Dairy-Free Matcha Latte: Hot or Iced

Today, we're delving into the fantastic benefits of matcha with two delightful dairy-free recipes for both a hot matcha latte and a delicious iced version. If you're seeking a gentler alternative to coffee or black tea, you're in for a treat.

Scroll down to find:

• The YouTube video of me making these recipes
• More info on the thyroid-friendly health benefits of matcha
• My all-time favorite matcha powder
• The printable recipes

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What Is Matcha?

You may have heard about some of the health benefits of green tea, like its abundance of antioxidants, support for weight loss, potential cancer prevention, and cognitive enhancement. Matcha green tea offers similar benefits but in a much more concentrated form. Unlike regular green tea, which is typically made by steeping the leaves in hot water, matcha is made by grinding shade-grown green tea leaves into a fine powder. This powder is then whisked into hot water, meaning you’re actually consuming the whole tea leaf—and all of its nutrients—in every sip.

Because you’re ingesting the entire leaf, matcha packs a more potent punch of antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are known for their powerful disease-fighting properties. In fact, some studies suggest that matcha can contain up to three times more catechins than regular green tea. This makes matcha not just a delightful drink but a potential powerhouse for supporting overall health, from boosting metabolism to enhancing brain function. Plus, its unique production process increases the amount of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and can help counteract the jittery effects of caffeine. So, when you enjoy a cup of matcha, you’re getting a harmonious blend of calm and focus—a perfect pick-me-up without the harsh peaks and crashes often associated with other caffeinated beverages.

What About the Caffeine in Matcha?

When it comes to caffeine, not all sources are created equal—which is especially important if you’re mindful of your thyroid health. Matcha, with its unique profile, offers a kinder, gentler caffeine experience compared to more intense options like black tea or coffee. The caffeine in matcha is released more slowly in the body thanks to its natural combination with L-theanine, an amino acid known for its calming effects. This creates a steady, sustained energy boost without the harsh spikes and crashes that can accompany other caffeinated beverages.

For those of us managing thyroid issues, it’s important to consider how caffeine affects not just our energy levels but also our adrenal glands. Caffeine can trigger the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, from the adrenal glands. Over time, this can lead to what's often called "adrenal fatigue," where the adrenals become overworked and less effective at producing cortisol. 

Cortisol isn't just "the stress hormone"—it's also a crucial hormone that helps regulate our daily energy levels and wakefulness. It peaks in the morning to help us get out of bed and gradually declines throughout the day. However, when our adrenals are overtaxed and can't produce adequate cortisol, our energy levels can start to drop, leading to feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.

Since the adrenal and thyroid glands are closely linked—both playing key roles in regulating metabolism and energy—a hit to one can impact the other. Too much caffeine can exacerbate stress on the adrenals, potentially leading to a cascade of hormonal imbalances that affect thyroid function.

If you're not currently a caffeine drinker, the health benefits of matcha are not a reason to start; however, if you're looking for a replacement for harsher caffeinated beverages like coffee or espresso, this is where matcha shines as a gentler alternative. The slower release of caffeine from matcha not only helps avoid those jittery spikes but also minimizes the cortisol surge that can stress the adrenals. This makes matcha a more balanced choice for those of us looking to support our adrenal and thyroid health while still enjoying a caffeinated beverage and the energy and alertness it can offer.

What Led Me To Matcha

As someone who can be quite sensitive to caffeine, drinking coffee daily has never agreed with me. I adore the taste and smell of coffee and enjoy it once in a while, but drinking it regularly disrupts my sleep, irritates my stomach, and sparks my anxiety. For years, I drank black tea, starting the day with a cup of something like Earl Grey, but eventually, even that started to feel like too much. I would feel jittery and stressed out right after I drank it and then took an afternoon nosedive as the caffeine wore off.

I considered quitting caffeine altogether, knowing what I know about the adrenal-thyroid connection. I found some wonderful alternatives, like roasted dandelion tea, but as a busy working mom, I wanted something warm and caffeinated in the morning, especially living in a part of the world with very long, dark, and cold winters where hibernation mode kicks in hard.

Another factor that weighed into my decision is that I could see in my lab work that I wasn't struggling with adrenal imbalance. My cortisol has always had a nice, normal curve (knock on wood), so it didn't feel necessary for me to give up yet another food or drink I loved. We all get to make those choices for ourselves, and I support you in doing what's right for YOU. 

That's when I started reading about matcha and decided to give it a try. I immediately noticed how the L-theanine softened the caffeine roller coaster. I didn't have that over-revved feeling after drinking it, nor did I experience the steep crash a few hours later. It was like a nice, mellow Sunday drive of a caffeine ride. With all the other benefits of matcha, like glowing skin, antioxidants, weight-loss support, and just the right amount of energy I was looking for, I was hooked. 

So, next time you’re looking for a mindful energy boost, consider swapping your coffee for a cup of matcha—it could be just the gentle lift (and landing) you're looking for!

Scroll down to check out the two main recipes I use to enjoy my matcha or watch me prepare them in the accompanying YouTube video. First, is a dairy-free and hydrating Iced Matcha Latte, ideal for a sunny day or a rejuvenating afternoon break. This recipe combines the goodness of matcha with hydrating coconut water that adds a natural touch of sweetness. For cooler days, I'll guide you through crafting a comforting Hot Matcha Latte. It's perfect for cozy moments and still packs all the benefits of matcha in every sip. These are my go-to drinks every morning!

My All-Time Favorite Matcha

If you’re curious about the matcha I swear by, look no further than Pique Teas. Their ceremonial grade Sun Goddess Matcha is rigorously screened for purity, making it a staple in my daily routine for years.

Note: This is not a sponsored post, but I've learned over the years how many of you appreciate my personal recommendations and favorite products, and this is an easy one to share because Pique's Sun Goddess Matcha is hands down the best-tasting matcha I've found. 

SPECIAL DISCOUNT!! Get 15% OFF when you purchase through my Pique partner link! 

Other fun matcha accessories used in the video:

• Traditional Matcha Whisk & Scoop
• Zulay Handheld Frother
• Large Drinking Glasses with Bamboo Lids and Straws

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