“Dirty matcha” doesn’t mean you spilled a bunch of matcha on your counter or made a big mess with the whisk (although that does happen to us all the time). A dirty matcha is a type of drink that’s popped up in many cafés recently, and seems to be all over social media. 

It’s when matcha is mixed with either coffee or espresso. Very similar to a dirty chai, which is a cup of chai tea mixed with a shot of espresso. It blends the earthy, umami richness of matcha with the bold notes of coffee.

What’s in a dirty matcha?

A classic dirty matcha typically has:

·  Matcha tea

·  One or two shots of espresso

·  Milk or milk alternative

·  Optional sweetener

The espresso “dirties” the matcha, both visually and flavor-wise, giving you a layered drink with lots of contrast.

Why order a dirty matcha?

There are a few reasons “dirty” drinks have become popular. Mostly, adding a shot of espresso adds extra caffeine. Matcha does contain caffeine, although less than that of a shot of espresso. It’s also paired with L-theanine, which offers steady, more focused energy. Espresso is going to give you a quick boost.

Some people also just love the taste. The bitterness of coffee can complement matcha’s more vegetal notes well.

For some, a dirty matcha can give people who love matcha, but aren’t quite ready to give up coffee, the best of both worlds.

How does the caffeine feel?

One of the best parts of switching to matcha is how it makes you feel. Thanks to its unique combination of L-theanine and caffeine, it provides steady, focused energy

 without jitters. So, does that still hold true when you add a shot of espresso?

Well, not quite. The espresso will give you an immediate boost. Matcha’s L-theanine can help to smooth out and sustain that energy, but it will be a bigger jolt of energy than just drinking a traditional matcha. For people who are used to only drinking coffee, they may find it to be more balanced than drinking just regular coffee, with fewer jitters and a longer-lasting focus.

Is dirty matcha better than coffee or matcha alone?

We wouldn’t say better! Just different. A dirty matcha might be ideal for you if you:

-          Want to enjoy both coffee and matcha

-          Want a stronger energy boost

-          You like complex flavors

If you’re seeking a calmer, more focused energy, straight matcha might be a better choice.

How to order (and make) a dirty matcha

If you’re ordering one at a café:

-          Ask for a matcha latte with a shot of espresso

-          Specify your milk of choice

-          Both hot and iced work!

If making one at home:

-          Whisk matcha tea powder with hot water

-          Add frothed milk (hot or cold)

-          Pour espresso on top

Bottom Line:

A dirty matcha lives a bit dangerously and breaks some of the rules, but that’s ok sometimes. By combining matcha and espresso, you get a bolder, more caffeinated drink. If you’re a coffee lover who is just trying matcha, it might be a great option to try!

Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

Resources: 

Hidese S, Ogawa S, Ota M, Ishida I, Yasukawa Z, Ozeki M, Kunugi H. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 3;11(10):2362. doi: 10.3390/nu11102362. PMID: 31623400; PMCID: PMC6836118.

Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies. Curr Res Food Sci. 2022 Nov 23;6:100396. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015. PMID: 36582446; PMCID: PMC9792400.

Dietz C, Dekker M. Effect of Green Tea Phytochemicals on Mood and Cognition. Curr Pharm Des. 2017;23(19):2876-2905. doi: 10.2174/1381612823666170105151800. PMID: 28056735.

Wierzejska RE, Gielecińska I. Evaluation of the Caffeine Content in Servings of Popular Coffees in Terms of Its Safe Intake-Can We Drink 3-5 Cups of Coffee per Day, as Experts Advise? Nutrients. 2024 Jul 23;16(15):2385. doi: 10.3390/nu16152385. PMID: 39125266; PMCID: PMC11314177.