I love a good copycat recipe! This delicious iced healthy matcha latte recipe is going to be your new favorite drink that you make on repeat. It’s refreshing, packed with nutritional value, and, perhaps best of all, tastes just like the Starbucks version but at a fraction of the cost. This is one Starbucks copycat recipe you can easily make at home. It’s made with simple ingredients like ceremonial grade matcha powder, whole milk, and maple syrup.
This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of antioxidants, caffeine, and other nutrients. Not only is this iced matcha latte delicious and refreshing, but it is also a healthier alternative to other recipes and sugary drinks found at your local coffee shop. In this blog post, I will walk you through the steps to create your own homemade latte so you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.
- Iced Healthy Matcha Latte Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)
- What is Matcha?
- Health Benefits of Matcha
- Different Grades of Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Why You'll Love This Iced Healthy Matcha Latte Recipe
- Iced Healthy Matcha Latte Ingredients
- How to make this healthy iced matcha recipe
- Recipe Tips
- What Kind of Matcha Powder Should I Use?
- How to Store
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Healthy Iced Matcha Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
Iced Healthy Matcha Latte Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea that originated in Japan and has gained popularity worldwide for its unique taste, health benefits, and culinary versatility. It is made from high-quality green tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder, which is then whisked with hot water to create a frothy, bright green beverage. Matcha contains high levels of antioxidants, amino acids, and caffeine. It is considered a superfood and has become a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. Its distinct flavor and vibrant green color have also made it a trendy ingredient in modern cooking and baking. Matcha is available in various forms, including tea bags, matcha lattes, and desserts.
Health Benefits of Matcha
- High in antioxidants: Matcha contains high levels of antioxidants called catechins, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. One specific catechin found in matcha is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is known for its powerful antioxidant effects.
- Reduces stress: Matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Enhances brain function: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha can help improve cognitive function, including alertness, attention, and memory.
- Promotes heart health: Matcha has been shown to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and triglycerides, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Supports immune function: The antioxidants and other nutrients in matcha can help boost the immune system and protect against infections.
Different Grades of Matcha Green Tea Powder
Matcha comes in different grades that vary in quality and taste. Matcha is not the same as regular green tea.
The highest grade of matcha is called ceremonial grade, which is made from the youngest tea leaves and has a vibrant green color, a smooth texture, and a sweet and delicate taste. This grade of matcha is typically used in traditional tea ceremonies and is the most expensive.
The next grade of matcha is called premium grade, which is made from slightly older tea leaves and has a slightly bitter taste. This grade of matcha is also high quality, but it is typically used for everyday consumption rather than ceremonial purposes.
The lowest grade of matcha is called culinary grade, which is made from the oldest tea leaves and has a more bitter taste. This grade of matcha is often used in cooking and baking, as it is less expensive and its strong flavor can hold up well in recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Healthy Matcha Latte Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll love this ice matcha latte recipe.
- Healthier alternative: Made with high quality matcha powder and milk, this recipe is a healthier alternative to other sugary drinks.
- Quick and easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, this recipe is quick and easy to make. You can enjoy a delicious and refreshing iced matcha latte at home, without having to wait in line at Starbucks.
- Customizable: This recipe offers customization options that allow you to tailor the sweetness and milk content to your liking. You can use various dairy-free milk alternatives like oat milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk for a vegan friendly recipe. You can also use regular milk, like dairy milk, whether that’s whole milk or low fat milk. Moreover, you can experiment with additional ingredients such as vanilla extract or honey.
- Refreshing and satisfying: this recipe is perfect on a warm sunny day.
- Starbucks copycat: Save money and time by making this iced matcha latte at home. This recipe may be a little different than the typical Starbucks version. This is because we are using a small amount of sweeteners versus using all the sugars and syrups that Starbucks adds.
Iced Healthy Matcha Latte Ingredients
- Matcha powder. Choose a high-quality ceremonial grade for best taste.
- Hot water. This helps dissolve the matcha powder and eliminate clumping.
- Whole milk (or milk of choice). I prefer whole milk because it makes it creamier and smoother. But feel free to use whichever kind of milk you prefer.
- Maple syrup or honey (optional). This step is optional and you can choose another sweetener, like simple syrup, if you prefer.
- Ice. Use ice for an iced latte version.
How to make this healthy iced matcha recipe
There are only a few simple steps to making this recipe.
- In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with hot water (usually whisked with a traditional bamboo whisk) until smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the matcha mixture into a blender, add choice of milk, and stir to combine. You can also add a touch of maple syrup or honey for some sweetness.
- Add ice to the blender and blend until the ice is crushed and the mixture is frothy.
- Pour the mixture into a glass and enjoy your delicious and healthy iced matcha latte.
This easy recipe is customizable, so feel free to adjust the sweetness and milk content to your liking. You can also experiment with different milk alternatives such as oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Any of these are great options. You can make this either an iced version or a warm version.
If you prefer a warm drink, you can whisk the matcha powder with warm water on the side, froth some warm milk and add the matcha powder mix to the frothy milk.
Recipe Tips
- Use good quality matcha powder.The quality of the matcha powder you use will affect the taste and health benefits of your latte. Choose a high-quality matcha powder for the best results.
- Whisk the matcha powder well.To avoid lumps in your latte, whisk the matcha powder with hot water until it is smooth and frothy. If available whisk the matcha with a matcha whisk.
- Use low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives. To keep the latte healthy, use low-fat milk or dairy-free milk alternatives such as soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Use a milk frother to make this recipe a creamy iced matcha latte.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking.Depending on your preference, you can add honey, agave syrup, or stevia to sweeten the latte. However, keep in mind that added sugar can negate the health benefits of matcha powder.
- Blend well with ice.To get the perfect texture, blend the matcha mixture with ice until it is frothy and smooth.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and healthy iced matcha latte that rivals the ones you can get at Starbucks.
What Kind of Matcha Powder Should I Use?
When making this healthy iced matcha latte recipe, it’s essential to use high-quality matcha powder. This ensures that you get the best taste and health benefits. Here are some things to consider when choosing matcha powder:
- Look for ceremonial-grade matcha powder: Ceremonial-grade matcha powder is made from the highest-quality matcha tea leaves and is the most flavorful and nutritious. This one is my personal favorite.
- Check the color: Good quality matcha powder should have a vibrant green color, indicating that it is fresh and made from young tea leaves.
- Check the source: Matcha powder that comes from Japan is typically of the highest quality, as Japan is known for producing the best matcha powder in the world.
- Check for additives: Some matcha powders may contain additives such as sugar or other sweeteners, so be sure to check the label and opt for pure, unsweetened matcha powder.
By choosing a high-quality matcha powder, you can ensure that you are getting the full range of health benefits and a delicious taste in your iced matcha latte.
How to Store
It is best to consume your iced matcha latte as soon as possible after making it to enjoy the freshest taste and texture.
If you have leftovers from his healthy matcha latte recipe, the best way to store it is in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Here are some tips for storing your iced matcha latte:
- Transfer the iced matcha latte to an airtight container.
- Store the container in the refrigerator immediately after making the latte.
- Avoid storing the latte for more than 24 hours as the taste and texture may start to degrade.
- When you’re ready to drink it again, give the container a good shake to separate the ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both matcha and coffee have unique health benefits such as reducing heart disease. Even though they are both caffeinated drinks, Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee. It also has higher levels of antioxidants, specifically catechins, and the amino acid L-theanine. Keep in mind that the health benefits of both beverages can be negated if they are loaded with sugar or high-calorie additives.
A Starbucks Matcha Latte typically includes a blend of sweetened matcha powder and steamed milk. The sweetened matcha powder is made from finely ground green tea leaves and sugar, while the milk can be customized to suit individual preferences, such as using soy milk or coconut milk. Some Starbucks locations may also offer a Matcha Green Tea Latte with almond milk or other non-dairy alternatives.
Yes, matcha does contain caffeine, but in lower amounts than coffee. Matcha is Yes, matcha does contain caffeine, but in lower amounts than coffee. When you drink matcha, you are consuming the entire leaf, which means you get a more steady and sustained release of caffeine compared to coffee. The caffeine content in matcha can vary depending on the quality and amount of matcha used, but generally, a serving of matcha contains about 30-50 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of coffee can contain up to 100 milligrams or more of caffeine.
Matcha may have some potential benefits for weight loss due to its metabolism-boosting and appetite-suppressing properties. Matcha contains a unique compound called EGCG. This can help increase metabolism. However, it’s important to note that matcha alone won’t lead to significant weight loss without also following a healthy diet, and exercise routine.
If you liked this healthy matcha latte recipe, then make sure to check out these:
- 3 Ingredient Best Protein Coffee Recipe (Proffee)
- 5 Ingredient High Protein French Toast Recipe
- 21 Tips on How to Start a Healthy Lifestyle and Stick to it
Healthy Iced Matcha Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with hot water (usually whisked with a traditional bamboo whisk) until smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the matcha mixture into a blender, add choice of milk, and a touch of maple syrup or honey (if using). Blend until smooth.
- Add ice to the blender and blend until the ice is crushed and the mixture is frothy.
- Pour the mixture into a glass and enjoy your delicious and healthy iced matcha latte.
Notes
- Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor and nutritional benefits. Look for matcha that is bright green in color and has a smooth, fine texture.
- Adjust the sweetness level to your liking by adding natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired sweetness.