What Flavors Go Well With Matcha? A Guide For The Tastebuds

What Flavors Go Well With Matcha? A Guide For The Tastebuds

Matcha is ever-popular. Powdered green tea has gone beyond being exclusively Japanese and is everywhere now. From Starbucks to local grocery stores, matcha has a strong presence and millions of enthusiastic buyers.

With a drink so popular, it’s only natural that we look for flavors that go along with it. Matcha is a very healthy drink, so when finding a flavor pairing, choose one that adds to the goodness of this beverage. The health benefits of matcha are well-known, from boosting metabolism to providing a steady energy boost, so the flavors that complement matcha should ideally enhance these qualities. Not only does matcha offer a unique taste, but it also provides a variety of ways to enjoy it—whether in a traditional tea form or mixed into creative drinks and desserts. Pairing it with the right flavors can elevate your matcha experience, making it both delicious and health-conscious.

Let’s forge ahead and discover a matcha made in heaven (pun intended).

Top Flavors And Pairings For Your Cup Of Matcha

1. Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt is a very familiar flavor for matcha. Dairy goes well with matcha. Yogurt, milk, and cream all make good companions for green tea. However, as we notice, yogurt is the healthiest choice here. Frozen yogurt works even better, helping not only with the taste but also with the texture. The creamy, smooth consistency of frozen yogurt complements the rich, earthy notes of matcha, creating a balanced and refreshing treat. Its slightly tangy flavor cuts through the natural bitterness of matcha, making it a perfect pairing for those who enjoy a lighter, yet indulgent, dessert.

The combination is sweet without letting the sweetness overwhelm the taste or flavors. Using store-bought yogurt will work just fine if you’re looking for a quick treat. Those who also have health on their minds should skip any yogurt with added sugar. Opting for plain frozen yogurt or using a dairy-free option like coconut or almond-based frozen yogurt will enhance the health benefits of matcha while still maintaining the creamy texture. For an added twist, consider topping the matcha and frozen yogurt mixture with fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or a drizzle of honey to enhance the overall flavor profile. This simple yet satisfying pairing offers a perfect way to enjoy matcha in a dessert form that’s both healthy and delicious.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can also blend matcha with frozen yogurt to create a matcha soft serve. The texture will remain creamy while offering a rich, indulgent feel, and the slight bitterness of the matcha will still shine through. This pairing can also be turned into a smoothie bowl by adding crunchy toppings such as granola, seeds, or shredded coconut. It’s a fantastic option for breakfast or a midday snack that brings both flavor and nutritional benefits, keeping you energized and satisfied without feeling too heavy.

2. Matcha Latte, The Starbucks Way

Matcha is famous, and the matcha latte is now a staple at Starbucks. Getting this wonderful treat at Starbucks is easy and convenient. In case you’d prefer to save some bucks rather than spend them, make this latte at home.

It’s not a difficult recipe, and its refreshing flavor and taste sure do work well. Making a latte at home requires the skill of foaming or frothing milk. Those who enjoy cappuccinos or lattes at home already know how to steam milk. Simply go about the same process and add matcha tea to the steamed milk.

The beauty of a matcha latte lies in its simplicity, but you can always experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For instance, if you prefer a sweeter latte, you can add a touch of natural sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup to bring out the matcha's delicate flavor without overpowering it. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk can all make excellent substitutes, each adding their own distinct flavor.

Oat milk, in particular, offers a creamy texture that complements the smoothness of matcha, making it a favorite for those who avoid dairy. Additionally, to add a personal twist, you can sprinkle some cinnamon or vanilla extract on top, enhancing the aroma and making your homemade matcha latte feel even more luxurious.

Creating your own matcha latte at home also opens up the opportunity to explore different matcha varieties. From ceremonial grade matcha for a richer, more traditional taste, to culinary grade matcha for a more affordable and milder option, you can adjust the flavor intensity to your liking. Experimenting with the proportions of matcha and milk can help you find the perfect balance that suits your taste preferences, turning your kitchen into a matcha barista's haven.

3. Cocoa Powder

Match up some matcha with cocoa powder to enjoy a refreshing and delicious taste. The earthy flavors of matcha and cocoa complement each other. While not a traditional companion to matcha, cocoa powder is finding more and more takers for a combo.

The slight bitterness of both ingredients creates a harmonious blend, while the rich, deep flavor of cocoa enhances the naturally grassy undertones of matcha. This pairing is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a bold, yet balanced drink that provides a boost of both energy and comfort.

Besides, the familiar flavor of cocoa powder also provides a welcome introduction to those who are new to matcha. You can also try cocoa powder substitutes like dark chocolate, unsweetened chocolate, or chocolate chips to go along with matcha tea.

These alternatives allow for different variations, from a richer chocolate flavor with dark chocolate to a more textured experience with chocolate chips. For those who enjoy a little sweetness with their matcha, adding a small amount of honey or maple syrup can also create a decadent treat that satisfies chocolate cravings while boosting the health benefits of matcha.

For an extra indulgent experience, you can even blend matcha and cocoa powder into a smoothie or iced drink. By adding ice cubes, a touch of almond or coconut milk, and perhaps a scoop of protein powder, you can transform this pairing into a nutrient-packed refreshment. The versatility of cocoa and matcha makes it an exciting duo to experiment with in different forms, from hot lattes to chilled beverages.

4. Wagashi – The Traditional Japanese Pairing For Matcha

Wagashi is the traditional pairing for matcha in Japan. These confections generally use ingredients like rice flour and beans, though some seasonal delicacies could be added as well. The traditional Wagashi utilizes exclusively plant-based ingredients, thus making these confections somewhat unique and vegan-friendly. These sweets are not only a treat for the tastebuds but also carry cultural significance, often being enjoyed during traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Their delicate, subtly sweet flavor complements the earthy bitterness of matcha, creating a refined and balanced experience.

The confections are sweet, so you can skip adding sweeteners to matcha tea. In this sense, the pairing of the slightly bitter taste of matcha with the sweet taste of wagashi forms a very desirable setup. This combination allows you to enjoy the full complexity of matcha while indulging in the satisfying sweetness of the wagashi. Wagashi serves not just as a dessert, but as a form of art—crafted meticulously to match the seasons and enhance the experience of drinking matcha. The delicate textures and flavors help to highlight the purity of matcha, elevating the entire experience.

There are several types of wagashi, including mochi and anko. Of these, mochi is the preferred companion for matcha tea. The chewy, soft texture of mochi pairs wonderfully with the smoothness of matcha, and its subtle sweetness complements the slightly bitter taste of the tea. Anko, a sweet red bean paste, also works well in these pairings, providing a creamy, slightly earthy sweetness that adds depth to the matcha experience. Whether enjoyed at a formal tea ceremony or as a casual treat, wagashi with matcha creates a perfect balance of flavors that is both traditional and timeless.

5. White Chocolate And Wafers For A Matcha KitKat

When KitKat launched the matcha-flavored offering in Japan, it seemed like a rather weird combo. It turns out, it’s an excellent combination, and the Matcha KitKat is a huge hit. For those of us living outside Japan, getting a hold of a Matcha KitKat isn’t easy. But the recipe is easy enough.

To make your own copycat recipe, you’ll need sugar wafer cookies, white chocolate chips, and matcha powder. Put the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring often to melt all the chips. Mix it well with the matcha powder, then dip the sugar wafer cookies into the mix.

Let the wafers dry on wax paper or put them in a freezer to speed up the process. The delicious results await your taste buds!

How’s white chocolate different from the cocoa powder (or chocolate) we suggested earlier? For one, white chocolate doesn’t use any cocoa solids. Instead, it’s made from cocoa butter, which gives it a very different taste and texture.

6. Pocky

Pocky is a tasty snack on its own and gets even better when you add matcha tea to the mix. These snack sticks have icings of various flavors, like chocolate and banana. Even matcha is a popular flavor at Pocky.

Nibble on your choice of Pocky with the matcha, and you’ll find that the taste and flavors blend well , offering a satisfying combination of crunchy and creamy textures. The crispiness of the Pocky sticks adds a delightful contrast to the smooth, earthy taste of matcha, creating a delicious and fun snack pairing. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can even dip the Pocky into your matcha tea for an extra burst of flavor.

Or, just make it all simpler and get matcha-flavored pocky. This ready-made option combines the matcha flavor directly into the snack, ensuring a seamless fusion of taste without needing to mix anything yourself. The green tea flavor in the Pocky coating is subtle, offering a less intense matcha experience but still pairing well with the sweetness of the biscuit stick beneath it. This combination is perfect for those who want a quick, portable snack without compromising on flavor.

While Pocky is popular in Japan, it’s a rarer find stateside. Yet, it is readily available and worth a try for some matcha pairing. It’s available in many online and big-box stores, including Amazon and Walmart. For those looking to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory with their matcha, Pocky is an easy and fun snack to incorporate into your tea time. It’s also a great gift for matcha lovers, introducing them to a tasty, playful treat from Japan that pairs beautifully with their favorite green tea.

7. Citrus Is A Wonder – Add Some Lemon

As it turns out, there are plenty of reasons to love some citrus, particularly lemon juice, in your matcha. The flavor pairing is remarkable, and you’ll find many who swear by the lemon-tea combo. The refreshing, zesty tang of lemon brightens the slightly bitter taste of matcha, enhancing its overall flavor profile. Adding a dash of lemon juice not only complements the matcha but also adds a layer of vibrancy to the drink, making it feel lighter and more refreshing. This simple addition creates a delightful balance between the earthy matcha and the sharp citrus notes.

 In case you’re enjoying matcha as a healthy drink, lemon makes it even better. Citrus fruits like lemon boost the body’s absorption of antioxidants from green tea. A study by Purdue University is the scientific cornerstone of this belief. Green tea, like matcha tea, is an excellent source of antioxidants (catechins). These antioxidants are known for their health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and promoting heart health. However, the non-acidic environment of the intestines can only absorb 20% of these catechins. Including some lemon juice with the tea provides an acidic environment where the body can absorb up to 80% of the catechins in green tea, maximizing its health potential.

Not only does lemon enhance the matcha's nutritional benefits, but it also introduces a burst of freshness that makes your matcha experience even more invigorating. For an added twist, try combining matcha with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for an even more complex flavor profile. This citrus pairing is a fantastic way to enjoy matcha in a lighter, more refreshing manner, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a healthy afternoon boost. Healthy and tasty, just the way we like it.

However, the non-acidic environment of the intestines can only absorb 20% of these catechins. Including some lemon juice with the tea provides an acidic environment where the body can absorb up to 80% of the catechins in green tea. Healthy and tasty, just the way we like it.

8. Matcha Smoothie

Bright flavors with a touch of tartness make great companions for matcha in a smoothie. Classic smoothie flavors like vanilla and banana welcome the taste of matcha, creating a creamy, slightly sweet base that allows the green tea flavor to shine through.. The natural sweetness of banana pairs perfectly with matcha’s earthy notes, making it a smooth and enjoyable blend. But if you’re feeling more adventurous, give other flavors like almond, spinach, and ripe blueberries a try. 

These ingredients introduce a more complex flavor profile, offering a nutritious and flavorful twist on the traditional matcha smoothie. Almond brings a nutty richness, while spinach offers a boost of greens without overpowering the matcha. But if you’re feeling more adventurous, give other flavors like almond, spinach, and ripe blueberries a try. Even a peanut butter smoothie will fit right in with matcha. The creamy, savory taste of peanut butter adds an unexpected layer of richness that complements the slight bitterness of matcha beautifully. For those seeking a protein-packed option, adding peanut butter or even almond butter provides a satisfying and filling smoothie that’s perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack. You can also experiment with adding a scoop of protein powder for an extra nutritional boost.

Or, just go plain with an iced matcha smoothie with some lemon juice added. The overall flavor is pleasant and refreshing.T he overall flavor is pleasant and refreshing, with the tartness from the lemon juice enhancing the matcha’s natural flavor. This simple yet invigorating smoothie is a perfect way to cool off on a hot day while enjoying the health benefits of both matcha and citrus. You can even add a few ice cubes or frozen fruit to make the smoothie even more refreshing and thick. This combination is light, energizing, and packed with antioxidants, making it a great option for anyone looking to boost their energy levels in a delicious way.

Conclusion

The strong taste of matcha with bitter undertones can get better when paired with the right flavors. This list includes some of the best choices and options to make the flavors pop. If you’re looking for sweeteners, try honey, agave, or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners are healthier than sugar, and their tastes line up well with matcha tea.

This post about What Flavors Go Well With Matcha? A Guide For The Tastebuds was first published in January 2022. We added the audio of this blog in 2022 just for you.

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