 A hot matcha latte withlatte art | |
| Type | Beverage (hot and iced) |
|---|---|
| Associatedcuisine | Japanese cuisine |
| Main ingredients | Matcha andmilk |
Matcha latte (抹茶ラテ) is a beverage made by combiningmatcha, a powdered green tea originating from Japan, withmilk or amilk substitute. It can be served hot or iced and is considered a tea-based counterpart to the traditional coffeelatte. Matcha lattes rose to international prominence in the 2020s due to social media visibility[1], expansion by major cafe chains, and their association with wellness-oriented lifestyle aesthetics.
The modern form of matcha, characterized by its deep green color and mellow flavor, emerged between the 15th and 16th centuries inUji,Kyoto, following the invention of a unique shaded cultivation method known asŌishita saibai. Although this technique was originally developed as an effective measure to prevent frost damage, it resulted in the increased production oftheanine, which led to the creation of the distinctive flavor profile of matcha.[2][3][4]
In the 16th centuryAzuchi-Momoyama period, matcha-flavoredkakigōri (shaved ice) made its first appearance,[5] followed by the emergence ofmatcha ice cream during theMeiji era in the 19th century.[6] During the 20th century, a variety ofwagashi (Japanese sweets) infused with matcha were developed.[7]
As matcha spread globally in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, new ways of consuming it emerged, including sweetened beverages such as the modern matcha latte.
The modern matcha latte is a Western adaptation that emerged in cafés in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Its growth accelerated whenStarbucks introduced its matcha latte in 2006,[8] followed byDunkin' with its own version in 2020.[9] These chains helped mainstream the drink among younger consumers.
The drink became widely popular in the 2020s due to its visibility onTikTok andInstagram, whereinfluencers showcased brightly colored matcha beverages as part of “clean” and wellness-focused aesthetics.[10] In the United Kingdom, Blank Street Coffee has been credited with helping popularize the drink.[10]
Some tea specialists have criticized commercial matcha lattes for using lower-grade green tea powder instead of ceremonial-grade matcha. Reports from Japan have also warned of shortages linked to increased global demand for matcha, especially ceremonial grades.[11][12] The rapid growth in global demand has also led to increased concerns about counterfeit matcha and market instability, with reports describing the modern matcha trade as “the Wild West” due to fraud and inflated resale prices.[13] Critics argue that Western consumers sometimes misunderstand the drink, treating it primarily as atrend while overlooking its cultural and ceremonial roots.[14]
A matcha latte is prepared by whisking matcha or green tea powder with a small amount of hot water to form a concentrated mixture.Milk or amilk substitute such as oat, almond, or soy milk is then added.[15] The drink may be sweetened using sugar, simple syrup, honey, or vanilla.
The beverage is known for its vibrant green pigment, rich texture, and subtle earthy flavor. It has been described byVogue as an appealing alternative to coffee, especially among consumers seeking a beverage associated with wellness culture.[14]
Matcha lattes commonly appear in several variations, including:
Matcha lattes have become widely available across major cafe chains like Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, as well as independent coffee shops and wellness brands. The popularity has coincided with increased marketing of matcha as a "health-conscious" alternative to coffee.[10]
In 2025, posts on social media platforms began to associate the matcha latte with an online masculine archetype known as the “performative male.”[18][19][20]
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