Vanilla Matcha Latte

Looking for a cozy, calming way to start your morning-or take a gentle mid-day pause? This vanilla matcha latte is one of my favorite alternatives to coffee. It's smooth, lightly sweetened, and takes just 5 minutes to make at home with a handful of nourishing ingredients. Whether you're easing into a slower morning routine or simply want something grounding to sip while you work, this latte offers a warm, steady energy without the crash.

Vanilla Matcha Lattes in white mugs with a bamboo matcha whisk.

Matcha is known for its earthy flavor and gentle lift, and when you pair it with creamy milk and real vanilla, the result is comforting, balanced, and even a little luxurious. I love how it supports focus and calm, especially on the days when I want a little caffeine boost.

This version is made with oat milk and naturally dairy-free, but it works beautifully with any milk you enjoy. Try it with whole milk or soy milk for added staying power.

If you're exploring intuitive eating or looking for ways to bring more mindfulness into your day, this simple drink is a nurturing place to start. You can find more gentle nutrition recipes in my free 5 Days to Food Peace email series.

Ingredients

Here's what you need to make a Vanilla Matcha Latte at home.

  • matcha green tea powder
  • hot water
  • pure vanilla extract or a vanilla bean
  • oat milk, or milk of choice

What is Matcha?

Matcha is green tea that is ground into a fine powder. Matcha is traditionally from East Asia, but you can now find it in the tea section at most grocery stores.

Equipment

  • Water kettle or a small pot to heat up the water (You could also warm up the water in the microwave if needed.)
  • Whisk (I prefer a bamboo matcha whisk, but any type will work. Use a fork if you don't have a whisk.)
  • Milk frother (Optional, but gives latte extra texture and that cozy, coffee shop feel. See my blender instructions below if you don't have one.)
Flat-lay image of matcha, matcha whisk, oat milk, and vanilla extract.

Instructions

First, to prep this Vanilla Matcha Latte recipe, heat up a little water (you'll just need ¼ cup per serving) and add ¾ cup oat milk to your milk frother.

Note: My milk frother warms up the milk as it froths. If your frother doesn't have this feature, or if you're using a hand frother, you'll want to heat up the oat milk on the stovetop or in the microwave first.

Oat milk in a milk frother.

Next, add a scoop of matcha to a wide mug (or matcha bowl) and pour in the hot water. Whisk vigorously until the matcha dissolves into the water and appears frothy. Then, stir in the vanilla.

Finally, pour in the frothed oat milk.

Pouring oat milk into a matcha latte.

You can either serve the matcha latte like this or give it another quick stir if you want the milk to be more evenly mixed with the green tea. I like to drink it without stirring.

Overhead closeup of a Vanilla Matcha Latte in a white mug.

Blender Instructions

You can still make this Vanilla Matcha Latte even if you don't have a milk frother. Either froth the milk by hand by whisking it vigorously with a whisk, or use a blender to do the frothing for you.

Here's what a matcha latte looks like when you make it in the blender:

Matcha latte in white mug with cream napkin and whisk in background.

To make a Vanilla Matcha Latte in a blender:

First, heat up the water and oat milk on the stovetop, or in the microwave.

Then, add all of the ingredients (hot water and oat milk, matcha, and vanilla) to your blender. Cover and blend for 30 seconds, or until the mixture is frothy.

I sometimes also like to add a spoonful of coconut oil to the blender version of this recipe. It increases the frothy texture and adds some coconut flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

  • Substitute any type of milk you have on hand if you don't have oat milk. I've had good results with soy milk and whole milk.
  • Add your favorite sweetener (cane sugar, coconut sugar, agave nectar, or honey) if you want a sweeter flavor. You can also use sweetened non-dairy milk to make this recipe sweeter.
  • If you're making the blender version of this recipe, try adding in a spoonful of coconut oil. It will add creaminess and frothiness, along with some coconut flavor.
  • Instead of vanilla extract or a vanilla bean, you can use vanilla flavored non-dairy milk to impart the vanilla flavor.

Nutrition Highlights

This Vanilla Matcha Latte is a nourishing way to treat yourself.

More Matcha Recipes

Here are more of my favorite recipes with matcha green tea.

Recipes to Serve with a Vanilla Matcha Latte

Looking for something to nosh on with your latte? These are a few of my favorite morning meals to pair with matcha.

Closeup image of a Vanilla Matcha Latte in a white mug.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do vanilla and matcha go together?

Yes, vanilla and matcha are a delicious match! The creamy, subtly sweet flavor of vanilla complements matcha's earthy, slightly bitter notes. Together, they create a smooth, balanced drink that's both comforting and energizing. If you're new to matcha, adding vanilla is a great way to mellow its flavor while enhancing its natural complexity. It's a cozy and satisfying option whether you enjoy your latte warm or iced.

What's in a vanilla matcha latte?

A vanilla matcha latte typically includes matcha green tea powder, milk (or a dairy-free milk alternative), vanilla extract or syrup, and a touch of sweetener if desired. Some recipes also include collagen, adaptogens, or a scoop of coconut butter for extra creaminess. In my version, I keep it simple with high-quality matcha, vanilla, and your choice of milk for a balanced drink that's easy to make and enjoy any time of day.

What type of milk is best for a matcha latte?


The best milk for a matcha latte is the one that tastes good to you and supports how you want to feel. That said, creamier options like oat milk, almond milk, or whole milk tend to create a smooth, frothy texture that pairs well with matcha's earthy flavor. If you prefer a more neutral or slightly sweet taste, oat milk is a popular choice. For a lighter option, try unsweetened almond or cashew milk. You can also use soy or dairy milk for added protein. There's no one right answer-play with different milks to find the combo that satisfies you most.

📖 Recipe

A vanilla matcha latte with frothy oat milk in a white mug.

Vanilla Matcha Latte

Stephanie McKercher, RDN
This cozy Vanilla Matcha Latte is a gently energizing alternative to coffee, made with antioxidant-rich matcha, creamy milk, and a touch of vanilla for sweetness. It's easy to make at home with just a few ingredients and can be enjoyed warm or iced. Perfect for a slow morning or afternoon pick-me-up that feels grounding and nourishing.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Breakfast, Drinks
Cuisine dairy-free, vegan
Servings 1 person
Calories 108 kcal

Equipment

  • Water kettle
  • Milk frother
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
  • ¼ cup hot water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or ⅓ vanilla bean, scraped
  • ¾ cup oat milk, warmed and frothed (or milk of choice)

Video

Notes

My milk frother warms up the milk as it froths. If your frother doesn't have this feature, or if you're using a hand frother, heat up the oat milk on the stovetop or in the microwave first.
For a sweeter flavor, add cane sugar, coconut sugar, agave nectar, or honey (not vegan). Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste if needed. You can also use sweetened non-dairy milk if desired.
If you like a stronger vanilla flavor, increase the vanilla extract to 2 teaspoons or use ⅔ of a vanilla bean. To use a whole vanilla bean: Use a paring knife to slice the bean open lengthwise. Scrape out the inside with a small spoon. 
To make without a milk frother:
Heat oat milk on the stovetop or in the microwave. Whisk the warmed oat milk vigorously to froth by hand. 
You can also prepare the latte in a blender. Add warmed oat milk and the remaining ingredients to the blender. Cover and blend on high 30 seconds, or until creamy and frothy.
Optional: add a tablespoon of coconut oil to the blender to add frothy texture and coconut flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 74mg | Sugar: 5g
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8 Comments

  1. I like to make a very similar recipe with coconut milk (sometime soy), maple syrup, and vanilla extract—so yummy! I bet using vanilla beans really takes it up a notch, though. I look forward to giving this a try! 🙂