Introduction: Matcha Latte – Healthy or High in Sugar?
Matcha lattes have become a favorite for both tea lovers and health-conscious coffee switchers. The vibrant green color and creamy texture make them a social media star, but many people still wonder:
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Does a matcha latte have sugar?
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How many calories are in a matcha latte?
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Is it healthier than coffee?
Before we answer, let’s first look at what a matcha latte really is (What Is Matcha?) and why it’s different from regular green tea.
1. What Is a Matcha Latte?
A matcha latte blends finely ground matcha green tea powder with hot water and milk (dairy or plant-based). While matcha itself is naturally sugar-free (Matcha Tea Benefits), the latte form often includes sweeteners, either added during preparation or already present in flavored syrups.
2. Does a Matcha Latte Have Sugar?
The answer: It depends on where you get it and how you make it.
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Homemade matcha latte with pure matcha powder → 0g added sugar (unless you add sweetener)
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Café-bought matcha latte → often contains 15–30g sugar, mainly from syrups or sweetened matcha powder
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Bottled/ready-to-drink matcha lattes → can have even higher sugar levels, sometimes over 35g per serving
Example:
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Starbucks Grande Iced Matcha Latte (16 fl oz) – 28g sugar (~7 teaspoons)
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Homemade matcha latte with unsweetened almond milk – 0g added sugar
3. How Much Sugar Is in a Matcha Latte?
Source |
Serving Size |
Calories |
Sugar (g) |
---|---|---|---|
Starbucks Grande (whole milk) |
16 fl oz |
240 |
28 |
Starbucks Grande (almond milk, unsweetened) |
16 fl oz |
170 |
20 |
Homemade (unsweetened almond milk) |
8 fl oz |
40–60 |
0–2 |
Homemade (whole milk + honey) |
8 fl oz |
120–150 |
6–10 |
4. How Many Calories Are in a Matcha Latte?
Calories come from three main sources:
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Milk choice (whole milk has more calories than plant milk)
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Added sweeteners (sugar, syrups, honey)
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Serving size
Calorie ranges:
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Café matcha latte: 170–300 calories
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Homemade with unsweetened almond milk: 40–80 calories
If you want full control over calories and sugar, your best bet is making it at home (Matcha Latte Recipe Guide).
5. Matcha Green Tea Latte Nutrition Facts
A standard 8 oz homemade matcha latte (with whole milk, unsweetened matcha):
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Calories: ~100
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 4g
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Carbs: 10g
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Sugar: 9g (from milk only)
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Caffeine: ~70mg
6. Fat Milk Matcha: Higher Calories, Creamier Taste
If you love rich flavor, full-fat milk in a matcha latte gives a creamier mouthfeel but adds more calories and saturated fat. For example:
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Whole milk matcha latte (8 oz): ~120–150 calories
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Oat milk matcha latte (8 oz): ~90–120 calories
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Almond milk matcha latte (unsweetened): ~40–60 calories
7. Is Matcha Latte Healthier Than Coffee Latte?
Both drinks have pros and cons, but matcha offers:
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L-theanine → promotes calm alertness
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More antioxidants than brewed coffee
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Steadier caffeine release (less jitters)
8. How to Make a Low-Sugar, Low-Calorie Matcha Latte
Ingredients:
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1 tsp ceremonial grade matcha
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2 oz hot water (175°F)
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6 oz unsweetened almond milk
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Optional: 1 tsp honey or monk fruit sweetener
Steps:
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Sift matcha into a bowl.
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Add hot water, whisk or froth until smooth.
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Pour in steamed almond milk.
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Sweeten if desired.
9. Matcha Latte Price: Homemade vs. Café
Source |
Price per cup |
---|---|
Starbucks Grande Matcha Latte |
$4.95–$5.75 |
Specialty café |
$5–$7 |
Homemade (ceremonial grade matcha) |
$1.20–$1.50 |
Making your own is not only healthier but also more affordable in the long run.
FAQ – Matcha Latte Nutrition & Sugar
Q1: Does matcha itself have sugar?
No. Pure matcha powder contains 0g sugar—any sugar comes from milk or sweeteners added.
Q2: How many calories are in a matcha latte with oat milk?
Around 90–120 calories depending on serving size and whether it’s sweetened.
Q3: Is a matcha latte keto-friendly?
Yes, if made with unsweetened almond/coconut milk and no added sugar.
Q4: Which milk is lowest in calories for matcha lattes?
Unsweetened almond milk has the fewest calories (~30 per cup).
Q5: Does Starbucks use sweetened matcha powder?
Yes. Their matcha blend contains sugar by default.