Best Matcha for Lattes: How to Choose the Right Grade

A good matcha latte starts with choosing a matcha that can hold its flavour when mixed with milk. The most expensive ceremonial grade is not automatically the best option. For lattes, you usually want vibrant colour, a balanced bitterness and enough tea character to remain noticeable in dairy or plant-based milk.

What makes a matcha suitable for lattes?

Matcha for lattes should taste balanced rather than overly delicate. Milk softens bitterness and umami, while sweeteners can cover subtle aromas. A suitable latte matcha should therefore have a clear green-tea flavour and a smooth finish without becoming flat.

Colour is also useful, but it should not be the only deciding factor. Freshness, origin, grade and how the matcha tastes with your preferred milk matter more than chasing the brightest possible shade of green.

Premium, culinary or ceremonial matcha?

Premium matcha is often the easiest choice for everyday lattes. It offers better smoothness than basic culinary grades while remaining strong enough for milk.

Culinary matcha generally has more bitterness and a bolder flavour. It works well in sweetened drinks, baking, smoothies and recipes where matcha needs to stand up to other ingredients.

Ceremonial matcha is designed primarily for drinking with water. You can use it in a latte, but its more delicate qualities may be lost once milk and syrup are added.

Our best everyday matcha for lattes

No. 60 Premium Matcha

Matcha Crew No. 60 is our recommended everyday latte matcha. Produced in Kagoshima from the Yabukita cultivar, it has a nutty flavour, gentle bitterness and medium creaminess. It stays balanced with oat, soy or dairy milk and works equally well in hot and iced drinks.

No. 03 Culinary Matcha

No. 03 Culinary Matcha is a practical choice for sweeter lattes, smoothies, desserts and baking. Its stronger character is useful when matcha is combined with syrups, fruit or other bold ingredients.

Marukyu Koyamaen matcha for frequent home use

Our 100g Marukyu Koyamaen pouches are useful for regular latte drinkers, home bakers and cafés. Each has a slightly different character:

• Midorigi: smooth and approachable, with gentle umami and light bitterness.
• Byakuren: fresh and balanced, suitable for drinks as well as desserts and baking.
• Wakatake: richer and more pronounced, with enough character for premium lattes and sweet recipes.

Matcha Crew is an authorized retailer of Marukyu Koyamaen in Uji, Kyoto, Japan.

How much matcha should you use?

For one latte, start with 2g of matcha. Sift it into a bowl or cup, add around 40ml of water at 75–80°C, and whisk until smooth. Add 150–200ml of hot or iced milk. If the drink tastes too mild, increase the matcha slightly before adding more sweetener.

Which matcha should you choose?

• Choose No. 60 for balanced everyday hot and iced lattes.
• Choose No. 03 for sweetened drinks, smoothies and baking.
• Choose Midorigi for a smooth, approachable 100g option.
• Choose Byakuren for versatile drinks and recipes.
• Choose Wakatake for richer premium lattes and desserts.

Browse our complete Matcha for Lattes collection to compare the available options. We ship throughout Europe and to selected international destinations.