Green Tea with Milk: The Ultimate Combo or Myth?

Is green tea with milk good? Welcome, tea enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a topic that sparks debate among tea lovers everywhere: Is green tea good with milk?

Some swear by this combination, while others dismiss it as sacrilege. Let’s explore the facts and myths behind this intriguing pairing: whether you have it at home, at a coffee shop, or a milk tea shop.

Green tea is a popular beverage and has numerous health benefits. However, the question of whether adding milk to green tea enhances or detracts from its qualities often arises. The answer depends on personal preference and the desired taste. 

While some people enjoy the combination of green tea and milk, others may find it less appealing. Let’s explore the taste and health benefits of green tea with milk.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea isn’t just a soothing beverage; it’s a powerhouse of health benefits! It has antioxidants like catechins and flavonoids. Green tea improves brain function, fat loss, and a lowers the risk of various diseases. These antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Green tea also boosts metabolism and promotes weight loss. It contains compounds that can increase fat oxidation and improve insulin sensitivity, aiding in weight management. Additionally, green tea improves brain function, reduces inflammation, and lowers risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Sipping on a cup of green tea can also give you a gentle energy boost without the jitters of coffee.

Benefits of Green Tea with Milk

While green tea is beneficial on its own, adding milk to it can offer some advantages as well. Milk, even a splash of milk, makes green tea taste smoother and creamier, appealing to those who find the original flavor too strong or bitter taste. You’re also ingesting milk proteins that help keep your bones and teeth healthy.

Some studies suggest that milk might enhance the absorption of certain nutrients, such as catechins, making them more bioavailable. Moreover, for individuals with sensitive stomachs, the addition of milk can help alleviate any potential digestive discomfort that may occur when drinking regular green tea on an empty stomach.

Taste of Green Tea with Milk

Traditionally, you make green tea with only hot water. Adding milk to green tea can significantly alter its taste and we’re seeing this combination more and more in tea shops. 

The addition of milk tends to mellow down the strong and sometimes bitter flavor of green tea, offering a smoother and creamier texture. It gives the tea a touch of sweetness and richness, balancing out any potential bitterness. 

The most common combinations are green tea latte and matcha latte.

A green tea latte is made by steeping green tea leaves (or tea bag) in hot water, and then adding regular milk or dairy alternatives to it.

Matcha is green tea powder with a more earthy flavor because the full tea leaf is ground up into powder. The preparation involves using a matcha whisk (bamboo whisk) to dissolve the powder in a small bowl with hot water. Alternatively, you can also use a milk frother. 

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Then you add milk to make it a matcha milk tea or matcha latte. Another creative use of matcha is to use it for matcha smoothies and baking. I’d avoid using ceremonial-grade matcha with milk because you’ll lose the matcha’s natural flavors.

A bonus combination is green tea with milk foam. I recently discovered this delicious drink at several boba milk tea shops and has become my favorite tea to order!

The milk is frothed to create a creamy foam layer (I’ve had cheese foam and creme brulee foam, so the options are endless), which is then added to brewed green tea. This method adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the green tea, enhancing its earthy notes and creating a luxurious drinking experience. 

I love it because it uses less milk than regular green tea milk and matcha but still gives it a subtly sweet, milky taste and foamy texture. 

Types of Tea That Go Well with Milk

While green tea may not be the most traditional tea to have with milk, other types of tea pair exceptionally well for a delicious drink:

• Black tea, is the most common type of tea consumed with milk, like Earl Grey. Known for its bold and robust flavor, it complements the creaminess of milk, creating a comforting beverage. 
• Chai tea, brewed with milk and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, offers a delightful and aromatic drink. 
• Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea that falls between black and green tea. Milk can enhance its unique flavor profile, resulting in a smooth cup of tea.
• Turmeric Golden Milk tea: is made by brewing turmeric powder or fresh turmeric root with other spices like ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Types of Milk and Milk Alternatives

When it comes to adding milk to tea, there are several options to choose from.

• Dairy milk: Cow’s milk is the most widely consumed type of milk. It provides a creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste that complements tea well. You can choose whole or low-fat milk (2%, skim, or fat-free). I prefer whole milk to get the full benefits and better taste.
• Almond Milk: This is a popular dairy-free alternative made from ground almonds and water. It has a mild and slightly nutty flavor that pairs nicely with tea. It’s less common to have tea with this type of plant-based milks
• Soy Milk: is another dairy-free option made from soybeans and water. It has a creamy texture and subtle taste that works well with various types of tea. Soy milk contains lecithin which helps your body absorb the full benefits of catechins in green tea. It’s a popular milk alternative when ordering matcha latte and green milk tea
• Oat Milk: is made from oats and water, and offers a creamy and slightly sweet flavor. It’s increasingly popular at coffee shops and my second favorite way to have green milk tea and matcha lattes.
• Coconut Milk: I’ve yet to see it at coffee and tea shops, but an alternative nonetheless. I love the taste of coconut milk with green tea, though the coconut milk flavor is overpowering

Types of Sweeteners

To sweeten or not to sweeten, that is the question! If you have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of options to add a touch of sweetness to your tea. Here are some common types of artificial and natural sweeteners:

• Sugar: traditionally granulated sugar is a common choice for sweetening teas and dissolves quickly. Some matcha powder even comes sweetened with sugar (mixed into the powder)
• Honey: is a natural sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness and floral flavor to the tea. It pairs well with both green and black teas.
• Stevia: is a calorie-free sweetener derived from the stevia plant and has gained popularity for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. It has a distinct after-taste that not everyone is a fan of.
• Agave nectar or syrup: is a natural sweetener extracted from the agave plant. It has a mild flavor and dissolves easily in tea. I love adding agave to my chamomile tea.
• Maple Syrup: I recently found that using maple syrup produces a sweet tea without an overpowering flavor. I tried both green tea matcha latte and hojicha latte with maple syrup and they were both delicious and quickly made it to my list of favorite green tea recipes with milk.

Ultimately, whether or not green tea with milk is a good idea comes down to personal preference. It’s worth experimenting with different combinations to find the taste and benefits that suit you best. Remember to enjoy your tea in moderation and savor the experience.

Cheers to discovering your perfect cup of tea! Let me know in the comments what’s your favorite way to enjoy your green tea: neat or with any milk or dairy alternative!