Have you tried matcha yet? The color alone should have been enough to make me love it. Green is my favorite color, FYI. It’s the most brilliant shade of green and makes me feel healthier before I even take my first sip.
I’ve been making these a lot lately! Sometimes in the morning, and sometimes in the afternoon as a little pick-me-up!
I kept hearing how delicious matcha lattes were, and I had a whole canister of Vital Proteins Collagen Matcha so I finally decided I’d make one. The verdict—they’re so delicious! If you’re looking for a healthier option for morning caffeination, do yourself a favor and try one if you haven’t yet.
You can get them at most coffee shops these days, but often they’re made with lots of added sugar or sweeteners. Making them at home is not only more cost-effective, but you’ll end up with a healthier version and you can tailor it to your own taste!
So, what is matcha?
It’s made from crushed whole green tea leaves. It gives you an energy boost from naturally occurring caffeine, but not quite as much as a cup of coffee. I like this because I know that too much caffeine can put stress on my adrenals—something I’m always aware of!
RELATED: How to Reverse Adrenal Fatigue
Matcha Benefits
Contains L-Theanine
Another upside is that you don’t get the same caffeine crash as you would from a cup of coffee. Matcha has an amino acid in it called L-theanine, that helps boost energy and mental focus! I find that the caffeine buzz from matcha is more subtle and lasts longer.
Rather than being a spike of energy, it’s more like a soft curve that doesn’t leave me feeling depleted as soon as the effects wear off. Hence why it’s becoming my new favorite morning drink!
High in Antioxidants
Matcha is also super high in antioxidants—the color should have given that away. It aids in detoxifying our bodies and can improve skin—who can say no to that?!
How to Drink It
You can of course drink matcha in the traditional manner, as a tea, but I like drinking it in the latte form—obviously. It’s creamier, filling and so delicious! Not to mention, easy to make! To get some extra healthy fats, I add coconut oil to my matcha lattes. It makes them extra rich and creamy, which I love!
I know I probably won’t ever give up on coffee completely. Having a warm drink in the morning just sets my day off on the right note—anyone else? I love tea, but it just doesn’t hit the spot for me. I think it’s because it’s lacking the creaminess that both coffee and matcha lattes provide.
Why I’m Switching Coffee for Matcha
As I work to heal my adrenal fatigue and low blood sugar, I’m really trying to cut back on my caffeine intake. Caffeine can stimulate your adrenal glands and raise cortisol levels causing more stress within our bodies.
If you read this post, you might remember that stress is a major problem for me and is the main cause of all of the health issues I’ve been experiencing.
Healthy Matcha Latte Recipe
It’s easy, but I’ve come to love this little part of my morning routine. Mixing all the ingredients, frothing it and then pouring that gorgeous green drink into my mug before sitting down on the couch and enjoying a few minutes of quiet while Owen naps.
How to Make a Matcha Latte
I mix my matcha in this glass measuring cup—nothing fancy, but it does the trick. You can buy the traditional whisk, but I use a fork and then froth it, so it gets nice and blended anyway.
Once the water is boiling, I pour a little over the matcha, cinnamon, coconut oil or coconut butter and honey and whisk it with my fork until it’s all dissolved. Then I add the rest of the hot water.
Lastly, I top it with whatever nut milk we have on hand in our Nespresso milk frother (you can use a handheld frother).
I’ve tried a lot of almond milks over the years, and two that froth really well are the unsweetened original versions of Silk Almond Milk and Whole Foods’ 365 brand. Any almond milk will work, but personally, I prefer that fluffy froth on top!
Hot Matcha Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 scoop Vital Proteins Collagen Matcha
- dash of cinnamon
- 3/4-1 cup boiling water
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil or coconut butter (manna), optional
- 1/2 tsp raw honey or manuka honey, optional
- 1/4 cup nut milk (I love almond milk or macadamia milk)
Directions
- In a glass bowl or measuring cup (at least 1 cup in size), combine Collagen Matcha Powder, cinnamon, coconut oil or manna, and honey.
- When water is boiling, pour in a little bit and whisk until matcha is dissolved and everything has melted.
- Add remaining water and whisk to combine. Pour matcha into your mug—I love this one because it keeps it hot for a long time.
- Meanwhile froth milk in a frother (we LOVE this one) and pour on top. Stir to mix and enjoy.
Have you tried matcha tea or matcha lattes? What do you think of them?
BTW, the best homemade banana bread, and benefits of collagen peptides.
