The Best Milk for Matcha Lattes: A Complete Guide

Matcha lattes, with their vibrant green color, slightly earthly palette and regulated caffeine content, have exploded in popularity in recent years. Although the flavor of matcha powder is the star of the show, the milk you use will also have a profound impact on the texture and taste, as well as on how you experience the drink overall. There are almost too many milk options – from plant-based alternatives to dairy, but getting the best milk for matcha lattes can take your beverage to the next level. We’re going to rank the top 10 best milk types for matcha lattes, taking into account flavor, frothability, nutritional properties, and how compatible with the matcha profile they are.

Whether you’re a matcha lover, or a cafe owner hoping to finesse your menu, this guide will help you make an educated decision.

Why Milk Matters for a Perfect Matcha Latte

Before we get to the list, let’s talk about why milk is so crucial in the context of a matcha latte. Matcha is bold, slightly bitter and grassy while milk is creamy and soft. Together the two flavors complement and balance each other quite nicely. The perfect milk accentuates matcha’s umami notes, creates a silky smooth texture, and makes the frothy top layer that makes lattes look amazing. Fat content, sweetness and protein can all impact how well milk froths — and partners with your matcha. In addition, personal dietary preferences – like vegan, lactose-free, or low-calorie diets – also factor into considerations for the best milk for matcha lattes.

The 10 Best Milks for Matcha Latte

1 - Whole Dairy Milk

Full-fat dairy milk is always a good choice for matcha lattes, because of its rich, creamy texture as well as a bit of natural sweetness. As the recipe’s name implies, with a fat content of about 3.5 percent, it yields a luxurious mouth feel that helps offset some of matcha’s bitterness. Whole milk froths magically, creating a super thick foam that holds its shape beautifully for latte art. Additionally, its high levels of protein add smoothness to the drink, making it a favorite for traditionalists.

Why it’s great: The full-fat richness plays off the earthy flavor of the matcha and the froth holds up for a café-style latte.

Best for: Your everyday sweet tooth would love a rich, creamy matcha latte.

Tip: Go organic or grass-fed for a cleaner, creamier taste.

2 - Oat Milk

Trending as a more recent milk alternative, oat milk has quickly found popularity in matcha latte-making — and for good reason. Its natural sweetness and slightly nutty taste complement matcha wonderfully and balance its flavors. Oat milk’s higher starch content means it’s excellent for frothing, resulting in a creamy, microfoam texture comparable to that of cow’s milk. There are brands like Oatly Barista Edition that are meant specifically for coffee and matcha drinks. Your local grocery store brand of oat milk will create an almost unnoticeable similarity to the more expensive alternatives.

Why it’s great: Vegan-friendly, environmentally friendly, and good for frothing.

Best for: People who drink plant-based drinks and those who like sweet, creamy lattes.

Tip: If you like a less sweet drink, select unsweetened oat milk.

3 - Almond Milk

Almond milk is a nutty, low-calorie option which pairs naturally with the earthy undertones of matcha. Its light texture means it won’t be quite as creamy as oat or whole milk, but it still froths reasonably well, especially in barista-blend versions. Unsweetened almond milk is for those of us trying to cut sugar, and sweetened options can be a way to augment the flavor of that matcha into dessert latte territory.

Why it’s great: Low in calories and easy to find.

Best for: Health-conscious people or those with dairy intolerance.

Tip: Seek out barista blends for better frothing and a smoother texture.

4 - Soy Milk

Soy milk is an adaptable plant-based milk to use as a base for matcha, and the slightly nutty, slightly versatile taste of the milk also allows flavor of matcha and any additives really stand out. It’s high in protein, which means it makes thick, stable foam for lattes. The neutral flavor of soy milk doesn’t compete with matcha, leaving a blank canvas on which to highlight the tea’s complexity and quality. It’s also a solid source of plant-based protein.

Why it’s good: Creamy, latte-like and rich in protein.

Best for: Vegans and those in search of a balanced and non-dairy alternative.

Tip: Go for unsweetened soy milk to not make it too sweet.

5 - Coconut Milk

With its thick, rich, creamy texture and mild sweetness, coconut milk makes a tropical matcha latte. It works best when you use it in canned form (watered down) or as one of those barista-blend cartons for frothing. The coconut’s flavor can also bring out the grassier notes of matcha, resulting in a unique, yet indulgent drink. Keep in mind, it might not be great for people who like the taste of a traditional latte.

Why it’s good: Rich and tasty, and it has a nice, creamy texture.

Best for: Experimental matcha drinkers with a taste for the tropical life.

Tip: Mix it half and half with another milk to mellow out the intense coconut taste.

6 - Macadamia Nut Milk

Macadamia nut milk is a less-common, but more luxurious choice for a matcha latte. It is the balance of buttery and rich, and has a light, yet creamy texture to it. Macadamia milk froths nicely and lends a mild sweetness that works well with matcha without overtaking it. It also has very few carbs, so it’s great for low-carb or keto-friendly diets.

Why it’s good: Rich and unusual, it has a silk-like texture.

Best for: Anyone looking for a premium, nutty latte experience.

Tip: Some brands, like Milkadamia, offer barista blends specially formulated for frothing.

7 - Cashew Milk

Cashew milk also makes a delicious nut-milk matcha latte. It’s creaminess and mild, slight sweetness complements matcha’s umami rather than competing with it. Cashew milk foams easier than almond milk but not quite as thick as oat or soy, making it a very middle of the road option. It’s an ideal middle-ground choice for those who are plant based.

Why it’s good: Creamy, subtle and smooth all in one sip.

Best for: Nut milk drinkers looking for a balanced flavor profile.

Tip: Homemade cashew milk can be creamier than store-bought versions.

8 - Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is a nutrient-rich and environmentally friendly choice that’s starting to gain popularity in the plant-based milk arena. Its nutty, earthy flavor is a natural fit with matcha for a latte that’s full of delicious benefits. It’s not going to froth quite the same way oat milk or soy milk does, but it’s thin and whisks up easily with matcha for a silky drink.

Why it’s good: Full of omega-3s and environmentally friendly.

Best for: People who care about their health and the future of the planet.

Tip: Hemp milk can separate, so shake well before using.

9 - Rice Milk

It’s a lighter, hypoallergenic alternative to cream in matcha lattes. It naturally tastes sweet, which can help balance out matcha’s bitterness, but its thin consistency means that it doesn’t froth as well as other milks. Rice milk is the best drinking vegan milk for those who are allergic to nuts or soy, or want a lower fat variety. It is less creamy, and may not appeal to people seeking a rich latte.

Why it’s good: Allergy-friendly and has natural sweeteners.

Best for: Those with food allergies or a preference for a lighter, fruitier latte.

Tip: Add a splash of oat milk for a better texture.

10 - 2% Dairy Milk

If you're looking for a milder dairy alternative, 2% milk can provide you with the halfway point between whole milk's richness and skim milk's thin body. It froths nicely if not as thickly as whole milk, and its mild sweetness was a nice foil to the flavor of the matcha. This is another great all-purpose option for a classic matcha latte.

Why it’s good: Less fat, but still creamy and frothable.

Best for: Dair Lovers who are satisfied with a lighter latte.

Tip: For optimal flavor, use fresh, high-quality milk.

What to Look for When Buying Milk for Matcha Lattes

When it comes to the perfect milk for matcha lattes it really boils down to preference and dietary guidelines. Here’s what to know: 

• Flavor Profile: Matcha’s umami, earthy flavor goes best with milks that are slightly sweet or nutty. Oat, almond and macadamia nut milk are particularly delightful with matcha, and coconut is a fun deviation.
• Texture and Frothing: If you want a café-like latte, considering using milks with well froth, such as oat, soy, whole dairy milk. Barista blends are designed to have a stronger foam stand.
• Dietary Instructions: Vegans can choose oat, soy or nut milks, while people with allergies may prefer rice or hemp milk. Options such as almond or 2% milk are lower in calorie.
• Sustainability: Oat and hemp milks are better for the environment than dairy.
• Nutrition: Soy and hemp milk have protein and nutrients; nut milks are low in calories.

How to Make the Best Matcha Latte

• Use High-Quality Matcha: You’ll want to use ceremonial-grade RW Golden matcha, as it’s been laboratory tested for quality and has an deep color and a rich flavor, both signs of high quality.
• Whisk Well: Whisk matcha well with a small amount of hot water to make a smooth paste, then add milk.
• Caution When Heating Milk: For the best frothing result without scorching, please steam/heat milk to 140-160°F (60-71°C).
• Add Sweetener If Preferred: If you like your milk on the sweeter side, mix in a tiny bit of honey, agave, or maple syrup to sweeten the milk.
• Experiment: Combine milks (such as oat and coconut) and you’ve got yourself a signature flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

The best milk for matcha lattes is up to your personal preferences, dietary restrictions, and texture goals. For the creamiest milk and the easiest way to produce froth: Whole dairy and oat are the top picks, while almond, soy and coconut are also popular with those who want a non-dairy alternative. Macadamia or hemp milk are a twist, and a new level, in your latte game. Once you know how each milk plays with matcha’s pungent flavor, you can create a latte you’ll really love. Whether you’re sipping these at home or serving them at work, by playing with these 10 milks, you can create a matcha latte that’s as tasty as it is eye-catching.