There’s something deeply comforting about that creamy green swirl, the moment the milk meets the matcha, it’s a tiny storm in your cup, and suddenly your afternoon feels salvageable. But let’s be honest: if you’ve ever sipped the matcha latte from Dunkin’, you probably noticed it’s more sweet than green. That familiar sugary hit has its place, but real matcha lovers might find themselves craving a version that’s a little closer to the source… without losing the fun.
This recipe was born from that craving. A dupe that gives you the frothy satisfaction of the Dunkin’ version, but with more room to play. Want it dairy-free? Easy. Want to dial down the sugar? No problem. It’s quick, pretty, and wildly adaptable—perfect for that 3 PM pick-me-up when your email inbox looks like a bad joke.
Table of Contents
What to Serve With the Drink
This latte is smooth and mellow, so it plays well with both sweet and savory snacks. Here are a few favorites:
- Almond biscotti: The crunch adds contrast, and the almond echoes matcha’s earthy base.
- Mini mochi ice cream: A cold-on-cold pairing that feels café-fancy.
- Avocado toast: Sounds extra, but the grassy matcha pairs beautifully with creamy avo and sea salt.
- Lemon poppyseed muffins: Tangy citrus cuts through the creamy matcha like a dream.
- Chocolate-covered rice cakes: Textured, light, and just sweet enough—kind of underrated with matcha.
How to Make Dunkin’ Donuts Matcha Latte
The secret to that iconic Dunkin’ texture? A pre-mixed matcha powder loaded with sugar and stabilizers like fruit pectin. We’re skipping the artificial stuff but keeping the frothy, sweet profile with a few pantry tricks.
You’ll whisk your matcha base, stir in milk, and adjust your sweetness to taste. Two minutes flat, no drive-thru required.
Ingredients, Instructions and Tips
Servings: 1 large latte
Prep time: 2 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
For a classic sweet version:
- 2 tsp culinary-grade matcha powder
- 2 tbsp hot water (~75–80°C)
- 1 tbsp cane sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
- 230 ml milk (1% or whole milk is closest to Dunkin’)
- Optional: 1/8 tsp fruit pectin or xanthan gum for added thickness
- Ice
For a less sweet version:
- 1 ½ tsp high-quality matcha (ceremonial or vibrant culinary)
- 200 ml oat or almond milk
- No sugar, or a splash of maple syrup for depth
Instructions:
- Make your matcha slurry
In a small bowl, whisk the matcha with hot water until completely smooth. No clumps allowed. A bamboo whisk (chasen) gives the best froth, but a handheld milk frother works in a pinch. - Sweeten the base
Stir in your sugar or honey while the mixture is still warm. If using fruit pectin for that Dunkin’ mouthfeel, dissolve it here. - Pour over ice
Fill a tall glass with ice. Slowly pour in your milk of choice. - Layer or stir
For the classic two-tone look, pour the matcha mixture on top and don’t stir. Want it blended? Stir well until fully mixed. - Taste and adjust
Too bitter? Add a touch more sweetener. Too thin? Use creamier milk or a pinch of pectin. It’s your latte, customize away.
Ingredient Substitutes
No need to panic if you’re missing an item—here’s how to swap without losing the vibe:
- Matcha powder → Can’t substitute this one if you want a matcha latte. But if you’re out, try a green tea concentrate for a gentler cousin.
- Milk → Oat milk is the best dairy-free match for creaminess. Almond works too, just thinner. Coconut milk will dominate the flavor.
- Sweetener → Maple syrup adds richness. Agave blends well cold. Stevia or monk fruit can cut calories, but use lightly to avoid aftertaste.
- Fruit pectin → Not essential. Use xanthan gum (a pinch) or skip it for a cleaner finish.
Final Sip
The Dunkin’ Matcha Latte might be a gateway green drink for many, but this version gives you control, of sweetness, quality, and color. Whip it up for an afternoon cool-down or snap it for your feed (yes, it is that pretty). Your matcha moment starts here, no pectin packet required.
Ingredients
For a classic sweet version:
-
2 tsp culinary-grade matcha powder
-
2 tbsp hot water (~75–80°C)
-
1 tbsp cane sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
-
230 ml milk (1% or whole milk is closest to Dunkin’)
-
Optional: 1/8 tsp fruit pectin or xanthan gum for added thickness
-
Ice
For a less sweet version:
-
1 ½ tsp high-quality matcha (ceremonial or vibrant culinary)
-
200 ml oat or almond milk
-
No sugar, or a splash of maple syrup for depth
Instructions
-
Make your matcha slurry
In a small bowl, whisk the matcha with hot water until completely smooth. No clumps allowed. A bamboo whisk (chasen) gives the best froth, but a handheld milk frother works in a pinch. -
Sweeten the base
Stir in your sugar or honey while the mixture is still warm. If using fruit pectin for that Dunkin’ mouthfeel, dissolve it here. -
Pour over ice
Fill a tall glass with ice. Slowly pour in your milk of choice. -
Layer or stir
For the classic two-tone look, pour the matcha mixture on top and don’t stir. Want it blended? Stir well until fully mixed. -
Taste and adjust
Too bitter? Add a touch more sweetener. Too thin? Use creamier milk or a pinch of pectin. It’s your latte, customize away.
