When it comes to our idea of the perfect morning routine, a fresh cup of matcha always makes the list.
Matcha has a smooth, full-bodied, and complex flavor and yet.. as bold as it may be, it offers a lot of variety when it comes to the different ways you can enjoy it. It’s easy to enjoy either hot or cold, on its own, as a creamy matcha latte and is a delicious way to spruce up your waffles, smoothie bowl, or even HUMMUS.
Today, we are excited to share four simple ways you can enhance your matcha— both in terms of flavor and nutrition. So next time you’re craving a little variety in your routine, you’ll have some ideas of how to spice up your matcha using items you probably have on hand in your pantry already.
BOOST 1: TURMERIC + GINGER
Adding 1/4 a tsp of turmeric powder and 1/4 a tsp of ginger powder to your matcha not only brightens up the green color of the matcha but brings some extra nutritive power to your drink too! Both turmeric and ginger are classified as THERMOGENIC herbs, meaning they help build heat in the body, making this a great addition for chilly winter days (though we LOVE making this iced in the summer as well). Turmeric and ginger are widely known for their inflammation-fighting + immune-supportive benefits so this is a great way to get an extra healthy boost out of your morning matcha.
For a more subtle variation, grate up fresh ginger and fresh turmeric and add it to your matcha as a fresh infusion. You’ll love the fresh zing this brings to your matcha routine.. especially if you’re feeling like your immune system could use some extra TLC.
If you prefer, you can balance the spiciness of this matcha variation by adding in a splash of honey, coconut sugar, or another sweetener of your choice. If you’re not adding any type of milk, you can swap in some fresh lemon for a citrusy boost instead.
BOOST 2: CACAO POWDER
This next one is perfect for when you need an EXTRA caffeine boost on top of your regular cup of matcha. By adding 1/2 tsp of raw cacao to your matcha latte, you’ll get a creamy + chocolatey matcha variation that will help start your day off right… it IS chocolate after all and this one is definitely ENERGIZING.
Cacao powder is a superfood that will give you a hefty dose of antioxidants and detoxifying minerals. Since matcha is naturally high in antioxidants already, you’ll be boosting the anti-aging, inflammation-fighting, and stress quenching power of your beverage even more.
There are so many wins to pairing matcha and chocolate together (as long as you can tolerate the extra caffeine). Not to mention, the pairing of chocolate and matcha is ever popular in baking around the world for a reason—just like peanut butter and jelly, it’s a duo that just makes perfect sense.
If you’ve never tried mixing chocolate and matcha together, give this variation a try and let us know what you think!
BOOST 3: VANILLA BEAN
Though we often just think of vanilla as a flavor enhancer with a touch of natural sweetness, if you use quality vanilla it actually has some health benefits too. If you have ever made a matcha latte using vanilla nut milk, you likely already know how perfectly vanilla goes with matcha.
Whether you use quality vanilla extract, fresh vanilla bean, or vanilla bean powder you will love the gentle health benefits it brings to your cup alongside the flavor. Real vanilla is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits. Research shows that vanilla is supportive in reducing bad cholesterol levels and also helpful for enhancing the mood too. We’d even arguing that simply smelling fresh vanilla has the power to brighter your day.
To make a vanilla bean Matcha Latte simply add 1/4 a tsp of pure vanilla bean powder to our Classic Matcha Latte Recipe. If you’re anything like us, vanilla will become a regular part of your matcha latte routine as soon as you try it.
Boost 4: Lavender
Adding a few sprigs of fresh lavender is a nice way to boost the zen in your matcha. Lavender essential oil is very well known for the calm and relaxing benefits its essence offers. Lavender is clinically proven to help reduce anxiety and it has been shown to interact with the neurotransmitter GABA (as does the EGCG in green tea) to help calm the nervous system down and quiet the brain.
The floral aroma is soothing and uplifting. It makes a lovely addition to your matcha both on its own or infused in your latte. Not to mention, we think there’s something about a sprig of flowers dancing along the rim of your mug, that just feels right.