17 Homemade Matcha Iced Lattes

These 17 homemade Matcha Iced Lattes will save you money while trying new flavors you will enjoy, including dairy-free and Starbucks copycats.

Matcha tea is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It has a long history rooted in Japanese tea ceremonies and Buddhist practices, dating back to the 12th century. 

This healthy tea is made from shade-grown tea leaves, which means they are grown under a canopy to protect them from direct sunlight.  The shading process, which has been found to deliver a more mellow flavor, also increases chlorophyll content and gives the leaves vibrant green color as in this matcha powder.

Matcha has a rich, umami flavor with a slightly bitter taste. It does contain caffeine, but also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and helps balance the stimulating effects of caffeine. This combination provides a sustained energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee. 

Matcha tea has many health benefits, including a high concentration of antioxidants believed to have cancer-fighting abilities. The popularity of matcha tea has spread globally, with matcha becoming a popular ingredient in various cuisines and beverages beyond Japan.