How To Make Matcha: Easy Ways To Get Your Fix

If you’ve ever admired those vibrant matcha drinks and snacks at your local coffee shop, you may have turned green with envy over those share-worthy culinary masterpieces.

But did you know you can make eye-catching matcha at home? And it can be a healthier alternative to those store-bought, high-sugar concoctions?

“Matcha is one of the most versatile flavors out there and adds a pleasant flavor to pretty much anything it goes into,” says registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD.

Matcha recipes

Matcha powder is green tea that’s made from the full leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). And its vibrant green color is more than eye candy.

“Matcha is loaded with antioxidants that can benefit your whole body,” Zumpano says.

Depending on the grade of matcha you buy, you can keep things simple or get creative in the kitchen.

“When you’re shopping for matcha, the kind you choose depends on how you plan to use it,” Zumpano says.

In general:

• Ceremonial-grade matcha has the smoothest, most delicate flavor and is best for drinking as tea.
• Premium-grade matcha works well for both tea and everyday recipes.
• Culinary-grade matcha is slightly more robust and is ideal for smoothies, baking and cooking.

Matcha can be enjoyed as a classic tea or latte, blended into smoothies or stirred into snacks and side dishes.

Zumpano shares some of her favorite ways to enjoy matcha.

Matcha tea

Sometimes, the simplest preparation is the best. Matcha has a richer flavor and more concentrated nutrients than steeped green tea.

For the best tea, use matcha powder that has a vibrant green color.

“As a general rule, the greener the matcha, the more delicate the flavor and the higher the quality,” Zumpano shares.

How to make it: Sift your powder through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Then, whisk for at least 30 seconds in hot (not boiling) water until it’s smooth and slightly frothy.

Matcha latte

If straight matcha tastes too strong, try a dairy-free latte.

Why no dairy? Research suggests dairy milk may reduce some of matcha’s antioxidant activity. So, skip the cow’s milk and make your matcha latte with:

• Almond milk
• Cashew milk
• Oat milk
• Rice milk
• Soy milk

Because matcha naturally contains a hefty dose of caffeine, enjoy your latte earlier in the day.

How to make it: Mix sifted matcha with a few ounces of warm water to dissolve the powder and make a paste. Then, add steamed plant-based milk for a creamy drink. If you prefer a little sweetness, add a small amount of honey or maple syrup. If you have a hand-held frother at home, you can add the matcha and plant milk to a mug and froth them together. Or add the ingredients to a frother and then blend and enjoy.

Matcha smoothies

Matcha blends especially well into fruit and veggie smoothies. Fruit helps balance matcha’s earthy flavor while giving you an extra serving of produce.

How to make it: Grab a blender and combine your favorite dairy-free milk, a small scoop of matcha and your favorite smoothie ingredients, like:

• Bananas
• Berries
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Spinach

Matcha snacks

Matcha isn’t just for drinks. Its slightly savory, umami flavor works well in many everyday recipes. If you’re baking with matcha, culinary-grade powder is usually the best choice because its stronger flavor holds up well alongside other ingredients.

How to use it: Add a scoop of matcha to:

• Chia pudding
• Energy balls
• Homemade granola
• Overnight oats or oatmeal
• Tofu scrambles
• Vinegarette salad dressings

Matcha seasoning

A sprinkle of matcha can give your taste buds a party and give your whole body an antioxidant boost.

How to use it: Use a dash of matcha to season:

• Guacamole
• Hummus
• Ice cream
• Popcorn
• Roasted veggies

Final thoughts

There are lots of ways to enjoy DIY matcha. So, get creative with it.

Just be cautious about when you enjoy it. Again, matcha has a lot of caffeine, so enjoy it earlier in the day. And pay attention to how much you’re sweetening your recipes.

“Matcha is packed with health benefits, but when you add a lot of sugar to it, you’re not doing yourself a favor,” Zumpano advises. “If the earthy flavor is too strong, cut back on the amount you’re using. A little goes a long way.”