Matcha has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries and has become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years. Just about every coffee shop now offers a matcha latte, and you can find matcha on the menu at many upscale restaurants. Most people know it as a tea or a latte, but one of the things we love most about matcha is its versatility. Beyond your morning cup, it can be used in everything from smoothies to baked goods and even savory recipes.
It has a naturally earthy, slightly sweet, umami-rich flavor that pairs really well with all kinds of ingredients - from fresh berries and citrus to dark chocolate and yogurt.
If you've only ever had your matcha with a pastry or cookie, this is your sign to branch out.
Here are eight foods that pair surprisingly well with matcha, plus a few of our favorite recipes to get you started.
1. Strawberries
Sweet, juicy strawberries and earthy matcha are a classic and for good reason. Strawberries are naturally sweet, which helps to balance matcha’s slightly earthy flavor, without overpowering it.
Whether you add sliced strawberries to a matcha smoothie, make chocolate-covered matcha strawberries, or bake with them, this combination is hard to beat.
Try it: Our strawberry matcha pavlova, with crisp meringue, homemade strawberry compote, and fluffy matcha whipped cream
2. Citrus
Matcha and citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange were made for each other. Their acidity balances matcha's rich, slightly grassy flavor. The combo of citrus and matcha can also be quite refreshing, making it great for summertime drinks and desserts.
Try it: This matcha mint lemonade is delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day
3. Chocolate
If you want to experiment with using matcha in different ways, chocolate may be the easiest place to start.
Chocolate lovers can rejoice in the fact that both matcha and chocolate bring out the best in each other. Dark, milk, and white chocolate all taste incredible when paired with matcha.
Try it: You can’t go wrong with matcha brownies
4. Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt is one of the easiest ways to enjoy matcha outside of a latte and makes for a great breakfast or snack. Its creamy texture mellows matcha's earthy flavor and adds a bit of nutrition.
Try it: This matcha yogurt parfait makes for a perfect breakfast
5. Coconut
Creamy coconut and matcha are one of our favorite combinations.
Using coconut milk is delicious in matcha lattes, and coconut cream can add a fruity richness to frozen desserts.
Try it: Our matcha colada smoothie is a great way to cool off on warm days
6. Pistachios
Pistachios give matcha a buttery crunch. They have a mild sweetness and rich texture and have become popular in everything from baked goods to breakfast bowls. Pistachios also add to matcha’s gorgeous green color.
Sprinkle chopped pistachios over yogurt, oatmeal, or overnight oats, or fold them into matcha cookies and muffins.
Try it: Our Dubai chocolate & matcha ice cream
7. Pineapple
Pineapple may not be the first fruit that comes to mind when you think of matcha, but we highly recommend giving it a try.
We loved it mixed into iced matcha, smoothies, frozen drinks, or popsicles.
Try it: Give this easy pineapple and matcha refresher a try
8. Vanilla
Vanilla has a way of making matcha taste even smoother and richer. That's one reason vanilla is so popular as an addition in matcha lattes, baked goods, overnight oats, and desserts.
Try it: Our cherry blossom vanilla matcha latte for a fun twist on a classic latte
Don't Be Afraid to Experiment
One of the best things about matcha is that there’s so much you can do with it. While it's delicious whisked traditionally or enjoyed in a latte, it also works well in breakfasts, snacks, desserts, and even savory meals.
If you're new to cooking with matcha, start with one of the pairings above and see where it takes you. You may be surprised by how many ingredients bring out a different side of this incredible tea.
Looking for more inspiration? Browse our collection of matcha recipes for everything from quick weekday breakfasts to desserts and drinks.
