A protein matcha latte is a matcha latte with a serving of protein powder stirred in. With 1 g of matcha, 25 g of unflavoured protein powder and about 200 ml of milk, you have a drink with about 27 g of protein. You can make it hot, iced or as a shake, and you decide what goes in.
What do you need for a protein matcha latte?
For 1 protein matcha latte:
- 1 g Organic Matcha Powder (half a teaspoon)
- 25 g unflavoured protein powder: Whey Natural Organic or, for a plant-based version, Vegan Protein Organic
- 30 ml water: hot (about 80°C) for a hot latte, cold for an iced one
- about 200 ml milk or plant-based drink
- ice cubes, for the iced version
An unflavoured protein powder lets the taste of the matcha come through most clearly. A vanilla protein powder makes the latte sweeter and rounder.
How to make a hot protein matcha latte
- Sift 1 g of matcha into a mug and whisk it smooth in 30 ml of hot but not boiling water.
- Whisk or shake 25 g of protein powder into about 200 ml of cold milk or plant-based drink until smooth.
- Gently warm the mixture in a small pan or with a milk frother, to no more than about 60°C.
- Pour the warm mixture onto the matcha and stir.
Protein powder clumps quickly if you sprinkle it straight into hot milk. So mix it into cold milk first, then warm it gently. That keeps the latte smooth.
How to make an iced protein matcha latte
- Shake 1 g of matcha with 30 ml of cold water in a shaker until smooth.
- Add 25 g of protein powder and about 200 ml of cold milk or plant-based drink and shake for another 15 seconds.
- Pour over a glass full of ice.
How to make a matcha protein shake in a blender
Put 1 g of matcha, 25 g of protein powder, 250 ml of cold milk or plant-based drink and a handful of ice in a blender and blend for 20 seconds. Half a frozen banana makes the shake thicker and sweeter. You’ll find more combinations with protein powder in our protein smoothie recipes.
How much protein and how many calories are in a protein matcha latte?
| Version (1 glass) | Protein | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Whey Natural Organic with 200 ml semi-skimmed milk | about 27 g | about 195 kcal |
| Vegan Protein Organic with 200 ml unsweetened soya drink | about 28 g | about 165 kcal |
Calculated from the labels: a 25 g serving of Whey Natural Organic provides 20 g of protein and 98 kcal, and a 25 g serving of Vegan Protein Organic provides 21 g of protein and 93 kcal. The matcha itself provides about 3 kcal. We used average values for milk and soya drink, so the figures for the brand you use may differ slightly. Oat and almond drink contain less protein than milk or soya drink, so with those the total is lower.
Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. A varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important. Your daily protein needs depend on your weight and how active you are. You’ll find a worked example in our guide to how much protein you need each day.
Make it yourself, or buy a ready-made matcha protein powder?
You’ll also find ready-made matcha protein powders in the shops. If you buy one, take a look at the ingredients list. By law, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight: the lower matcha appears on the list, the smaller its share. If the powder also contains flavourings, sweeteners or thickeners, they will be listed there too.
Make it yourself and you know exactly what goes in: matcha, protein powder and your own milk. You also decide how much matcha you use and whether you sweeten it. Ekopura Organic Matcha Powder, Whey Natural Organic and Vegan Protein Organic each contain just one ingredient.
When should you drink a protein matcha latte?
At breakfast, between meals or after exercise: whenever it suits you. Do bear in mind the caffeine in the matcha, about 32 mg per gram, if you drink it later in the day. Our guide to when to have a protein shake covers timing in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Can you add protein powder to a matcha latte?
Yes, but don’t stir protein powder straight into hot liquid, because it clumps quickly. Mix it into cold milk first and then warm it gently, to no more than about 60°C. Whisk the matcha smooth separately in hot water.
Which protein powder goes best with matcha?
An unflavoured protein powder, such as Whey Natural Organic or the plant-based Vegan Protein Organic, lets the matcha come through most clearly. Vanilla protein makes the latte sweeter and rounder, and works well too.
Can you make a vegan protein matcha latte?
Yes. Use Vegan Protein Organic and a plant-based drink, such as soya or oat drink. Ekopura Organic Matcha Powder is registered with The Vegan Society.
Can you make a protein matcha latte in advance?
It tastes best fresh. Matcha settles at the bottom after a while and protein powder can thicken. If you do make it ahead, keep it covered in the fridge and shake it well before drinking.
Give it a go
For this recipe, you need Ekopura Organic Matcha Powder with Whey Natural Organic or Vegan Protein Organic. Prefer it without protein? Try a classic matcha latte or an iced matcha latte.
