Love the creamy, frothy Starbucks Matcha Latte but hate the long lines (and the steep price)? This Starbucks Matcha Latte copycat recipe lets you enjoy that iconic green tea latte right at home - hot, frothy, and perfectly sweetened - in under 5 minutes.
Whether you’re using a blender, a milk frother, or a traditional matcha whisk, this easy recipe brings the rich, earthy flavor of Starbucks’ Matcha Latte straight to your kitchen.
Plus, you can tweak the sweetness, milk type, and frothiness exactly how you like it - making it even better than your favorite coffee shop version.
Perfect for a cozy morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a homemade Starbucks treat anytime, this vegan Starbucks Matcha Latte is quick, simple, and totally customizable.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Matcha Latte Recipe
- 🍵 Starbucks Inspired: Enjoy the creamy, slightly sweet flavor of a Starbucks Matcha Latte at home.
- ⏱️ Ready in 5 Minutes: Quick, easy, and perfect for busy mornings or a cozy afternoon treat.
- 🥛 Creamy & Frothy: Get that smooth, velvety texture just like the coffee shop version.
- 🌱 Vegan & Customizable: Pick your favorite plant-based milk and sweetness level.
- 💰 Budget-Friendly: Skip the coffee shop price and make it yourself for less.
- ✨ Fun & Flexible: Enjoy it hot or iced, and experiment with flavors like vanilla, almond, or cinnamon.
- 🍪 Pairs Perfectly with Snacks: Delicious alongside cookies, pastries, or even your favorite matcha treats.
It is perfect with a side of cookies (I recommend my Matcha cookies, Vegan S'mores Cookies or Vegan Mochi Donuts if you're feeling fancy).
Jump to:
I’ve been hooked on matcha for years, but my true obsession began in 2018 in Singapore, sipping a Starbucks Matcha Latte that was next level.
Ever since, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that creamy, just-sweet-enough Starbucks Matcha Latte at home - and after plenty of matcha-fueled testing… here we are!
This homemade version captures everything I love about the original Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte - and honestly, it might even be better. You can tweak the sweetness and creaminess to your exact preference, making it truly your own.
🍵 What Is a Starbucks Matcha Latte?
The Starbucks Matcha Latte is a hot drink made from sweetened matcha powder, milk, and sometimes a dash of vanilla. It has a creamy texture, a slightly grassy flavor from the green tea, and a gentle caffeine lift.
At Starbucks, the green tea powder is a blend of matcha and sugar, which is why it’s pre-sweetened - you can’t order it unsweetened.
This homemade version uses simple ingredients and gives you full control over the sweetness, milk choice, and matcha quality. Plus, you skip all the additives and make it your own.
🗒️ Ingredients & Notes
To make this delicious Starbucks-inspired Matcha Latte, you only need 3 ingredients:
- Matcha Powder - Go for a good-quality ceremonial or latte-grade powder - also called culinary grade. My go-to brands in the UK are Clearspring or Teapigs. Great US alternatives are Encha, Ippodo, Matcha Konomi and Jade Leaf.
- Milk - love using soy or oat milk for that creamy-but-neutral taste. Almond adds nuttiness; coconut gives a rich sweetness.
- Vanilla Syrup - Starbucks-style vibes come from 1-2 pumps of vanilla syrup (or 1 tablespoon if using homemade/simple syrup). I usually opt for sugar-free, or you can DIY your own (or just mix maple syrup with a splash of vanilla extract).
🥄 Equipment
- a high-speed blender or electric milk frother
If you don't have a blender or frother to hand, please see the notes on alternative options for making this green tea latte below.
📖 Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Below you can find the steps for making Matcha Latte in a blender and making Matcha Latte in a milk frother.
For best results, read the full instructions first and follow these steps to make a delicious Green Tea Latte in just a few minutes.
Option 1: Making Matcha Latte in a Blender
Step 1 - Warm the milk - Use the microwave or stovetop.
Step 2 - Add to blender - Pour in the hot milk and vanilla syrup.
Step 3 - Add matcha last - This prevents the powder from sticking to the corners.
Step 4 - Blend - High-speed for 30-60 seconds until smooth and frothy with no streaks of matcha powder.
Option 2: Making Matcha Latte with a Milk Frother
If you have a milk frother, then making matcha latte has become even easier! I personally use a Dualit milk frother, which has the ability to make both hot and cold froth. I love this in particular, as it saves me having to heat the plant milk in advance.
If your frother does not heat the milk, then please heat the plant milk in the microwave or on the stovetop beforehand.
Step 1 - Heat the milk, if your frother doesn’t have a heating function.
Step 2 - Sprinkle in the matcha green tea powder.
Step 3 - Froth on the hot setting for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4 - Pour and serve – So creamy and effortless!
How to Make Matcha Latte Without a Blender or Milk Frother
No blender or milk frother? Here’s how to make a Starbucks-style matcha latte at home using just a traditional matcha whisk:
- Whisk matcha powder in 2 tablespoon warm plant milk until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla syrup (or maple syrup).
- Slowly add the rest of the preheated milk, whisking to combine.
- Serve hot, or pour over ice for an iced version.
This method gives you the same creamy, frothy texture you get at Starbucks, without any fancy tools.
➕ Customize Your Starbucks Matcha Latte
You can easily customize your matcha latte to suit your tastes or add some fun twists.
Here are some ideas to mix things up:
Flavor Boosts
- Matcha Vanilla Latte - For an extra boost of vanilla flavor, add more vanilla syrup or use a vanilla-flavored milk alternative like vanilla almond milk.
- Syrup Flavors - Add a splash of almond syrup for a nutty sweetness (marzipan matcha latte, anyone?!), or go for a Brown Sugar Syrup to give your matcha latte a rich, caramel-like flavor. Both syrups are great for adding extra depth and a little sweetness to your drink.
- Spices - Cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of cardamom can add a warming twist to your matcha latte, especially in the colder months.
- Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk – Try adding a spoonful of sweetened condensed coconut milk for a rich, sweet flavor that’s perfect if you're feeling indulgent.
Fun Twists
- Minty Matcha - Add a few fresh mint leaves to your matcha latte for a cooling, fresh taste. Muddle them in the bottom of your glass before pouring the matcha latte over.
- Matcha Latte with Boba – Want to make it like a matcha bubble tea? Add chewy tapioca pearls to your iced matcha latte for a fun twist.
- Iced Matcha Latte - For a chilled, refreshing twist, blend it with ice cubes and serve cold for those warm days.
🍵 Serving Tips
Serve in your favorite mug, sprinkle with extra matcha powder, and enjoy hot for that authentic Starbucks vibe
You can enjoy matcha latte on its own or alongside a light snack, such as fresh fruit, cookies or energy bites.
Matcha lattes are also a great drink for a brunch spread and delicious served alongside savory items like avocado toast or a breakfast sandwich.
Matcha is also delicious cold - try this Iced Matcha Latte version for a refreshing latte that's perfect for summer!
📌 If you love Pinterest you can pin any of the images to your boards!
💡 Expert Tips
Making the perfect matcha latte is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are my top tips for getting it just right.
Sift the matcha powder
To avoid clumps, always sift your matcha powder before adding it to your milk. This ensures a smooth, velvety texture in your latte.
Use hot (but not boiling) water
If you want to whisk the matcha separately before adding it to the milk, be sure to use water that's around 158°F-176°F (70°C-80°C).
Too hot, and it’ll taste bitter; too cold, and it won’t dissolve properly.
Sweeten to taste
Start with 1-2 teaspoon vanilla syrup for one serving, then adjust based on your preferences.
If you want a less sweet option, try maple syrup or even a pinch of stevia.
Froth it well
Frothing the milk is key for that Starbucks-style creaminess. Use a milk frother, hand whisk, or blender to get the perfect frothy top.
Don’t skip the matcha quality
If you can, go for ceremonial grade matcha - it’s smoother, less bitter than culinary grade, which can be a little more grassy or harsh, and closer to the Starbucks taste.
❓ Starbucks Matcha Latte Copycat - FAQ
Matcha is a type of green tea made from whole green tea leaves. The leaves are covered before the harvest to keep their bright green color. Once harvested, the leaves are ground into a fine green tea powder.
Matcha is known for its earthy taste and is often used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, which may offer health benefits like improved heart health and brain function.
Matcha is rich in antioxidants and generally considered healthy, but the Starbucks version contains added sugar, making it less so. At home, you can control the sweetness and make a healthier version.
Yes, matcha contains caffeine. A matcha latte contains roughly half the caffeine of an equally sized latte.
A Starbucks Matcha Latte is made from pre-sweetened matcha powder, steamed milk, and sometimes a hint of vanilla. It has a creamy texture, slightly grassy green tea flavor, and a gentle caffeine boost. This homemade copycat version lets you control sweetness, milk type, and matcha quality while skipping additives.
Starbucks uses a pre-sweetened green tea powder blend, so it’s naturally sweeter than plain matcha. For your home copycat, use ceremonial or latte-grade matcha powder. Popular US brands include Encha, Ippodo, and Matcha Konomi.
Matcha can come in all kinds of grades and qualities. My personal favorites are Clearspring and Teapigs, but if you're unsure where to get great quality matcha powder from, check Amazon or your local health food store.
Yes! Swap the pre-sweetened Starbucks powder with plain matcha and add a sugar-free syrup, maple syrup, or agave to taste. You’ll still get that creamy latte flavor without added sugar.
Barista-style plant milks like oat or almond give the best creaminess and froth. Coconut milk adds natural sweetness, and soy gives a neutral, smooth texture. Heat before blending or frothing for a café-style latte
You can, but the flavor will be less vibrant and less creamy than using matcha powder. Green tea bags won’t froth or create the signature green color and smooth texture of a matcha latte.
It can be, depending on your ingredients. Using unsweetened plant milk and controlling your syrup gives you a lower-calorie, less-sugary option than the store-bought version. Matcha itself is rich in antioxidants and contains a moderate amount of caffeine.
Clumps form when matcha isn’t sifted or whisked properly. Sift the powder before mixing, use a small whisk (chasen), handheld frother, or blender, and mix with a small amount of hot (not boiling) liquid first.
Absolutely! For iced, blend your matcha latte with ice cubes or pour over ice after blending. For hot, heat the milk first and froth or blend for a creamy café-style drink.
A standard matcha latte contains roughly 30-70 mg of caffeine per serving, depending on matcha quality and how much powder you use. This is less than a regular cup of coffee and provides a smoother, more sustained energy boost.
🌱 More Matcha Recipes You'll Love
If you love matcha, try my homemade Matcha Cookies with White Chocolate Chips or my Matcha Energy Balls - they are both the perfect sweet snack for matcha lovers!
🥛 More Starbucks Drinks to Make at Home
- Iced Vanilla Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
- Starbucks Matcha Lemonade
- Iced Matcha Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
- Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Foam
If you're a Starbucks fan, then also try the Strawberry Matcha Latte Starbucks Copycat recipe by SugarYums! It's easy to make vegan - just use agave and opt for vegan milk and cream.
Did you make this recipe? If so, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and star rating & let me know how you liked this recipe? THANK YOU! ❤️
📖 Recipe Card
Matcha Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
Equipment
- 1 high-speed blender or milk frother
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon green tea matcha powder
- 1 cup plant milk (250 ml)
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free vanilla syrup
Instructions
- If your high-speed blender does not come with a heating function, simply preheat your milk in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, or on the stove. It should be hot, but drinkable temperature. Adjust the heating time if needed.
- Pour the milk into your blender, followed by the matcha powder and your vanilla syrup. If you're using any optional flavorings like almond or brown sugar syrup, add those now too.
- Blend on high for 20–30 seconds, or until the matcha is fully dissolved and the mixture looks smooth and frothy. There should be no green powder or streaks left.
- Pause and give it a quick taste. Add more sweetener or a splash more milk if needed, then blend again briefly to mix it in.
- Pour the blended matcha latte into a serving glass. If making an iced version, pour it over ice. For a hot version, you can gently heat the blended drink in a small saucepan before serving. Stir if needed, then sip and enjoy straight away!
Notes
- Blender Alternative: Instead of a blender, you can also use an electric milk frother. Please see the equipment notes in the blog post above.
- Matcha Type: Use a high-quality culinary or ceremonial grade matcha powder for the best flavor and color. Ceremonial grade will give you a smoother and more vibrant drink, while culinary grade is great if you're mixing it with syrups or milk alternatives.
- Sweetener Options: You can use maple syrup, vanilla syrup, agave, brown sugar syrup, or any liquid sweetener you love. Start with 1–2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.
- Milk Alternatives: Oat milk and almond milk both work beautifully here. Go for a barista-style version if you want a creamier texture or better froth.
- Hot or Iced: This latte is super versatile - make it hot for a cosy vibe or iced for a refreshing pick-me-up. For the iced version, blend with ice or pour over ice cubes.
- Serving Tip: If you're going for aesthetics, whisk the matcha separately and pour it over the milk for a pretty layered look - just make sure your milk is cold if you're serving it iced so the layers stay defined.
- Blending Tip: For the smoothest result, use a matcha whisk (chasen), handheld milk frother, or electric blender to get rid of lumps.
- Flavor Additions: Customise your latte with extras like vanilla, almond or brown sugar syrup, a splash of coconut milk, or a dash of warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
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romylondonuk says
Thank you so much, Eugenia! so glad you like the blog post 🙂