Pair

Milk is often added to matcha to balance its bitter taste and create a creamy texture. However, not all types of milk work well with matcha. Here are some of the most popular types of milk used with matcha:

Dairy Milk and Matcha Latte

Dairy milk is a popular choice for making matcha lattes due to its creamy texture and neutral flavor.

However, there are several types of dairy milk available, each with its own unique nutritional value, taste, and texture.

Here are some of the most common types of dairy milk and how they pair with matcha:

Whole Milk
Whole milk is the most traditional type of dairy milk used in matcha lattes. It has a rich, creamy flavor and a slightly sweet taste.

Whole milk is high in fat, protein, and calcium, making it a good option for those seeking a more substantial drink.

However, it may not be the best choice for those watching their fat intake.
2% Milk
2% milk is a lower-fat alternative to whole milk. It has a slightly thinner texture and a less pronounced flavor than whole milk.

2% milk is still a good source of protein and calcium but has fewer calories and less fat than whole milk.

Avoid using skim milk with matcha latte

Skim milk is the lowest-fat dairy milk option available. It has a very thin texture and a slightly sweet taste. Skim milk is a good option for those looking to reduce their calorie and fat intake,

However, its watery texture and lack of fat can make it a poor choice for matcha lattes.

Matcha needs creamier milk to help balance its bitterness and provide a smooth texture.

Dairy milk drawbacks with matcha

While dairy milk can be a delicious and creamy addition to matcha lattes, it may not be the best option for everyone.

Dairy milk is high in lactose, which can cause digestive issues for some people.

Also, Dairy milk can slightly mask the flavor of matcha due to its creamy and slightly sweet taste.

However, the extent to which the milk masks the matcha flavor will depend on the type and amount of milk used. Whole milk, for example, has a richer flavor than skim milk and may mask the matcha flavor more. Similarly, using a large amount of milk in a latte may dilute the matcha flavor.

Additionally, some people may choose to avoid dairy milk due to ethical or environmental concerns.

For those who prefer to avoid dairy or are looking for a healthier alternative like me, plant-based milk can be a great option.

Not only are they often lower in calories and fat, but they can also offer unique flavors and textures that can enhance the taste of matcha.

In the next section, we’ll explore some of the different types of plant-based milk and how they pair with matcha.

Plant-Based Milk and Matcha lattes

When it comes to plant-based milk options for matcha lattes, there are several different choices to consider. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular types of plant-based milk:

Matcha latte with Almond Milk

Almond milk is a popular plant-based milk option that has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that can work well in matcha lattes. It’s also low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to dairy milk. Additionally, almond milk is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium, which can provide many health benefits.

Here are some of the nutritional facts for one cup (240 mL or 8oz) of unsweetened almond milk:

Calories	40
Total fat	2.5 grams
Saturated fat	0 grams
Sodium	150 milligrams
Total carbohydrates	1.5 gram
Cholesterol	0 milligrams
Dietary fiber	1 gram
Sugars	0 grams
Protein	1 gram
Calcium	45% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin D	25% of the DV
Vitamin E	50% of the DV

nutrition facts for a cup (240 ml) of almond milk source

These nutritional facts are based on unsweetened almond milk and do not include any additional ingredients or sweeteners that may be added to the matcha latte.

Disadvantages of almond milk

One disadvantage of almond milk is that it may not be the best option for those with nut allergies.

While almond milk is made from ground almonds and filtered water, it still contains trace amounts of almonds, which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

Additionally, some brands of almond milk may contain added sugars or thickeners, which can affect the taste and texture of the matcha latte.

It’s always a good idea to check the label and choose an unsweetened and unflavored variety of almond milk to ensure that it’s a healthy and compatible choice for the matcha latte.

Overall, almond milk can be a great option for those looking for a dairy-free alternative in their matcha latte.

Its nutty and sweet flavor can add a unique twist to the drink, and its nutritional value can provide many health benefits.

However, it may not be the best choice for those with nut allergies, and it’s important to choose a high-quality and unflavored variety to ensure that it doesn’t mask the natural flavor of matcha.

Matcha latte with Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is another popular plant-based option that can add a tropical twist to your matcha latte.

It’s made by blending the meat of mature coconuts with water, resulting in a creamy and rich liquid that is a great alternative to dairy milk.

Coconut milk is also rich in nutrients such as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), potassium, and iron.

The nutritional facts for a matcha latte made with coconut milk can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

However, one cup (240 mL) of unsweetened coconut milk typically contains:

Calories	45
Total fat	4.5 grams
Saturated fat	4 grams
Sodium	15 milligrams
Total carbohydrates	2 grams
Cholesterol	0 milligrams
Dietary fiber	1 gram
Sugars	0 grams
Protein	0 gram
Calcium	10% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin D	0% of the DV
Vitamin E	10% of the DV

nutrition facts for a cup (240 ml) of coconut milk source

One advantage of using coconut milk in your matcha latte is its rich and creamy texture that can create a velvety smooth finish.

It also has a subtle, sweet flavor that pairs well with the earthy and bitter taste of matcha.

Additionally, coconut milk is dairy-free and vegan, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Disadvantages of coconut milk

One disadvantage of coconut milk is that it has a higher calorie and fat content than other plant-based milk options, such as almond or oat milk.

This may not be a concern for those who are looking for a rich and satisfying matcha latte, but it’s important to consider if you’re watching your calorie intake.

Additionally, some people may not like the taste of coconut milk or may be allergic to coconut, so it’s important to choose an alternative milk option in these cases.

When using coconut milk in your matcha latte, it’s important to choose a high-quality and unsweetened variety to avoid any added sugars or artificial flavors.

You can also experiment with adding other natural flavorings, such as vanilla or cinnamon, to enhance the taste of the matcha latte.

Overall, coconut milk can be a great option for those looking for a creamy and tropical twist to their matcha latte.

Just be mindful of its calorie and fat content and choose an unsweetened variety for the best results.

Matcha latte with Oat Milk

Oat milk has become a popular plant-based milk option in recent years due to its creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet taste.

It’s made by soaking and blending oats with water and then straining out the solids.

Oat milk is often fortified with nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 to make it a nutritionally complete alternative to dairy milk.

Nutritionally, oat milk is a good source of fiber, with one cup (240 mL) providing approximately 2 grams of dietary fiber.

It’s also low in calories, with unsweetened oat milk containing around 100 calories per cup.

Oat milk is naturally low in fat, with less than 2 grams of total fat per cup, and is cholesterol-free.

Oat milk has a neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower the taste of matcha, making it a good option for those who want plant-based milk with a mild taste.

Its creamy texture makes it a great addition to matcha lattes, providing a smooth and frothy finish.

One of the main advantages of oat milk is that it’s a good option for those with nut allergies, as it’s nut-free.

It’s also suitable for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet, as it contains no animal products.

However, some oat milk brands may contain added sugars, so it’s important to check the label before purchasing.

Matcha latte with Soy milk

Soy milk is one of the most common plant-based milk alternatives and is made from soybeans and water. It has a creamy texture and slightly nutty taste, making it a popular choice for those looking for a dairy-free milk alternative.

Nutritionally, soy milk is a good source of protein, providing around 8 grams per cup (240 mL).

It’s also a good source of calcium and vitamin D, often being fortified with these nutrients to make it a nutritionally complete alternative to dairy milk.

Soy milk is low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, making it a good option for those looking to reduce their intake of these nutrients.

Soy milk has a distinct flavor that may overpower the taste of matcha, so it’s important to choose a brand that has a milder flavor.

However, its creamy texture makes it a good option for frothing and steaming, which is important for making a good matcha latte.

One advantage of soy milk is that it’s widely available and affordable. It’s also a good option for those with nut allergies, as it’s nut-free and gluten-free, as it contains no lactose or gluten.

However, some people may be allergic to soy or have concerns about the potential hormonal effects of soy products, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating soy milk into your diet.

Types of milk that don’t pair well with matcha

While there are several milk alternatives that can be used to make a delicious matcha latte, there are also some types of milk that should be avoided due to their flavor profile and texture.

Here are a few types of milk that don’t pair well with matcha:

Rice milk: Due to its thin consistency and relatively neutral flavor, it may not complement the unique taste and texture of matcha.
Hemp milk: It can have a slightly nutty taste, which may overpower the delicate flavors of matcha.
Sweetened condensed milk: While sweetened condensed milk is a popular ingredient in some matcha latte recipes, it’s not recommended as a regular milk alternative.

This milk is high in sugar and has a distinct flavor that can overpower the delicate taste of matcha.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a tangy and acidic milk that is often used in baking. However, its strong flavor and texture don’t pair well with matcha. It’s best to avoid using buttermilk in matcha lattes.
Flavored milk: Flavored milk such as chocolate milk, strawberry milk, or vanilla milk may seem like an interesting choice to use in a matcha latte, but they can be too sweet and overpowering.

These kinds of milk are often high in sugar and artificial flavorings, which can detract from the natural taste of matcha.

It’s important to keep in mind that taste preferences can be subjective, so it’s always a good idea to experiment and find the best milk option that suits your personal preferences.

Making the Perfect Matcha Latte

Now that you know which types of milk work best with matcha, it’s time to put it all together and make the perfect matcha latte.

Here are some tips for creating a delicious and frothy matcha latte:

Use High-Quality Matcha: The quality of your matcha will greatly affect the taste of your latte. Choose a high-quality matcha powder that is bright green in color and has a smooth texture.
Heat Your Milk: Heat your milk to the right temperature to create a creamy and frothy latte. For dairy milk, aim for a temperature between 150-155°F, while plant-based milk may require a lower temperature of around 140°F.
Sift Your Matcha: Sifting your matcha powder before adding it to your latte will prevent any clumps from forming and ensure a smooth texture.
Whisk Vigorously: Use a bamboo whisk or electric frother to vigorously whisk your matcha and milk together. This will create a frothy texture and evenly distribute the matcha powder.
Sweeten to Taste: Depending on your preference, you may want to add sweetener to your matcha latte. Add honey, agave, or maple syrup to sweeten your drink to your liking.
Garnish with Toppings: To add some extra flavor and texture to your matcha latte, consider garnishing with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of matcha powder.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and frothy matcha latte that perfectly complements the delicate and earthy flavor of matcha.

Experiment with different types of milk and flavorings to create a latte that suits your taste buds.

Final words: Choosing the perfect Matcha Milk Alternative

When it comes to picking your favorite milk for a matcha latte, keep the following points in mind to maintain the flavor and fragrance of matcha.

Matcha is a very delicate taste, so if you don’t want to risk overpowering it, choose milk without a strong smell or taste. Dairy milk is not ideal for matcha lattes because it has a high-fat content and can overwhelm the drink’s flavor.
Be aware that if your matcha is too thick or creamy, you might lose the characteristic taste of matcha. To avoid this, opt out of sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, and buckwheat milk. They’re all poor additions to matcha latte
You may quickly make a frothy matcha latte by whipping the milk. Although dairy milk foams beautifully, It is a big No and is not recommended for matcha lattes since it might change the drink’s flavor.
Avoid using rice or sesame milk in your matcha latte, as the bitterness will alter and overpower the delicate flavor and fragrance of the matcha.

Additionally, those with nut allergies should avoid nut-based milk alternatives, and those with soy allergies or sensitivities should avoid soy milk. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist if you have specific dietary needs or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Type Of Milk For A Matcha Latte?

The best milk for matcha depends on your personal preference. Each type of milk will create a different flavour and texture, so it’s important to choose the right one for your taste. If you’re new to matcha, we recommend starting with coconut or almond milk (or even oat milk if you prefer it less sweet). All of this milk goes well with matcha without masking its flavour.

Is A Matcha Latte Good With Almond Milk?

Yes, matcha lattes made with almond milk are creamy and delicious. Almond milk is a great plant-based substitute for cow’s milk and it contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Best Milk Alternative For Matcha Latte Starbucks?

If you’re searching for the finest milk alternative for a matcha latte at Starbucks, we recommend using coconut or almond milk. Both coconut milk and almond milk are dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Coconut milk is beneficial for people who wish to reduce weight since it is high in saturated fat and helps speed up metabolism. Almond milk is an excellent plant-based substitute for cow’s milk that contains all of the required vitamins and minerals.

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