Matcha Latte vs Dirty Matcha: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Drink?

Matcha is no longer just a traditional Japanese tea. It’s now a modern-day wellness superstar, found in cafés, recipes, and even skincare. But when you see “Matcha Latte” and “Dirty Matcha” on the menu — do you know what you’re really ordering?

Let’s break it down and help you decide: Matcha Latte vs Dirty Matcha — which one is right for you?

A matcha latte is a smooth blend of:

• High-quality matcha powder
• Milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Optional sweetener (like honey or vanilla)

It has a grassy, earthy flavor and a naturally calming effect thanks to L-theanine, which balances the caffeine in matcha for focused, jitter-free energy.

Best for: Morning routines, relaxation, and anyone looking for a gentle coffee alternative.

What Is a Dirty Matcha?

A Dirty Matcha is a creative fusion drink:

• Matcha Latte
  • 1 or 2 shots of espresso

This bold combo brings together the smooth taste of matcha with the rich, slightly bitter punch of coffee. It’s layered, intense, and a favorite among coffee lovers looking to explore matcha.

Best for: Caffeine lovers, mid-day energy boosts, and adventurous drinkers.

Feature	Matcha Latte	Dirty Matcha
Caffeine	~30–70 mg	~100–150 mg (matcha + espresso)
Flavor	Earthy, smooth, mildly sweet	Bold, layered, bittersweet
Contains Coffee?	❌ No	✅ Yes
Energy Effect	Calm, focused	Fast kick, more intense
Appearance	Uniform green	Green with dark espresso swirls
Great For	Meditation, wellness, tea lovers	Coffee addicts, espresso fans, creatives

Want to DIY your drinks? Here’s how:

✅ For a Matcha Latte:

1. Sift 1–2 tsp of ceremonial-grade matcha into a bowl
2. Add 60ml hot water (not boiling, ~80°C / 176°F)
3. Whisk until frothy
4. Pour into warm or iced milk (200ml)
5. Sweeten to taste

✅ For a Dirty Matcha:

Follow the above steps, then:

• Pull 1 shot of espresso
• Pour espresso gently over the matcha latte
• Watch the layers form!

💡 Use a clear glass for that perfect Instagram aesthetic.

❓ Is Dirty Matcha stronger than a Matcha Latte?

Yes. Dirty Matcha has espresso + matcha, so it contains significantly more caffeine.

❓ Is matcha healthier than coffee?

In many ways, yes. Matcha provides antioxidants, calm energy, and less acidity than coffee.

❓ Can you get an iced Dirty Matcha?

Absolutely — and it’s one of the most popular café orders in summer!

Recommended: Shop Premium Matcha

Want to make these drinks at home?

👉 Try Azayaka Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder – stone-ground in Japan, 100% organic, and perfect for both lattes and Dirty Matcha.

Which Should You Try?

• Choose Matcha Latte if you want a calm, clean energy boost and a traditional tea experience.
• Choose Dirty Matcha if you crave bold flavors and need a stronger caffeine hit.

Whichever you choose, you’re stepping into a world of vibrant flavor and mindful energy.