Looking for a dairy-free matcha latte recipe to replace your morning coffee? You’re in the right place! Today we’ll explore matcha’s health benefits, how to make a creamy matcha latte without milk, and give you tips to perfect your matcha-making skills.
I’m an unabashed one-a-day coffee drinker and have been, off and on, for over 15 years. You too?
I’ve always taken it with a little sweetener and most importantly, a liberal pour of cream.
I love the aroma, warmth and pick-me-up of coffee. And my morning coffee ritual is all about comfort and a slow, relaxed start to the day.
It also gives me fond family memories because my dad was a coffee drinker. I remember (not so fondly) being woken up as a teen to the clattering sound of fresh coffee beans in the grinder. It’s not easy to sleep through that noise!
Side Effects of Drinking Coffee Regularly
Like anything, coffee (regular and even decaf) consumption can be a bit of a slippery slope. This is especially true if you’re using it as a crutch—for extra energy, stress (ah the irony!), or pushing through a last-minute work project.
All things in moderation. When my relatively harmless one-coffee-a-day habit suddenly becomes a 2-3+ coffee-a-day habit, sometimes good things must come to an end.
Cue a self-imposed coffee “strike”. I like the word strike because it feels like the decision to quit coffee is fully in my court – in other words, coffee isn’t quitting me!
My fellow coffee lovers will understand.
Like most people, I find it’s often easier to cut something out when you have something ready to replace it.
Sometimes my coffee gets replaced with a “coffee substitute” like chicory or dandelion, or herbal teas. Both are great year-round. In summer, flavoured or coconut water, but this depends on the weather.
Lately, this “magical” dairy-free matcha latte recipe has done a terrific job of pinch-hitting for my old friend.
What is Matcha Green Tea?
Matcha is unique compared to most teas. Regular or herbal tea leaves are typically soaked/infused in hot water and then removed before drinking. Matcha’s tea leaves on the other hand are ground so you’re consuming the leaves themselves.
Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea
- Matcha has an impressive amount of antioxidants. It is packed with catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can protect your body from cellular damage.
- Matcha contains caffeine and L-theanine, a combination that can boost focus, memory, and reaction time.
- Some studies suggest that the compounds in matcha can boost metabolism and increase fat burning.
- The L-theanine in matcha promotes relaxation without drowsiness. It has even been studied for its effects on reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety.
The Secret to a Creamy Matcha Latte Without Milk
The key to achieving a rich, creamy texture in your dairy-free matcha latte is using healthy fats. My recipe uses coconut oil, which adds creaminess and added health benefits. Here are a few benefits of coconut oil:
- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) for quick energy
- Potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
- May support brain function and heart health
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Why Make this Matcha Tea Latte Recipe Without Milk
Why should you make this matcha tea latte recipe without milk?
The “magic” trick of this matcha latte recipe, without milk or dairy of any kind, is thanks to the coconut oil. So, please don’t leave that out! If you must, replace it with another fat that will do a similar job.
You can use coconut oil to make any beverage frothy and creamy (without milk or dairy). It works best with blended drinks, including dairy-free hot cocoa, turmeric (or golden) tea, and even any kind of herbal tea.
If you can’t do coconut oil, see the FAQ on dairy-free matcha lattes below for more options.
I normally include a sweetener because I find it helps offset matcha’s natural grassiness and/or bitterness. You could try stevia or my current favourite, monkfruit. You can also leave it out for a sugar-free matcha tea latte.
This dairy-free matcha latte recipe also packs a protein punch. It contains about 6-9 g of protein from the hemp hearts. The optional collagen powder offers another 9 g of protein.
Made with the extra protein, this green tea latte without milk doesn’t seem to spike my blood sugar like coffee. However, if you are sensitive to caffeine, you may prefer to skip matcha and choose a non-caffeinated option.
Tips for the Perfect Dairy-Free Matcha Latte
- Use high-quality matcha tea. The quality of your matcha will significantly impact the flavour of your latte.
- Water temperature matters. Water that is too hot can make your matcha bitter. Aim for 175°F (80°C).
- Experiment with sweeteners. Try a different natural sweetener or a different amount to find your perfect balance.
- Add adaptogens. If you stopped drinking coffee because you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, try adding adaptogens to your dairy-free drink. Adaptogens like ashwagandha or reishi mushroom powder can be great options.
- Froth it up. For extra frothiness, use a milk frother after blending.
This recipe as written makes enough for one person. You can easily scale it up to feed a crowd.
Dairy-Free, Protein-Rich “Magical” Matcha Tea Latte
A protein-rich matcha green tea latte without milk. It uses coconut oil and hemp hearts for froth & creaminess!
Ingredients
- 1-2 tsp ground matcha (powdered green tea)
- 2 tsp coconut oil and/or ghee, liquid or solid
- 2 Tbsp hemp hearts
- 1-3 tsp maple syrup, honey or other sweetener (recommended but optional – see notes)
- 8 oz. hot water
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend on high for a few minutes or until the hemp hearts are fully blended. Your latte will be frothy and ready to drink immediately.
Recipe Notes
I highly recommend a high-powered blender like a Vitamix in order to get the hemp hearts fully blended. Using a high-powered blender helps get this beverage to the right texture.
I normally use maple syrup as a sweetener because I find it helps offset matcha’s natural grassiness and/or bitterness, but you could absolutely leave it out for a sugar-free version.
Supplemental add-ins (all are optional)
1 tsp maca powder
1 Tbsp grass-fed collagen powder
1 serving of L-glutamine powder
I usually include all of the supplemental add-ins, except for the collagen (which varies based on my daily protein intake).
Please consult your health care provider to determine whether these supplements are appropriate for your individual condition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dairy-Free Matcha Lattes
- Can I use other oils instead of coconut oil? Yes, you can try ghee, MCT oil or another neutral oil like avocado oil.
- Is matcha high in caffeine? Matcha has caffeine, but usually less than coffee. It also provides a more sustained energy boost due to the presence of L-theanine.
- Can I make this dairy-free matcha recipe without a blender? While a high-powered blender gives the best results, you can use a milk frother or whisk vigorously to combine the ingredients. If you do this, leave out the hemp hearts.
- Can I prepare this dairy-free matcha latte in advance? It’s best to enjoy your matcha latte fresh, but you can make ahead and gently re-heat to serve.
Making a delicious, creamy matcha latte without milk is not only possible, but can be even more nutrient-dense than traditional versions.
Adding coconut oil and hemp hearts adds healthy fats and protein to your drink, so it’s a perfect morning energizer or afternoon pick-me-up. Give this dairy-free matcha latte recipe a try and discover a new favourite way to enjoy the incredible benefits of matcha green tea!
And don’t be afraid to experiment with different sweeteners and ratios to make your ideal cup.
Whether you’re looking for a coffee alternative, a vegan-friendly matcha, or simply a delicious drink, this matcha latte recipe without milk has got you covered.
Have you ever made a drink non-dairy with coconut oil or another healthy fat?
Life is a plate… Eat up,
Ashleigh
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