Matcha Latte Calories: Nutrition Facts and Weight Loss Tips

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a bright green powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It has been used for centuries in Japanese tea ceremonies and is growing in popularity around the world as a healthy beverage.

How is Matcha Made?

Matcha is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used to make green tea. However, the tea plants used for matcha are shaded for several weeks before harvesting. This increases the chlorophyll content and amino acid L-Theanine, giving the leaves a distinctive bright green color.

After harvesting, the leaves are steamed lightly to stop oxidation, then the stems and veins are removed. The remaining leaf material is stone ground into a fine powder known as matcha.

Matcha Nutrition

Matcha is nutritionally dense compared to other teas. Since you are consuming the entire leaf, matcha contains higher levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids than steeped green tea.

Some of the key nutrients in matcha include:

• Caffeine
• L-theanine - an amino acid that promotes relaxation
• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) - a powerful antioxidant
• Vitamin C
• Potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium

What is a Matcha Latte?

A matcha latte is a creamy, frothy drink made by whisking matcha powder with hot water or milk.

Making a Matcha Latte

While you can buy pre-made matcha lattes, it’s easy to make your own at home too. Here is a simple matcha latte recipe:

1. Sift 1-2 tsp matcha powder into a cup
2. Add 2 oz hot water and whisk vigorously until frothy
3. Heat 8 oz milk of choice until hot but not boiling
4. Pour frothed matcha and hot milk into glass and enjoy!

For a stronger matcha flavor, use less milk. For a sweeter latte, add a touch of honey or sugar. Spices like cinnamon or vanilla also complement the earthy taste.

Health Benefits of Matcha Lattes

Drinking matcha lattes provides all the same health benefits as drinking plain matcha tea. The key benefit is the antioxidant EGCG that may help:

• Boost brain function
• Increase fat burning during exercise
• Lower cholesterol
• Reduce blood sugar levels

The amino acid L-theanine in matcha promotes calmness and relaxation while the caffeine provides sustained energy without jitters.

Matcha Latte Calories and Nutrition Information

Understanding the calories and nutrition facts in matcha lattes can help you make informed choices about adding them to your diet.

Plain Matcha

One teaspoon (about 2 grams) of matcha powder contains approximately:

• 3 calories
• 0.5 g carbohydrates
• 25 mg caffeine
• 20 mg L-theanine
• 5 mg EGCG

Matcha Latte with Water and Milk

The calorie content rises when you add liquid to create a latte. For example, a 10 oz matcha latte made with 2 tsp matcha, 2 oz hot water, and 8 oz 2% milk contains approximately:

• 100 calories
• 9 g carbohydrates
• 9 g protein
• 50 mg caffeine
• 40 mg L-theanine
• 10 mg EGCG

The calories can be lower or higher depending on the type of milk used. Non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk tend to be lower in calories than dairy milk. Adding sweeteners will increase the calorie count of your latte as well.

Pre-made and Specialty Matcha Lattes

If you order a matcha latte from a coffee shop like Starbucks, it likely contains more ingredients than just matcha, milk, and hot water. Flavorings like vanilla or chocolate and toppings like whipped cream can drive up the calories.

For example, a 16 oz Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino contains:

• 270 calories
• 44 g sugar

Some coffee shops also sell matcha lattes blended with butter or coconut oil, which significantly increases the fat and calorie content.

Should You Drink Matcha Lattes for Weight Loss?

Matcha lattes can be a healthy addition to a weight loss diet when enjoyed in moderation. The combination of matcha’s metabolism-boosting EGCG and the protein from milk may help you feel fuller longer and burn more fat.

Potential Benefits for Weight Loss

Research on matcha and weight loss is promising but still emerging. Possible ways matcha lattes may aid weight loss include:

• Increasing fat burn: EGCG in matcha can boost metabolism and promote fat burning, especially during exercise.
• Controlling blood sugar: Matcha may help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes and sugar cravings.
• Suppressing appetite: The protein in milk combined with L-theanine which reduces stress hormones may help control appetite.

Matcha Latte Diet Tips

To lose weight with matcha lattes, consider following these diet tips:

• Choose unsweetened matcha to avoid added sugars
• Use non-dairy milk or limit added milk to reduce calories
• Drink matcha lattes 30-60 minutes before exercising for an added metabolism boost
• Avoid adding sugary flavorings or toppings
• Limit intake to 1 matcha latte per day to keep caffeine intake moderate

Overall, matcha lattes can be a nutritious addition to a weight loss diet when consumed judiciously. They provide antioxidants, sustained energy, and metabolism-enhancing compounds. Just be mindful of added milks and sweeteners that can drive up the calories.

The Bottom Line

Matcha lattes are a delicious way to enjoy the many health benefits of nutrient-packed matcha powder. With just a few ingredients like hot water, milk, and matcha, you can make your own low-calorie yet nutritious matcha lattes at home.

Matcha and matcha lattes can promote weight loss due to compounds that boost metabolism and fat burning. But moderation is key. Pre-made lattes with added sugars and toppings can undermine weight loss efforts.

Focus on unsweetened varieties without extra toppings to maximize the weight loss benefits of your morning matcha latte.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.