Looking for a smooth, creamy drink that doesn’t rely on dairy? A dairy free matcha latte might just be your new favorite ritual. With its vibrant green color, earthy flavor, and gentle caffeine kick, matcha has gone from traditional tea ceremonies to everyday comfort—especially for those skipping milk.
Whether you’re avoiding lactose, eating plant-based, or just curious, this guide breaks down how to make the perfect dairy free matcha latte at home and how to order one like a pro when you’re out. Let’s dive into this velvety, energizing drink and all the ways to enjoy it, no milk needed.
Table of Contents
How I Fell in Love with the Dairy Free Matcha Latte
Where It All Started: My First Dairy-Free Matcha Fix
I still remember the first time I swapped out my usual coffee for a dairy free matcha latte. It was a Saturday morning in Austin—humid as ever—and I was dragging after a late night. My wife had been raving about this new vegan café downtown, so I figured, why not? I ordered their signature matcha latte with oat milk, not expecting much. But that first sip? Creamy, mellow, and earthy with a hint of sweetness—it was a whole vibe.
What started as curiosity turned into a full-on obsession. As a dad and ex-trucker turned home cook, I needed something energizing that didn’t wreck my stomach. That’s when I learned how easy it was to make a dairy free matcha latte at home. No fancy barista gear, just quality matcha, hot water, and your favorite plant-based milk.
What Makes a Dairy-Free Matcha Latte So Irresistible?
Beyond its bold green glow, a dairy free matcha latte hits the sweet spot between health and indulgence. You get that café-style feel, but you’re in control—no syrups, no hidden ingredients, no dairy. Plus, matcha’s unique flavor pairs beautifully with non-dairy options like oat or cashew milk, which bring out its natural creaminess.
Whether you’re exploring a plant-based lifestyle or simply sensitive to lactose, this drink delivers comfort without compromise. And once you learn the tricks, it’s just as satisfying to make it at home as it is to grab it from your favorite spot.
Mastering the Dairy-Free Matcha Latte
The Essentials of a Perfect Vegan Matcha Blend
Making a killer dairy free matcha latte at home starts with the right ingredients and a simple process. You don’t need barista training—just a few tips and a little love. Here’s what I’ve found works best:
Start With Good Matcha:
- Look for ceremonial grade if you want a smooth, vibrant taste with less bitterness.
- Avoid low-grade or culinary matcha for lattes—it’s too harsh and dull in color.
- I use brands like Ippodo or MatchaBar, which stay fresh and bright.
Use the Right Water Temperature:
- Heat water to around 160–175°F (not boiling).
- Too hot, and your matcha turns bitter. Too cold, and it won’t dissolve.
Whisk Like You Mean It:
- A bamboo whisk (chasen) gives you the frothiest results, but a milk frother or small hand whisk works too.
- Make a smooth paste before adding milk to avoid clumps. If you don’t own a whisk, no problem—check out how to make matcha without a whisk for an easy workaround using tools you already have at home.
Tools and Techniques for a Frothy, Smooth Latte
You don’t need an espresso machine to enjoy a café-quality dairy free matcha latte. These tools elevate the process without cluttering your kitchen:
- Electric milk frother: For steamed and foamed milk, hot or cold.
- Handheld whisk or blender: For a silky blend with minimal cleanup.
- Fine mesh sieve: Always sift your matcha before whisking to avoid clumps.
A little technique goes a long way. I whisk in an “M” or “W” motion (not circular) to create that signature foam. You’ll know you nailed it when your matcha is smooth and layered with tiny green bubbles on top.
Beyond Almond Milk: Flavor Twists
Get Creative with Coconut, Oat, and Cashew Milks
Almond milk might be the go-to in most cafés, but when you’re making a dairy free matcha latte at home, you’ve got better options. Each non-dairy milk brings its own texture and taste—and matching the right milk to your matcha can make all the difference.
Here’s how a few favorites stack up:
| Non-Dairy Milk | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Oat Milk | Creamy, slightly sweet | Hot or iced matcha |
| Coconut Milk | Rich, tropical, bold | Iced lattes or dessert-style drinks |
| Cashew Milk | Velvety, mild, slightly nutty | Frothy hot lattes |
Experiment with blends too—oat and coconut milk together offer both richness and foam. You can even froth them in a single batch if you’ve got a good milk frother.
Flavor-Boosting Add-ins: Vanilla, Maple, and More
One reason I love making a dairy free matcha latte at home is the freedom to play with flavors. You’re not stuck with sugary syrups or pre-mixed powders like most coffee chains use. Instead, try adding:
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for a smooth, sweet twist
- 1 tsp maple syrup for a gentle caramel note
- A dash of cinnamon or cardamom for warmth
- A few drops of peppermint for a holiday vibe
These simple additions elevate your latte without compromising its clean, earthy core. Just be sure to whisk or blend well to keep that velvety texture.
Cold vs Hot Dairy-Free Matcha Latte—Which Reigns?
Honestly, it depends on your vibe. A hot dairy free matcha latte is perfect for chilly mornings or when you’re winding down in the evening. But iced matcha has its own refreshing magic—especially if you’re out and about or need something quick.
I like to prep both in batches:
- For hot, I use a thermos and sip it slowly during work.
- For iced, I shake everything with ice in a mason jar and pour over more ice—instant matcha, zero fuss.
Both versions work great with all the milks mentioned earlier, and you can switch it up by season or mood.
Ordering Dairy-Free Matcha Like a Pro
Is Matcha at Starbucks or Dunkin Dairy-Free?
Ordering a dairy free matcha latte at big chains like Starbucks and Dunkin can be tricky if you don’t know what’s in their mix. The good news? The matcha powder at both places is technically dairy free—but that doesn’t mean the drinks are made dairy free by default.
Starbucks:
Their matcha blend contains only matcha and sugar—no milk in the powder itself. But unless you ask, Starbucks prepares lattes using 2% dairy milk. To make it dairy free, you’ll need to customize.
Dunkin:
Dunkin’s matcha mix also contains no dairy, but the standard latte is made with whole milk unless you request a substitute. Both oat and almond milk are available at most locations.
If you want to be 100% sure when you order out, check for cross-contamination or shared steamers if that matters to your diet.
Exactly How to Order a Vegan Matcha Latte in Coffee Shops
If you want a truly vegan-friendly matcha latte when you’re out and about, you’ll need to know exactly what to say. The base powder may be dairy free, but you’ll still need to specify your milk and skip any extras that aren’t plant-based.
How to order a vegan matcha latte at Starbucks:
“I’ll take a hot or iced matcha latte with oat milk, no whipped cream, and no classic syrup.”
This gives you a clean dairy free matcha latte, with no hidden dairy in the base or add-ons.
For Dunkin:
“Can I get a matcha latte with almond milk and no sweet foam or whip?”
It’s worth noting that not every Dunkin location uses whipped cream automatically—but some do for hot drinks. Asking saves you the guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make matcha latte without milk?
Yes, absolutely. You can make a matcha latte without any kind of milk—just blend matcha powder with hot water and, if desired, a bit of sweetener or vanilla for flavor. This style is closer to traditional Japanese matcha, delivering bold, grassy notes without the creaminess. If you prefer something smoother, consider using light non-dairy milks like rice or oat milk in smaller amounts.
Is matcha dairy free at Starbucks?
The matcha blend itself is dairy free, made from green tea powder and sugar. However, Starbucks uses 2% milk by default. To keep it dairy free, ask for almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk and skip any whipped cream or foam toppings.
Is Dunkin matcha latte dairy free?
Not automatically. While Dunkin’s matcha mix doesn’t contain dairy, the standard recipe uses dairy milk. Be sure to substitute with almond or oat milk to keep your order dairy free and confirm no dairy toppings are added.
How to order a vegan matcha latte at Starbucks?
Say: “Hot or iced matcha latte with oat milk, no whipped cream or syrup.” This ensures you get a plant-based version with no hidden dairy or sweeteners. Customize the milk to your liking—almond, soy, or coconut are also available.
Conclusion: Why Dairy-Free Matcha Is the Best Kind of Matcha
A dairy free matcha latte isn’t just a healthier alternative—it’s a full sensory experience. You get vibrant color, rich umami flavor, and calm energy, all without a drop of dairy. Whether you’re sipping it hot on a cold morning or pouring it over ice in the heat of summer, matcha adapts beautifully to plant-based life.
Once you find the right milk—maybe oat for foam, coconut for richness, or cashew for velvet—you’ll realize you’re not missing a thing. Making it at home? Even better. You control the sweetness, the texture, and the temperature. Ordering out? Now you know exactly what to say.
No more compromises, no more confusion. Just pure, satisfying matcha—your way.
Print
Dairy Free Matcha Latte: Creamy, Vegan, and Easy to Make
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This dairy free matcha latte is smooth, creamy, and completely plant-based. Perfect for mornings or a mid-day boost, it’s made with high-quality matcha and your favorite non-dairy milk.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp ceremonial grade matcha powder (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup filtered hot water (160–175°F)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened oat milk or Non-dairy milk of your choice
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup or agave (optional)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Sift the matcha powder into a mug or bowl to remove clumps.
2. Add hot water and whisk vigorously using a bamboo whisk, milk frother, or handheld whisk until smooth and frothy.
3. Warm or froth your dairy-free milk of choice until steaming (but not boiling).
4. Pour the milk into the whisked matcha and stir gently.
5. Add maple syrup and vanilla extract if using. Serve hot or pour over ice for an iced version.
Notes
For best results, use unsweetened and barista-style plant milk for better froth. If you don’t have a whisk, blend the matcha and water in a jar or shaker bottle.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: dairy free matcha latte, vegan matcha, plant-based latte, matcha with oat milk
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