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With the arrival of warm weather, I am starting to crave more refreshing and hydrating drinks, like this vegan Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte. Foamy, creamy, yet energizing and restoring, this plant-based drink is the perfect healthy Starbucks copycat. Not only it is completely refined sugar-free, but is also incredibly easy to make, and the preparation requires only four basic ingredients –matcha powder, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and your sweetener of choice!
I love to drink it in the morning instead of my usual coffee because I have found that matcha is much gentler on my digestion and the caffeine it contains does not cause huge spikes in my energy levels, leaving me agitated and hungry within hours of consumption. Plus, it is packed with precious antioxidants including polyphenols and catechins, which are incredibly powerful in contrasting the release of free radicals, among the major contributors to cellular oxidation. A true anti-aging elixir in a glass!
Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte: a healthy Starbucks copycat! 😋
Iced matcha is certainly one of my favorite Starbucks drinks! I would drink it day in and day out if I had the possibility -and I bet I am not alone in this! However, as you might all know, store-bought drinks are often loaded with refined sugar or artificial sweeteners, and the matcha used in them is not always of premium quality. Moreover, they are certainly not cheap and, in the long run, can greatly affect our monthly budget.
This is why I came up with this iced vanilla matcha latte recipe. A completely sugar-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free drink made with just four easily available ingredients: matcha powder (more on this in a while), agave syrup (or another natural sugar substitute), vanilla extract, and your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk.
The result is a frothy, creamy, and energizing drink, that is perfect both as a mid-morning pick-me-up or as a replacement to your usual breakfast coffee. If iced drinks are not your cup of tea, this matcha latte recipe can be easily turned into a hot beverage. All you have to do is steam the milk in a saucepan and create a soft and creamy foam with a milk frother like this before adding the matcha powder mix.
If you are into rich and creamy drinks, you can enrich this vegan matcha latte with a splash of this Healthy Homemade Coffee Creamer. The preparation is incredibly quick and easy and requires only three ingredients -coconut milk, coconut oil, and your natural sweetener of choice!
Pro Tips for An Incredible Vegan Matcha Latte 💯
Although my vegan matcha latte recipe is pretty straightforward and easy to follow, here are a couple of tips that will help you obtain an exceptional drink.
- Use High-Quality Matcha: The quality of matcha significantly impacts the flavor and overall experience of your latte. Opt for high-grade ceremonial or culinary matcha powder from a reputable source for the best results. I love this organic matcha powder from AprikaLife. It is not only completely sugar-free and sustainably sourced but also specifically formulated to create frothy and delicious lattes.
- Sift the Matcha: Sifting the matcha powder before whisking ensures a smoother texture and prevents clumps in your latte.
- Preheat Your Tools: Warm your bowl or cup with hot water before adding the matcha and milk. This helps maintain the temperature of your latte and enhances the flavor.
- Master your Whisking Technique: Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) to whisk the matcha and hot water vigorously in a zigzag motion until a frothy layer forms on top. Aim for a smooth and creamy consistency without any lumps.
- Control the Water Temperature: Heat the water to around 175°F (80°C) for matcha, as boiling water can scorch the delicate flavors of the tea. Using water that’s too hot can result in a bitter taste.
- Use a Milk Frother or Blender: For a creamier and frothier latte, use a milk frother or blender to froth the milk before adding it to the matcha mixture. This creates a luxurious mouthfeel and adds an extra layer of indulgence to your drink.
FAQ
Iced matcha lattes have gone viral on TikTok because they’re easy to customize, visually stunning with that bright green color, and marketed as a healthier alternative to Starbucks’ versions. Creators love showing the whisking and ice-pouring process in short, aesthetic clips.
Yes! At home you can control the type of milk, sweetener, and matcha quality. That means less sugar, plant-based milk options, and higher-grade matcha for a more nutrient-dense drink than the standard Starbucks latte.
You can use vanilla extract, vanilla syrup, or even a splash of vanilla plant-based milk. This adds natural sweetness and balances the earthy flavor of matcha without overwhelming it.
If you liked this recipe, here are other recipes you might like: Matcha Green Smoothie Bowl (Protein-Packed, No Powder Needed), Matcha Green Smoothie, Healthy Homemade Coffee Creamer, and Healthy Panera & Starbucks Drinks!
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Make It Your Way
Milk swaps: Oat milk is the move for the creamiest, closest-to-Starbucks result. Almond milk works but runs a little thinner. Coconut milk makes it richer with a subtle tropical thing going on — also really good. Soy milk froths the best if you’re feeling fancy.
Sweetener swaps: Maple syrup is my go-to. Agave works too. Want it sugar-free? A few drops of monk fruit sweetener does the job without any weird aftertaste.
Want it hot? Skip the ice, heat your milk, and dissolve the matcha in a splash of hot water first. Same recipe, completely different vibe — great for fall mornings when iced feels wrong.
Storage: Best fresh, but the matcha base (matcha + water + sweetener) keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake it, pour over ice, add milk, done.
Before you go…
I hope you will love this recipe as much as I do! If you have tried it, please let me know how you liked it in the comments. And don’t forget to tag my socials (all the links are down below). 💗
Vanilla Matcha Latte
Equipment
- 1 Milk frother blender
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Matcha powder
- 1 tbsp Hot water
- 1 cup Unsweetened plant-based milk e.g., almond milk, oat milk, coconut, or soy milk
- 1 tbsp Agave syrup or pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp Vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Iced version:
- In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the matcha powder and hot water until smooth and frothy.1 tsp Matcha powder, 1 tbsp Hot water
- In a blender, combine the prepared matcha mixture, plant-based milk, pure maple syrup or agave nectar, and vanilla extract.1 cup Unsweetened plant-based milk , 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is creamy and frothy. Alternatively, you can use a milk frother like this.
- Add ice cubes to a glass.Ice cubes
- Pour the creamy matcha mixture over the ice cubes. Optionally, garnish with additional ice cubes if desired.Ice cubes
- Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy and foamy goodness of your Iced Creamy and Foamy Healthier Plant-Based Vanilla Matcha Latte!
Hot version:
- In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the matcha powder and hot water until smooth and frothy.1 tsp Matcha powder, 1 tbsp Hot water
- In a saucepan, heat the plant-based milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Create a frothy milk cream by using a milk frother like this one.1 cup Unsweetened plant-based milk
- Pour the milk cream into a mug.
- Stir in the pure maple syrup or agave nectar and vanilla extract.1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- Pour the prepared matcha mixture into the mug, stirring gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired,
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth of your Healthier Plant-Based Vanilla Matcha Latte!
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