How to Choose the Best Matcha Powder for Lattes (A Technical Guide)

Matcha lattes have become one of the most popular ways to enjoy Japanese green tea. Smooth, creamy, and energizing—they feel like a bridge between tradition and modern café culture. But here’s the challenge: not every matcha powder is suited for lattes. Some taste flat when mixed with milk, while others shine with rich aroma and balanced flavor.

Instead of giving you a simple “top 10 list,” I want to share a technical perspective on what makes a matcha powder great for lattes. Over the past year, I’ve personally tested more than 100 different matcha powders—on some days, tasting 10 in a row. It has been exhausting, but also one of the most rewarding parts of building ZENERGY TEA.

For lattes, the sweet/umami side must be strong enough to survive the milk. Interestingly, a bit of extra body and bitterness isn’t always bad—since milk naturally softens harsh edges, a fuller-bodied matcha can taste balanced and pleasant in a latte.

3. Mouthfeel & Body

“Thin” matcha will taste watery once combined with milk. Powders that create a round, creamy mouthfeel on their own often translate into a more satisfying latte.

4. Color & Freshness

A vivid, emerald-green matcha usually indicates good chlorophyll content and freshness. This doesn’t just look appealing—it also signals higher quality and better flavor. Dull or yellowish powders tend to fade when paired with milk.

In tasting over 100 matcha powders this year, I’ve learned that the best matcha for lattes isn’t always the highest ceremonial grade .

• Delicate ceremonial matcha often makes a beautiful straight tea, but some of its nuanced flavors get lost in milk.

• More robust, earthy matcha can actually “win” against milk, standing out with depth and strength.

• Matcha with subtle fresh, soil-like notes can evolve into a refreshing, layered flavor when paired with dairy or plant-based milks.

One way to think about it: a latte is not just a dilution of matcha, it’s a fusion . The best powders create a balance—where the milk softens bitterness but the matcha’s natural fragrance still shines through. At another level, they produce new, complex flavors that only appear in this combination.

Hot Matcha Latte Recipe

1. Sift 1–2 tsp of matcha powder into a bowl.

2. Add 2 oz of hot water (175°F / 80°C).

3. Whisk with a bamboo whisk (chasen) until frothy.

4. Add 6–8 oz of steamed milk.

5. Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or vanilla if desired.

Iced Matcha Latte Recipe

1. Sift 1–2 tsp of matcha powder into a glass.

2. Add 2 oz warm water and whisk until smooth.

3. Fill glass with ice and pour in cold milk.

4. Stir and adjust sweetness to taste.

At ZENERGY TEA, we’ve taken these lessons seriously. This September, we’ll be introducing new matcha powders crafted specifically for latte drinkers—blends chosen not only for their ceremonial quality but for how they interact with milk . Our goal is to help you enjoy lattes that are smooth, aromatic, and balanced—whether hot or iced.

The best matcha powder for lattes is not defined by price or grade alone. It’s the one that balances aroma, flavor, and body well enough to shine through milk. After tasting more than 100 matcha powders, I’ve seen firsthand how different characteristics perform in lattes.

If you want to experience the difference, start with a fresh, vibrant Japanese matcha and experiment with both delicate and robust styles. And stay tuned—our upcoming latte-focused matcha may just become your new favorite companion for morning rituals.

👉 Shop ZENERGY Matcha