How To Make A Matcha Latte Like A Barista

how to make matcha lattes

I'll admit it, I'm a textbook matcha girl. To me, a true matcha girl relishes in every opportunity to drink a frothy matcha latte during the day, endlessly blabs about the benefits of the green tea powder, and snaps aesthetically pleasing pics of her drink, no matter where she is — and that includes when making these sweet, creamy, and earthy lattes at home.

Matcha isn't necessarily superior to coffee, but it does have a complex flavor and it's less likely to leave you with a case of the caffeine jitters. If you're curious about this green drink, the best place to start is with a matcha latte. I love to drink mine iced with almond milk, but there are a variety of ways to prepare it for yourself. Read on to see how to make a matcha latte for yourself, and get the real tea on the tea!

What is matcha?

Matcha is a fine powder made from ground, dried green tea leaves. It’s typically mixed into hot or iced drinks with water or milk. The powder itself is rich in antioxidants and has a wide range of health benefits — it can improve your skin, improve your cardiovascular health, and can even fight cancer.

What does matcha taste like?

Matcha has a pretty earthy flavor, with notes of bitterness and nuttiness. A lot of people also compare the taste of matcha to umami. It’s not exactly identical to most green teas you may have tried before, but is still delicious.

Does matcha have caffeine?

Photo by Cup of Couple / PEXELS

Yes, matcha is caffeinated. The amount of caffeine can vary depending on the type of leaves it comes from, but generally, one gram of matcha powder has about 19-44 mg of caffeine. This makes it higher in caffeine content than coffee, which has around 10-12 mg of caffeine per gram.

How can matcha be consumed?

You can add matcha to cold or hot milk to make a matcha latte, mix it into chia pudding, use the powder in an overnight oats recipe, or sprinkle some into your smoothies for an added boost.

How to make a matcha latte?

Photo by Charlotte May / PEXELS

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 tsp culinary matcha powder
  • ¼ cup hot water
  • ½ cup hot milk of choice
  • Desired amount of sweetener (such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia)

Steps:

  1. Add your sweetener of choice to a matcha bowl or mug.
  2. Sift the matcha powder into the matcha bowl or mug.
  3. Heat your water and add to the sifted powder and sweetener, then whisk all three together until smooth and frothy.
  4. Heat up your milk of choice using a steam wand, or pop it in the microwave for a few minutes until hot. After heating, you can froth the milk using an electric whisk to add some foam to your sip.
  5. Combine the matcha mix and hot milk, and enjoy!

Notes on making a Matcha Latte

  • Try playing with the ratio between water and matcha when you make this recipe. The flavor can vary depending on how much water you add, so playing around with it can help you find the best end result!
  • For an iced matcha latte, follow steps 1-3, then just add the mixture to cold milk and ice.

Is there a difference between ceremonial matcha and culinary matcha?

Photo by Kokonat Kokonat/ PEXELS

Matcha is divided into two grades: ceremonial and culinary. The difference is a reflection of how each grade is meant to be used. Ceremonial grade matcha is meant to be enjoyed on its own, while culinary grade matcha can be used with other ingredients.

How to make traditional matcha?

Traditional ceremonial grade matcha is made using a bamboo whisk, scoop, sifter, and matcha bowl. First, scoop around 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder, then sift into the bowl. Add about ½ - ¾ cups of hot water, and whisk in a circular motion until the matcha becomes smooth and frothy.

It’s important to recognize the rich history and Chinese origins of ceremonial matcha preparation, and aim to prepare it in accordance with the traditional rituals it originated from.

Our Favorite Matcha Drink Recipes

Follow these drink recipes to make a killer matcha latte of your own.

Iced Matcha Latte

The sweetness and creamy texture of milk balances the more bitter flavors of the matcha. It might look like a lot of milk, but trust us — it'll taste just right. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Hot Matcha Latte with Almond Milk

Prepare a hot almond milk matcha latte in your favorite mug, and get ready to accept that you may just like it better than coffee. (via Two Spoons)

The Best Vegan Matcha Latte

This vegan matcha latte is elevated with a pinch of salt to extract some of the richest flavors. You can use plant-based milk for this drink, like oat or cashew, for ultimate creaminess. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Mint Matcha Latte

Mint with matcha? The flavors blend together so beautifully, you'll want to make this one over and over. (via Chef Bai)

Matcha Lemonade

The earthy notes of matcha float atop a crisp, sour lemonade to form the perfect summertime refreshment. (via The Endless Meal)

Matcha Protein Latte

If you're looking to up your protein intake, and still power up with caffeine, this Matcha Protein Latte is perfect for you. The almond butter and hemp hearts add some extra nutrition for you to sip easily on the go! (via Two Spoons)

Matcha Ice Cubes

No diluted matcha lattes around here! Prep these matcha ice cubes ahead of time so avoid a watered-down drink. (via Nareen's Eats)

Our Favorite Matcha Food Recipes

Matcha pairs really well in sweet desserts and other baking recipes – browse these to find your new go-to treat!

Matcha Chia Pudding

You only need four ingredients to make this chia pudding, plus it can sit in the fridge overnight for an effortless breakfast bite. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Matcha White Chocolate Baked Oats

If you like oatmeal but are looking for something new, you need to try baked oats. This recipe is a great fit for breakfast since it has that caffeine boost from the matcha powder. (via Nareen's Eats)

Matcha Puppy Chow

Make a batch of this matcha-ful puppy chow batch for your upcoming St. Paddy's Day party! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Vegan Single-Serve Matcha Cookie

When you're craving something sugary and sweet, but don't want to bother baking a whole batch of cookies, opt for this single-serve matcha cookie. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Vanilla Matcha Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are just as easy to prep as a matcha latte. This whole, hearty breakfast waits for you all night in the fridge so all the flavorful goodness seeps into each bite. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Matcha Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Surprise your boo with some delicious dipped berries! The tart strawberries pair well with the grounded flavors of the matcha powder. ​(via Two Spoons)

Matcha Checkerboard Cookies

These super aesthetic cookies are sure to be a crowdpleaser. Feel free to dip them right into your iced matcha latte. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Matcha Ice Cream

This one's going to hit different on a hot summer day. (via The Endless Meal)

Vegan Matcha Cookies

Simple and straightforward, this cookie recipe will transform you into a true matcha believer. (via Salt & Lavender)

Matcha Yogurt Bark

Fresh fruit and matcha pair and freeze well for this easy healthy snack! (via Brit + Co.)

Low-Calorie Vegan Matcha Pancakes

Your next breakfast is ready, courtesy of this delicious matcha pancake recipe. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Get Started with a Matcha Starter Kit

Tezumi Matcha Starter Set – 5-Piece Bundle with Mino-yaki Chawan ($78)

This set makes starting your lifelong matcha journey so much easier.

Jade Leaf Complete Matcha Ceremony Set ($40)

I personally use Jade Leaf Matcha powder, and it's never let me down. Having the whole set to prepare your drinks will make you feel like a true matcha pro!

Matchaful Premium Japanese Essentials Set ($92)

These are all of the essential tools you'll need to make a delectable matcha latte!

Art of Tea At Home Matcha Kit ($59)

Snag this easy-to-use matcha kit, and all you'll need to grab is some culinary grade powder.

Clevr Frother for Perfect Prep ($23)

An electric whisk like this one is perfect for easily whisking your matcha tea, and also froths warm milk fairly well if you're a big foam fan.

Tag us on Instagram with your own matcha latte creations and sign up for our newsletter for more DIY recipes!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist / PEXELS

Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.

Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!

Vegan Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks

1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.

Starbucks

2. Latte (Iced + Hot)

You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.

Starbucks

3. Americano (Iced + Hot)

Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.

Starbucks

4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)

Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!

Starbucks

5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!

Starbucks

6. Nitro Cold Brew

A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.

Starbucks

7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.

Starbucks

8. Starbucks Refreshers

All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.

Starbucks

9. Iced Black Tea

Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.

Starbucks

10. Iced Green Tea

If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.

Starbucks

11. Lemonade

You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!

Starbucks

12. Hot Teas

Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!

Vegan Starbucks Foods

Starbucks

1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.

Starbucks

2. Plain Bagel

Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.

Starbucks

3. Everything Bagel

The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.

Starbucks

4. Avocado Spread

Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.

Starbucks

6. Chipotle Almond Dip

You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing Starbucks orders!

It Ends With Us has quickly become the most memorable movie of Blake Lively's career after rumors of drama between her and costar & director Justin Baldonimorphed into a full-on legal battle. And after the feud was uncovered, the internet has spiraled over what Blake Lively's relationships with her other costars are like — and whether what's happening behind the scenes of her movies are going to delay them. Well, A Simple Favor 2 director Paul Feig had the perfect response to rumors that another feud between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick caused Amazon to shelve the movie.

Here's exactly what A Simple Favor 2 director Paul Feig had to say about Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively's relationship.

Paul Feig offers a very promising update on 'A Simple Favor 2'

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- YouTube

When a viral tweet claimed that Amazon had indefinitely delayed A Simple Favor 2 because of a feud between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, director Paul Feig stepped in to clear up the rumors.

"Despite glowing test screenings, Blake Lively’s refusal to promote—amid her messy legal battle with Justin Baldoni—and growing tensions with Anna Kendrick have derailed the sequel," X user Eric B tweeted on January 10. "Anna is furious. Paul Feig is disappointed. Hollywood is in shock. This isn’t just a movie—it’s an implosion."

"This is total BS. Sorry," Feig said in his retweet that same day. "The movie is finished and coming out soon. Don’t believe anything you read on social media these days."

And Anna Kendrick says reuniting with Blake Lively was "lovely."

Anna Kendrick also spilled on reuniting with Blake Lively, claiming that working together felt "a little bit like riding a bike."

"She lives on the East Coast, I live on the West Coast, so we don't get to see each other often," she told PEOPLE. "But it was lovely, and I think that those characters have such weird chemistry that it's so fun to just get the gang back together."

We don't know many details about the plot just yet but we do know it involves a destination wedding — and Blake Lively's Emily in a very fancy wedding dress. Stephanie and Emily "head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman," according to the movie's synopsis (via People). "Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square."

Sign me up!

Check out The Best Blake Lively Movies to get ready for A Simple Favor 2.

Well, well, well – the rumors about the January 2025 Starbucks menu are true! Per Starbucks, they’ll be launching an all-new lineup on January 3, 2025. Their latest and greatest includes a never-before-seen espresso drink, a fresh approach to matcha, and the return of pistachio!

Though we’re quite sad to see Starbucks’ holiday menu staples go (bye, Peppermint Mocha), this collection of new bevs and snacks has our hearts racing.

See everything coming to the January 2025 Starbucks menu on January 3!

Drinks On The 2025 Starbucks Winter Menu

Starbucks

NEW! Cortado

Coming to Starbucks' current espresso lineup is the cortado, a "small but mighty" espresso-based drink that's served hot in an 8-ounce cup. It's made with 3 ristretto shots of Starbucks' Blonde espresso for a "smoother, sweeter, and richer" flavor profile. The boldness of the espresso is then deliciously toned down a bit with steamed whole milk.

“Espresso is the heart and soul of Starbucks,” says Ricky Gonzalez, a member of the Starbucks beverage product team. “Our goal was to create a new way for customers to experience espresso from us.”

Starbucks

NEW! Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

Joining the winter menu alongside Starbucks' new traditional cortado is the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado, which incorporates brown sugar syrup, cinnamon and steamed oat milk for a sweeter feel.

Starbucks

NEW! Customizable Matcha

That's right – Starbucks is upgrading their matcha powder! Instead of coming pre-sweetened, you can now customize the exact level of sweetness in your matcha drink. Starting January 3, Starbucks' matcha powder will come sweetened with classic syrup by default. Starbucks says the change is a response to a "popular customer request" for adjustable sweetness.

Starbucks

Pistachio Latte

Pistachio szn at Starbucks is honestly our favorite time of year – the nuttiness tastes too good with coffee! Returning to the winter menu on January 3 is the Pistachio Latte, which combines espresso and steamed (or cold) milk with pistachio syrup and a delish brown butter topping. You can also order pistachio in Frappuccino form!

Starbucks

Pistachio Cream Cold Brew

The Pistachio Cream Cold Brew is just as tasty as the regular latte – it features strong cold brew sweetened with vanilla syrup and is topped with pistachio cream cold foam and salted brown buttery sprinkles.

Food On The 2025 Starbucks Winter Menu

Starbucks

NEW! Spicy Falafel Pocket

This all-new, savory, 100% vegan snack includes an array of veggies like roasted red bell peppers and pickled onions alongside smashed falafel and creamy hummus for a very-Mediterranean feel. It's finished off with a spicy herb sauce and wrapped in a toasted lavash flatbread. Yum.

Starbucks

NEW! Valentine Cake Pop

V-Day is on the way! This limited-time cake pop celebrates the season of love with a tasty bite of vanilla cake mixed with buttercream, dipped in red chocolate icing, and decorated with a cutie little heart design.

Starbucks

Vanilla Bean Custard Danish

Returning to the menu this time around is the Vanilla Bean Custard Danish, which is made with sugared Danish dough, baked until golden, and filled with a "rich and velvety" vanilla bean custard.

New 2025 Starbucks Merch

Starbucks

Starbucks' drinkware and merch that coordinates with the new winter menu is filled with fun colors, from light pinks and cool blues to bright greens, all of which feel perfectly rejuvenating for the new year. These colorful pieces will only be available for limited time, while supplies last.

Here's what you can expect to see at participating locations:

  • Purple Splatter Hot & Cold Cup (24 ounces)
  • Winter Floral Tumbler (12 ounces)
  • Green Apple Cold Cup (16 and 24 ounces)
  • Green Apple Keychain
  • Soft Rose Geometric Cold Cup (24 ounces)
  • Orange Wave Tumbler (16 ounces)
  • Gradient Pink Ceramic Mug (14 ounces)
  • Lavender Lace Tumbler (12 ounces)
  • Sunrise Swirl Cold Cup (24 ounces)
  • Winter Green Tumbler (16 ounces)
  • Blue Diagonal Cold Cup (18 ounces)

Subscribe to our newsletter for more exciting food news!

Are you anxiously waiting for new TV shows to debut this year? Me too, particularly Meghan Markle's series With Love, Megan (January 15). But, we at Brit + Co have the perfect buffer that'll hold you over — revisiting the '90s.

Instead of trying to cram the likes of Dawson's Creek or Sex and the City into one weekend, we have the best show you should watch based on your zodiac! We've already made cozy plans to curl up with a cute blanket from T.J. Maxx so we can watch endless reruns of the shows associated with our signs, and we hope you join us!

Scroll to find the '90s show that perfectly matches your zodiac sign!

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 - April 19): Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Bold, fearless, and always ready for a fight, Aries will love Buffy's courageous spirit and kick-ass attitude. She's got all the makings of a fire sign who means business.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Friends

Taureans appreciate stability and comfort. Friends offers warm, familiar characters and a cozy, sitcom vibe. If you really want to tap into this vibe, call your besties and have an impromptu watch party!

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Felicity

Curious and ever-changing, Geminis will relate to Felicity's journey of self-discovery and her endless quest for knowledge. There's also the inevitable complicated relationship Felicity has with Ben and Noel that's hard to resist.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Moesha

Cancerians are nurturing and empathetic. They'll connect with Moesha's family-oriented values and emotional depth. Though she didn't get everything right, Moesha always tried to remedy things whenever they went wrong — just like a true Cancer.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 - August 22): Beverly Hills, 90210

Leos love the spotlight and drama. 90210 delivers glamorous characters, high-stakes situations, and plenty of over-the-top moments.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 - September 22): The X-Files

Virgos are analytical and detail-oriented. The X-Files offers a perfect blend of mystery, science, and a touch of the paranormal. What's not to love?

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 - October 22): Sex and the City

Libras appreciate beauty, balance, and social connections. Sex and the City explores love, friendship, and fashion in a stylish and sophisticated way.

P.S. We won't be shocked if some of you discover you're more of a 'Charlotte' than a 'Carrie.'

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Charmed

Intense and passionate, Scorpios will be drawn to the supernatural world of the Charmed Ones, filled with dark magic and powerful sisterhood.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Adventurous and optimistic, Sagittarians will enjoy the Fresh Prince's witty humor, vibrant personality, and knack for getting into trouble.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Dawson’s Creek

Ambitious and disciplined, Capricorns will appreciate Dawson's intellectual pursuits and the show's exploration of complex relationships and coming-of-age themes.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): Daria

Quirky and independent, Aquarians will identify with Daria's unique perspective and her ability to see through societal norms. It's also not surprising that Daria has what some call a 'black cat' personality because Aquarians can have a dry sense of humor that's borderline sarcastic.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Sabrina, the Teenage Witch

Dreamy and imaginative, Pisces will love Sabrina's magical adventures and her ability to navigate the challenges of adolescence with a touch of magic.

Revisit your weekly horoscope to see if our predictions for your zodiac came true this week!

Fashion trends continue to shock us, but we never thought some of the outdated looks that made us cringe would be as popular as they've become now. From barrel jeans to Mary Janes, 2024 didn't care what we thought. Based on your personal preference, you may think some trending styles from the past should've stayed there, but it's hard to argue with viral moments featuring them!

That's why we rounded up the top 7 fashion trends we thought we'd never see again. Some of them are here to stay, but we pray others are forgotten as 2025 gets underway.

These 7 outdated fashion trends that have totally come back around!

H&M

1. Barrel Jeans

We have a love/hate relationship with barrel jeans because some of them can make us look frumpy. That's not a word we like to use often so that should be a hint at how complicated this fashion trend is for us. Still, we saw an increased interest in this and can't be mad at how great some people styled it.

Our favorite outfits included a plain button-up top, balloon jeans, flats, and a cute coat to accessorize it.

Try this style:H&M High Rise Barrel Leg Jeans

Dr. Martens

2. Oxford Loafers

Wearing loafers is never a cause for burning down the fashion industry, but we didn't think the clunky versions would be a shoe of choice for anyone. Some of us can't forget wearing penny loafers with our school or church outfits, but we never thought we'd see modern versions of a shoe we were forced to wear.

P.S. Can you picture the plaid dress or skirt with thick white stockings stuffed into black penny loafers? Or, is that just us?

Try this style:Dr. Martens Adrian Virginia Leather Tassel Loafers

Old Navy

3. Mary Jane Flats

Fashion trends aren't supposed to make us sigh and roll our eyes before admitting we love them, but Mary Jane flats elicited that response from us. We truly didn't know we'd see them so much in 2024, but they were another surprising popular style.

P.S. We have a pair in our closets too so you're not alone.

Try this style:Old Navy Mary Jane Square Toe Ballet Flats

Madewell

4. Metallic Studs Galore

This really shocked us because we thought people were leaning towards minimalism. As far as anyone can see, there isn't anything subtle about strategically placed metallic studs on a garment or shoe. But, guess what? The girls loved it.

We can't say that we gave into the hype, but we're glad people enjoyed playing around with gaudy pieces last year. For all we know, someone will still love wearing this trend in 2025.

Try this style:Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat

ELOQUII

5. Sequins Everywhere

We don't think this trend went out of style, but we saw how many people rushed to wear sequins during the holidays. We even gave in to it ourselves and we're kind of proud of it. However, we remember how annoying it was when some of our sequins popped off and rolled away into some unknown abyss.

Try this style:ELOQUII x Kate Spade New York Sequin Column Dress

Target

6. Mini Bubble Skirts

Some of us were unable to participate in this fashion trend because of the way we're shaped, but we weren't complaining. This is probably the most confusing trend that we kept seeing, making us question what year we were living in.

Somehow, mini bubble skirts were one of the trendy styles to wear in 2024, but we really wish they would go back to wherever they crawled from. Sorry, not sorry!

Try this style:A New Day Bubble Hem Mini Skirt

Hào Bùi

7. Androgynous Neckties

It's not that we hated this trend back in the day, but we didn't think people would start wearing neckties again. It's one of those trends that felt easy to forget until you saw someone wearing one.

Try this style:Luckyvestir Tie

Looking for more style trends & inspo? Sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.