Not only recognized for its distinctive green color and refreshing taste, matcha latte is also favored for its excellent health benefits, such as antioxidant support, enhanced focus, and improved metabolism. However, the calorie content in matcha latte can impact weight management plans if not carefully considered.
So, how many calories are in matcha latte, and is this drink suitable for a diet? Let’s explore the details below to make smart choices for your health.
What is Latte?
While Vietnam is famous for its ‘bạc xỉu’ milk coffee, Italian milk coffee, also known as Latte, has its own unique preparation method. A Latte is made from three main components: Espresso accounts for about 1/3, hot milk for another 1/3, and milk foam covering the top for about 1/6. Notably, the coffee beans used for Latte are often premium varieties from around the world, enhancing the coffee’s flavor and creating a distinct characteristic for this beverage. A key highlight that defines the Latte brand is Latte Art, where the milk foam is skillfully “drawn” into unique artistic patterns, providing a high aesthetic appeal for drinkers.
Many people often confuse Latte with Cappuccino, as both contain Espresso, hot milk, and milk foam. However, the difference lies in the preparation ratios: Cappuccino has nearly equal amounts of milk foam and hot milk, while Latte has only half the amount of milk foam compared to hot milk. Therefore, Latte is often regarded as a refined coffee brewing art piece with lighter milk foam than Cappuccino.
Furthermore, the caffeine content in Latte is quite low, combined with the rich flavor of hot milk, making this drink easily appealing to a wide range of customers, from new coffee drinkers to sophisticated coffee connoisseurs.
Latte has its own unique preparation method
What is Matcha Latte?
Matcha latte is a special variant of latte, where coffee powder is replaced with delicate green tea powder. This beverage harmoniously blends Eastern and Western culinary cultures, creating a unique experience with the characteristic aroma of Japanese and Taiwanese green tea combined with the creamy richness of milk.
The highlight of matcha latte is its layer of soft, smooth frothed hot milk, allowing baristas to showcase their artistic skills by creating vivid and attractive designs on the surface of the cup. Matcha latte is widely served in many coffee shops, with both hot and cold versions retaining their full flavor and providing a pleasant, relaxing sensation for the drinker.
For professional beverage makers, creating latte art is not just a technique but an art form, demonstrating the skill and sophistication of the practitioner. Therefore, matcha latte is not merely a drink but also a symbol of class and creativity in the modern coffee and tea world.
The calorie count in a cup of matcha latte typically ranges from 100 to 250 calories, depending on the preparation method and ingredients used. If you use full-fat fresh milk combined with sugar, the energy in the drink will increase significantly. Conversely, choosing unsweetened plant-based milk like almond milk or oat milk will significantly reduce calories.
Additionally, adding toppings like whipped cream or syrup also increases the calorie content, so you should be mindful if you want to effectively control your diet. The main ingredients of matcha latte include matcha powder, milk (which can be full-fat fresh milk, plant-based milk, or condensed milk), along with sweeteners like sugar, honey, or syrup.
Matcha powder is rich in antioxidants, especially catechins – compounds that help the body fight free radicals and reduce the risk of illness. The milk in matcha latte provides protein and calcium essential for bone and muscle health. However, if the sugar and fat content in the milk is too high, it can lead to weight issues and affect cardiovascular health.
Understanding the ingredients and preparation methods will help you enjoy matcha latte in a way that is both delicious and healthy, while effectively controlling your calorie intake. This is the secret to savoring matcha latte while maintaining good health and a balanced physique.
Matcha latte is a beloved drink thanks to its delicate aroma
Does drinking matcha latte make you gain weight?
Matcha latte is a beloved drink thanks to its delicate aroma, appealing color, and the relaxing feeling it provides after consumption. However, many people still wonder if drinking matcha latte can cause weight gain.
A typical matcha latte can contain 150 to 250 calories, mainly from milk, sugar, and toppings like whipped cream or boba. If you choose a version with full-fat milk or a lot of refined sugar, the total calorie count will be significantly higher. Consuming too many calories without burning enough through physical activity is the primary cause of weight gain, especially for those with a sedentary lifestyle.
You can absolutely enjoy matcha latte without worrying about weight gain if you know how to choose healthier versions. Prioritize unsweetened plant-based milk like almond milk or oat milk, and limit high-calorie toppings. Instead of white sugar, you can use pure honey or natural sweeteners to reduce calories while still maintaining a delicious taste.
Besides controlling ingredients during preparation, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet combined with regular exercise to help your body burn calories effectively. An active lifestyle not only helps manage weight but also improves overall health.
Discover the preparation recipe
How to make authentic, easy-to-prepare Matcha Latte at home
Matcha latte is a remarkable beverage known for its mild and refreshing flavor, popular worldwide. Unlike a typical coffee with a strong bitter taste, Matcha latte offers a harmonious blend of the subtle bitterness of green tea and the creamy sweetness from fresh milk and whipped cream, creating a relaxing and pleasant sensation for drinkers. Let’s discover the simple yet delicious recipe below!
How to make Hot Matcha Latte – Smooth and Rich in Flavor
Ingredients to prepare:
15g Japanese Matcha green tea powder (increase if you prefer a stronger taste)
200ml unsweetened fresh milk
15g sugar diluted with a little hot water
Whipped cream (optional)
Steps to make Hot Matcha Latte:
Heat the fresh milk in a small pot or pan, just until warm, avoid boiling.
Dissolve Japanese Matcha green tea powder with about 70–90ml of hot water (80–90°C), then stir well with the dissolved sugar.
Slowly pour the hot milk into the prepared Matcha mixture, stirring gently. If desired, add whipped cream on top for extra richness.
How to make Iced Matcha Latte – Refreshing and Cool
Ingredients:
15g Japanese Matcha green tea powder
200ml fresh milk
70–90ml hot water (approx. 80–90°C)
15g dissolved sugar
Whipped cream, ice cubes (optional)
Steps to make Iced Matcha Latte:
Whisk the green tea powder with hot water, then stir well with the dissolved sugar.
Add cold fresh milk to the mixture, continue stirring until well combined.
Add ice cubes to the glass, then top with a layer of whipped cream for extra richness and aroma.
A perfectly made Matcha latte not only offers a sweet, creamy taste and the distinctive aroma of green tea but also serves as an ideal choice for mental relaxation during stressful times. With the combination of Japanese Matcha green tea powder and natural ingredients like fresh milk, sugar, and whipped cream, this drink is both delicious and helps balance emotions.
You can also feel more at ease knowing how many calories are in matcha latte, because with a standard recipe, each cup contains a moderate amount of calories, suitable for a healthy diet if balanced appropriately.
