Is matcha really better than coffee? Is it healthier than green tea? And why does Gen Z love it so much?

Let’s be honest: matcha isn’t just having a moment: it’s here to stay. Compared to coffee, matcha contains less caffeine per cup, but thanks to its natural amino acid L-theanine, the energy it provides is smoother, calmer, and longer lasting (read: no shaky hands or brutal crashes).

And unlike green tea, matcha is made by whisking the whole tea leaf in powder form, not just steeping it. That means you get more antioxidants, more nutrients, and yes, more benefits in every sip!

As for Gen Z? They love matcha for its wellness halo, low-key ritual vibe, and of course… because it looks stunning on Instagram. One scroll through TikTok and you’ll see it everywhere: banana matcha latte, banana pudding matcha, dirty matcha shots layered to perfection....

Below, we’ve gathered 5 easy, delicious matcha-based drink recipes you can make at home, plus one with a twist. Each one can be prepared with a traditional base (matcha + water) or a latte base (matcha + milk or plant-based alternative), depending on whether you prefer a lighter or creamier texture and taste.

1. Banana Matcha Milk 

A creamy, fruity and naturally sweet drink that’s currently stealing the spotlight on social media.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana

• 120 ml (½ cup) milk or plant-based milk

• 1 tsp matcha powder (2 g)

• 50 ml (3 tbsp) hot water (80 °C / 175 °F)

• 1 tsp honey or syrup of your choice

• Ice cubes

Steps:

1. Prepare the matcha: Sift 1 tsp matcha, add hot water, and whisk in a zigzag motion until smooth and frothy.

2. Blend the banana: Mix banana, half the milk, and honey in a blender until creamy.

3. Assemble: Fill a tall glass with ice, pour the banana blend, then add the rest of the milk.

4. Top with matcha: Pour the whisked matcha slowly on top to create layers. Don’t stir: just admire the gradient.

→ Trend alert: “Banana Matcha Latte” is going viral for a reason, this combo is a dream.

2. Strawberry Matcha 

Fruity, refreshing, and with those gorgeous pink and green layers, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 6 fresh strawberries

• 120 ml (½ cup) milk or plant-based milk

• 1–2 tsp sugar (depending on how sweet your berries are)

• 1 tsp matcha powder (2 g)

• 50 ml (3 tbsp) hot water

• Ice cubes

Steps:

1. Make the strawberry base: Remove the stems, crush or blend strawberries with sugar into a thick purée.

2. Fill the glass: Add ice cubes on top of the strawberry purée.

3. Add milk: Slowly pour in the milk.

4. Whisk the matcha: Sift, whisk with hot water until smooth.

5. Layer: Gently pour the matcha over the milk. Serve with a wide straw.

→ Bonus: swirl it gently for a marble effect, this is Instagram gold.

3. Dirty Matcha 

Matcha… with coffee? Oh yes. The Dirty Matcha Latte combines the earthy brightness of matcha with the deep, bitter notes of espresso. Perfect for coffee lovers who want something new.

Ingredients:

• 120 ml (½ cup) milk or plant-based milk

• 1 tsp matcha powder (2 g)

• 50 ml (3 tbsp) hot water

• 1 espresso shot (or 2 for extra kick), chilled or at room temp

• Sweetener of choice

• Ice cubes

Steps:

1. Whisk the matcha: Sift and whisk matcha with hot water until smooth.

2. Prepare the milk: Heat and foam it (or leave cold for an iced version).

3. Assemble: Pour matcha into a glass with ice, top with milk.

4. Add the espresso: Slowly pour the shot over the milk to create that signature layered look.

→ A gentle stir before sipping blends the flavors beautifully.

4. Vanilla Matcha 

Simple, smooth, and aromatic: the vanilla softens the grassy notes of matcha without overpowering them.

Ingredients:

• 120 ml (½ cup) milk or plant-based milk

• 1 tsp matcha powder (2 g)

• 50 ml (3 tbsp) hot water

• ½ tsp vanilla extract (or 1 sachet vanilla sugar)

• Optional sweetener

• Ice cubes

Steps:

1. Whisk the matcha: Sift matcha, whisk with hot water until frothy.

2. Flavor the milk: Stir vanilla into the milk. (Warm it up or pour cold over ice.)

3. Combine: Pour matcha on top. Stir lightly.

→ A classic, think of it as the matcha equivalent of a vanilla latte.

5. Banana Protein Matcha Milk 

For our gym lovers, this drink is a post-workout matcha bomb. Protein, carbs, antioxidants. No compromises.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana (frozen if possible)

• 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or neutral flavor)

• 1 tsp matcha powder (2 g)

• 200 ml (¾ cup) milk or plant-based milk

• Optional: a handful of chia seeds (for extra omega-3)

• Ice cubes

Steps:

1. Blend everything: Add banana, protein powder, matcha, milk, and ice into a blender.

2. Mix until smooth: High speed = creamy, thick texture.

3. Adjust taste: Add a drizzle of honey or syrup if needed.

→ Great for recovery, and it tastes way better than a chalky shake.

Latte or Not Latte? 

You can make each of these drinks with just matcha and water if you prefer a lighter, cleaner taste, or turn it into a matcha latte with milk for a creamier, rounder mouthfeel.

• Matcha only: earthier, more pronounced flavor, lower calories.

• Matcha latte: creamier, sweeter, more indulgent and photogenic (hello, TikTok).

 Final sip

Matcha isn’t just a trend: it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Whether you love fruity blends, classic flavors, or a dirty espresso twist, these drinks prove matcha can be as playful as it is powerful.

Pro tip: always sift your matcha for that smooth, velvety texture.

 Which one will you try first? Banana matcha seems to be winning the internet right now, but Dirty Matcha might just win your heart.