Can matcha be prepared with milk or sweeteners?

Absolutely! While traditional matcha is made by whisking the powder with hot water, modern matcha lovers around the world have embraced creamy, comforting variations that include milk, sweeteners, and even creative flavor infusions.

The most popular example is the beloved matcha latte. To make one, simply prepare your matcha as usual - sift about half a teaspoon of high-quality powder into a bowl or cup, mix with a small amount of hot water to create a paste, then top it off with warm, frothed milk. Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and even dairy milk all work beautifully, depending on your preferences. Each one brings its own texture and sweetness to the cup.

For those new to matcha or easing into the flavor, adding a bit of natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or agave can soften the grassy, umami-rich notes without overpowering them. This is especially helpful when using culinary-grade matcha, which tends to be a bit more robust and slightly bitter compared to ceremonial-grade.

Want to take it further? Many people enjoy blending their matcha with vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a dash of lavender or rose water. These small additions can elevate your cup into something truly special.

One important note: if you're adding milk, especially dairy, make sure it’s not too hot. Overheating milk can dull the delicate flavors of matcha, and overheating matcha itself (as we covered in our post on bitterness) can result in a harsher taste.

Whether you enjoy matcha straight-up or dressed up, there’s no wrong way to sip it - just find the version that fits your lifestyle and taste.

From traditional bowls to creamy green lattes, matcha is a canvas - and milk and sweeteners are your brushes. Enjoy the art of your own ritual.