Matcha is a drink steeped (pun intended!) in history – but while it has been growing in Japan since the 16th century, it’s only burst onto the world stage in the last couple of decades.
Since the mid 2010s, matcha has gone from a relatively niche flavor you could only find at Japanese grocery stores and specialty shops to one you can find nearly everywhere – in desserts at the local Asian fusion restaurant, on the shelves of big box grocery stories, and of course in the latest seasonal drink from your favorite coffee chain.
But where does the idea of combining the bold flavors of matcha and espresso come from?
Is matcha good with espresso, or is it just the latest trend social media wants you to drop 6 bucks on trying out?
Today we’re doing a deep dive on the flavor profiles of matcha, espresso, and how you can combine the two at home or your favorite shop to get the balance just right… because the short answer is yes, matcha is good with espresso.
But the question of whether you will love it, love it after you tweak it a bit, or it’s simply not for you really depends on your personal taste preferences, your energy needs, and how adventurous you are with flavor.
But we’re here to give you as much information as possible going into this flavor adventure. So let’s get started 🗺️
Starbucks has played no small role in making matcha a household name in the US. And the photo-worthy layers of the Iced Espresso & Matcha Fusion is one of the reasons the matcha/espresso combo is getting so much hype. Image courtesy of Starbucks.
What Exactly Is Matcha?
Before we get to the espresso side of things, let’s take a closer look at matcha.
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves. Unlike regular steeped green tea, where you discard the leaves after brewing, with matcha you consume the whole leaf. This means you’re getting a concentrated boost of antioxidants, amino acids, and natural caffeine.
Matcha has been used in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries and has a slightly grassy, umami-rich flavor. It’s earthy, a little sweet, and sometimes even described as “creamy” when whisked properly with water or milk.
🍵 Here are the highlights of matcha’s impressive nutritional profile:
- Antioxidants: Matcha is rich in catechins, particularly EGCG, which help fight oxidative stress.
- Caffeine: Contains around 60–70 mg per serving (less than espresso, but more than regular green tea).
- L-theanine: A unique amino acid that promotes calm focus and smooths out caffeine jitters.
Espresso is the concentrated cornerstone of many of your favorite coffeehouse drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more.
What Exactly Is Espresso?
On the other side of this pairing, we’ve got espresso—the heart and soul of many coffee drinks. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure, resulting in a concentrated shot with a robust, slightly bitter flavor.
☕ So what’s in a cup of espresso?
- Bold taste: Intense, roasted, slightly bitter flavor.
- Caffeine: Roughly 65–75 mg per 1-ounce shot.
- Aroma: Rich oils and crema give espresso its signature sensory appeal.
Espresso is a quick energy hit—sharp, fast… but often accompanied by a jittery edge some people dislike.
This refreshing dirty matcha latte comes courtesy of @thegrindlk on Instagram.
So… What Happens When You Mix Matcha with Espresso?
Most often, you’ll see the combo of matcha and espresso in the form of a dirty matcha latte – a popular choice for a “little treat” drink that’s currently taking social media by storm.
While the name might evoke all the elegant gravitas of a secret agent ordering a dirty martini, the dirty matcha is a perfectly daytime-friendly option for your morning caffeine boost.
Here’s how it starts: a base of matcha whisked with water, combined with milk (dairy or plant-based), and finished with one or two shots of espresso.
You’ll want to get it or make it in a clear glass because it’s very visually striking – perfect layers of earthy green, creamy white, and rich espresso.
Like the refreshing feeling of your favorite mountain hike captured in a cup.
Maybe some Twilight vibes, or Middle Earth, or even Terrasen.
The taste:
- The earthy sweetness of matcha contrasts with the bitter punch of espresso
- For lots of people, the milk is the secret ingredient – it smooths everything out, allowing the two bold flavors to blend instead of clash
- Proponents of the combo think it hits the perfect balance of bold but smooth, energizing but not jittery… others just don’t feel like everything meshes quite right
The energy effect:
- Matcha brings steady, sustained energy (thanks to L-theanine)
- Espresso adds a fast, sharp kick of caffeine
- Together, you get an immediate boost plus a longer-lasting sense of alertness – as Hannah Montana might say, the best of both worlds
👍 The Pros of Combining Matcha and Espresso
So why are people blending these two strong flavors together? Let’s break down the benefits.
1. Double the Energy Boost
Espresso gives you a quick jolt, while matcha provides smoother, more sustained energy. Together, they create a unique rhythm: fast and lasting. Perfect for powering through a busy morning or late-night study session.
2. Balanced Focus
The L-theanine in matcha counteracts the jitters of espresso, helping you feel alert without the dreaded crash. You might feel more “calmly awake” than with coffee alone.
3. Nutrient Boost
Matcha is packed with antioxidants, while coffee has its own health perks (like supporting brain function and reducing risk of certain diseases). Together, you’re sipping a nutrient-rich powerhouse.
4. Flavor Adventure
If you love trying new flavor combos, this is a bold one. It’s layered, complex, and different from your typical latte.
👎 The Cons of Combining Matcha and Espresso
Of course, this drink isn’t for everyone.
1. Strong, Acquired Taste
The flavors are bold, and not everyone finds them complementary. If you don’t like bitter or earthy notes, you may find this drink overwhelming.
2. High Caffeine Content
One shot of espresso plus a serving of matcha = ~130–150 mg of caffeine. That’s fine for most people, but if you’re sensitive, it could feel like too much.
3. Can Upset Your Stomach
Both matcha and espresso are acidic. Together, they may trigger heartburn or upset stomach in some people.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ-2rNvu_8q/
Should You Buy or DIY?
When it comes to trying out new flavor combos – particularly ones that are polarizing like this, you’ll either love it or you’ll hate it style – trying it out at your favorite coffee shop is usually a good place to start. And that’s doubly true if you already know you love their espresso and/or matcha separately.
So before you go buying your own espresso machine or matcha whisk, it’s a good step one.
But that said, it also doesn’t offer you the same level of customization you can get at home. If you’re on board with the basic premise of matcha and espresso together, taking the DIY approach lets you customize the flavor and nutrition profiles exactly the way you want them.
For example, lots of coffee shop matcha blends are delish. But they can also contain high concentrations of sugar or other sweeteners, which is kind of stacking the deck (and also offsets the benefits of drinking matcha, if you’re packing it with so much added sugar!). When you make your matcha at home, you’re in control of what goes into your cup.
Explore Dr. Emil Multi Collagen Peptides + Matcha >>
You can choose a high-end matcha blend directly from a centuries-old shop in Japan, or you can shop around for a doctor-designed matcha blend with other health benefits in mind – like Dr. Emil Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Peptides Plus Matcha. It’s got 9g of protein per serving and all five types of collagen (I, II, III, V, and X) plus olive oil powder so you get maximum hair, skin, nail, and joint benefits along with that sustainable energy boost from the matcha itself.
Variations of Matcha + Espresso Drinks
Not sure if you’ll like it plain? You don’t have to stick with straight matcha and espresso – there are lots of ways to play the flavors up or down so you still get that caffeine boost, but maybe the taste is more to your liking.
Here are a few variations you can try.
- Dirty Matcha Latte (classic): Matcha whisked with water, milk, and espresso.
- Iced Dirty Matcha: Same as above, but poured over ice—perfect for summer.
- Vanilla Dirty Matcha: Add vanilla syrup to soften the flavor clash.
- Honey or Maple Dirty Matcha: A natural sweetener can balance the bitterness.
- Coconut Dirty Matcha: Coconut milk adds a tropical sweetness that works surprisingly well.
FAQs: Matcha + Espresso
Q: What is a dirty matcha latte?
A: A drink made by combining matcha, milk, and espresso. Sometimes iced, sometimes hot.
Q: Is matcha healthier than espresso?
A: Both have benefits! Matcha has more antioxidants and L-theanine, while espresso provides fast energy and brain health perks.
Q: Can I drink matcha and espresso every day?
A: Yes, if you tolerate caffeine well. Just be mindful of your total daily intake.
Q: What’s the caffeine content of matcha + espresso together?
A: Around 130–150 mg per serving, depending on portion sizes.
Q: Does matcha espresso taste good?
A: Taste is subjective! If you enjoy bold, earthy, and slightly bitter flavors, you’ll likely enjoy it.
So, Is Matcha Good with Espresso?
The verdict: Yes—if you like bold, complex flavors and need a serious energy boost.
Matcha brings calm focus and antioxidants; espresso brings fast energy and intensity. Together, they’re a unique match made in caffeine heaven. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re curious, give it a try. Start with a small serving, maybe iced with a touch of sweetener, and see if you enjoy the basic flavor combination.
From there, you can customize your order with other added flavors to make it sweeter, fruitier… however you prefer your caffeine drinks to be! You can even take the DIY approach for greater control over your morning brew. Go with the most authentic matcha you can find, or choose a matcha blend like Dr. Emil Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Peptides Plus Matcha to help you reach your wellness goals with each delicious sip.
At the end of the day, matcha + espresso is more than just a drink—it’s a conversation starter, a café experiment, and maybe even your new favorite pick-me-up. Where will the flavor journey take you? 🍵☕ Take a sip and see!
