Matcha calories are incredibly low, but of course all foods contain some level of calories.
In this article, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about matcha calories. We’ll show you how many calories are in matcha, and what you can do to reduce the amount of calories in your matcha latte.
Let’s get started! 🍃
How Many Matcha Calories are in a Serving?
Made from finely ground green tea leaves, matcha is known for its concentrated flavor and nutritional profile.
In terms of caloric content, one teaspoon (approximately 2 grams) of matcha powder contains about 5 calories.
Since matcha is typically consumed in small quantities, the calorie count per serving remains relatively low and is almost non-existent.
It's important to note that the nutritional value of the matcha extends beyond calories.
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, making it a nutritious choice despite its low-calorie content.
Now, let's try to understand where do matcha calories come from!
By the way, the amount of calories in matcha is different than a standard green tea. If you want to learn more about that, you'll want to read our article 👉 What You Need to Know about Green Tea Calories
Where do Matcha Calories come from?
Matcha is made from tea leaves, and just like leaves in your salad, these contain calories. Unlike nuts and seeds, the leaves of the matcha plant are not very calorically dense and this is why people that are trying to lose weight try to eat more salads.
Now picture you take a tiny bit of those leaves, blend them up and mix it into water. Because water contains no calories, you are getting the same amount of nutrients but in a larger volume. This is why a big bowl of matcha has 5 calories and a can of soda has 100 calories or more for the same amount of liquid.
Even though the matcha calories themselves are low, people often add other ingredients in order to create a matcha latte. If you want to reduce the calories in your latte, this next section is for you!
Reducing Matcha Calories
If you are mindful of your calorie intake, there are a few ways to reduce the number of calories in your matcha preparation. Just keep in mind that if you are making a matcha latte for example, the matcha calories will be a relatively small piece of the equation.
If you really want to reduce your caloric intake, you will have to take a look at the milk and sweetener you are using. Here are a few tips to help you reduce your matcha calories:
Adjust the serving size
Since matcha is flavorful and concentrated, you can use less powder to reduce the overall calorie count. Experiment with smaller amounts until you find the right balance of taste and calorie content that suits your preferences.
Choose alternative sweeteners
If you enjoy adding sweeteners to your matcha, consider using calorie-free or low-calorie options such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. These alternatives provide sweetness without adding excessive calories.
Use a low-fat or plant-based milk
If you prefer matcha lattes, using low-fat or plant-based milk options like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can help reduce calorie intake compared to whole milk or cream. Just make sure to carefully check the nutrition facts on the back of the package if you want to reduce the matcha calories.
Matcha Calories in a Latte
Matcha lattes have become a popular choice among tea enthusiasts and coffee shop-goers alike. The caloric content of a matcha latte varies depending on the ingredients and proportions used. Here's an approximate breakdown of matcha calories you’ll get from a latte:
Matcha powder: 5 calories per teaspoon (2 grams)
Milk: The caloric content will depend on the type and quantity of milk used. For instance, an 8-ounce matcha latte made with 2% reduced-fat milk contains approximately 122 calories. Opting for plant-based milk options can yield similar or lower calorie counts, depending on the brand and variety chosen.
Sweeteners: There are 16 calories in 1 teaspoon of sugar. Adding sugar or flavored syrups will really start to add up and increase the matcha calories. It's best to use calorie-free or low-calorie sweeteners sparingly or choose unsweetened options.
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, and the actual calorie count may vary depending on specific brands, proportions, and additional ingredients.
Matcha calories - The Final Verdict
While matcha calories are very low compared to other foods and drinks, its the things we add to matcha that increase the calorie count. Tea is considered to be almost a calorie free beverage, but even adding a little bit of sweetener can quickly change that.
If you want to reduce your matcha calorie intake, it’s not about consuming less matcha powder and more about adding less to your matchas. Although the occasional matcha latte can be a delicious treat, we recommend people try to enjoy matcha plain.
If you get a premium, ceremonial grade matcha like the matcha washimine, you’ll find that it is smooth enough to drink plain. It contains no additional calories compared to a low quality matcha, but it tastes so much better. If you want great tasting matcha without too many matcha calories, this is a good place to start.
