Yes, a matcha latte is typically sweet, especially when purchased from a coffee shop.
While matcha itself has a distinct, often slightly bitter flavor, a matcha latte combines this powdered green tea with milk (like the coconut milk mentioned in the reference) and usually a sweetener.
Sweetness in Matcha Lattes Explained
The sweetness level in a matcha latte primarily comes from added sugars or syrups. This addition helps to balance the natural bitterness and earthy notes of the matcha powder, creating a creamy, palatable beverage.
As the provided reference states:
The slightly bitter matcha flavor mixes with (in this case) coconut milk to create a perfect creamy flavor balance. Often times, coffee shop matcha lattes are too sweet, which is why I prefer to make my matcha latte at home!
This highlights that coffee shops frequently add a significant amount of sweetener, making their versions often perceived as "too sweet" by some individuals who might prefer a less sugary drink or make their own to control the sugar content.
Key Components and Sweetness
Here's a breakdown of how components contribute to the sweetness:
- Matcha: Naturally earthy, sometimes bitter or vegetal.
- Milk (Dairy or Plant-Based): Adds creaminess and can have its own subtle sweetness (e.g., some plant milks).
- Sweetener: This is the primary source of sweetness. Common sweeteners include:
- Simple syrup
- Vanilla syrup
- Honey
- Agave
- Sugar
The combination of these ingredients results in a drink that is generally sweet, contrasting with the pure taste of unsweetened matcha tea.
Customizing Sweetness
Many people adjust the sweetness of their matcha latte based on personal preference.
- At coffee shops, you can often request less syrup or no syrup.
- Making one at home allows for complete control over the type and amount of sweetener used.
Therefore, while the base matcha has no sugar, the standard preparation of a matcha latte includes sweetener, resulting in a sweet drink, often quite sweet in commercial settings.
