A few months ago I became officially obsessed with matcha, and even though I’ve tried different types of matcha and made it in multiple ways, I always come back to this one perfect matcha latte.
Why Do I Love Matcha?
The secret is not-too-rich matcha green tea and a just barely sweetened vanilla creamer. I like the TerraSoul brand culinary matcha, which is slightly lower grade (and less pricey) than the ceremonial grade matcha, which tends to be greener in color, richer in flavor, and decidedly more savory. As I become ever more sensitive to caffeine, I usually choose a decaf matcha – same benefits, similar energetic and focused calm, but very low caff.
I initially bought the culinary grade because I just wanted to dip my toe into the world of matcha-making. But after trying others from brands like Rishi, DŌ Matcha, and at a very cool tea bar in Vancouver, I realized that I feel okay about the lower grade because this is the flavor that I prefer. The light green color is really pretty, the texture is creamy and smooth, and the flavor is just barely sweet yet earthy. I think it’s just wonderfully delicious and satisfying. Traditional matcha is much more savory, very bright green, and also lovely in a different way.
The other thing that I just love about matcha is the sustained, mellow buzz it offers the body. While matcha does have caffeine, the body processes it differently and it’s a slower burn. I find that it keeps me energized throughout the morning or afternoon without the crash that knocks me out with coffee. I feel really alive, focused, and happy after a cup of matcha – a good way to feel always but especially when working through a busy day.
Health Benefits of Matcha
All that flavor, the good buzz, and it’s super good for you, too! Macha offers a bunch of health benefits because you are consuming the whole leaf (not just steeping, like other teas). Some of the health benefits of matcha include:
- Nature’s highest source of l-theanine, an amino acid that helps you relax (leading to that sustained buzz feeling)
- Up to 137x more EGCG than other tea. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is a catechin, a type of polypheol (plant component) that is super beneficial to heart health, brain health, and is protective overall.
- Caffeine potency higher than other teas, and I don’t recommend drinking on an empty stomach or too close to afternoon/evening
- Bursting with chlorophyll: the bright green compound is good for humans, too
- A moderate source of fiber: as you’re eating the whole leaf, you essentially drinking a plant
- Offers vitamin d, selenium, chromium, zinc, and magnesium
- Matcha tea is alkalizing rather than acidic: to the greatest extent possible, we want to eat foods that are alkalizing to keep our bodies in balance, as our lifestyle (chemical exposure and stress, especially) creates acidic conditions.
How to Make the Best Matcha Latte
Why is this the best? First, it’s really lightly sweetened, so you’re not getting a big sugar crash. Second, this latte uses only a little bit of creamer, so it’s lighter than a traditional matcha latte made from mostly milk. Third, vanilla paired with matcha is beverage heaven. Brands I like are listed below, but you can play around and your favorites and make YOUR version of the best! Note that traditionally matcha is made with a matcha whisk, and while there are other options listed below, it’s a pretty fun way to make your drink.
- 6-8 ounces filtered water
- 1-2 teaspoons matcha powder (I like the TerraSoul culinary grade matcha and this decaf matcha)
- 1-2 teaspoons plant-based creamer (my favorite is the Califia Unsweetened Vanilla; another great option is the Silk French Vanilla)
- Optional: a few drops of Vanilla Creme Stevia, or 1-2 teaspoons of coconut sugar or maple syrup
- Boil the water until just under boiling.
- Add 1-inch of water to a mug or matcha bowl. Using a matcha whisk or fork, whisk together until all matcha is dissolved. (Alternatively, blend in a blender, a milk frother, or shake in a jar – carefully)
- Stir in creamer and sweeter if using, then add the remaining water.
- Sip and savor!
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