
The Best Milk Bases for Moody Matcha: A Guide to Creaminess, Nutrition, and Flavor
Ellen Handlan, RDShare
Choosing the right milk base for your matcha latte can make all the difference in flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most popular milk options, their pros and cons, and tips for getting the most out of each in your Moody Matcha creations.
Dairy vs. Non-Dairy Options
Cow’s Milk: A Classic Choice
- Pros: Cow’s milk provides a full amino acid complex, supporting muscle repair and synthesis. With 8 grams of protein per cup, it’s a great natural boost for those skipping protein powder. Plus, its creamy and rich texture makes cow's milk the gold standard for frothing
- Cons: Some individuals may have lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities, which can lead to digestive discomfort. Additionally, cow’s milk is higher in saturated fat compared to plant-based options, particularly in whole milk, which could be a concern for those managing cholesterol levels.
Almond Milk: Light and Low-Calorie
- Pros: Almond milk is a popular dairy-free choice for those seeking a light, neutral base. Its mild flavor makes it an excellent companion to matcha, and it’s often fortified with calcium and vitamin D for added nutritional benefits.
- Cons: It’s not the creamiest option, and its texture can feel thin compared to other choices.
Oat Milk: Creamy and Plant-Based
- Pros: Its smooth, rich texture is perfect for barista-style drinks. Oat milk is also an eco-friendly option, as oats require less water to grow compared to almonds.
- Cons: Oat milk is higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein compared to other milk options, which can make it less balanced nutritionally unless paired with a protein source, like protein powder.
Soy Milk: The Protein Powerhouse
- Pros: Soy milk stands out as the most protein-rich plant-based milk. Its creamy texture and mild flavor pairs well with matcha.
- Cons: Some people avoid soy due to concerns about food sensitivities or its phytoestrogens. However, research consistently shows that soy’s phytoestrogens do not elevate estrogen levels in humans. In fact, these compounds may offer health benefits, such as supporting hormone balance and reducing the risk of certain cancers.
Coconut Milk: Rich and Unique
- Pros: It’s naturally sweet and creamy, enhancing matcha’s earthy tones.
- Cons: Coconut milk is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to elevated LDL cholesterol levels for individuals prone to high cholesterol. Moderation is key when incorporating it into your diet.
General Tips for Choosing a Milk Base
- Go Unsweetened: Avoid excess sugar by choosing unsweetened varieties.
- Align with Your Goals: For a protein boost, opt for dairy, soy, or protein-fortified almond/oat milk. For creaminess, coconut or oat milk are great picks.
- Experiment with Combinations: Mix and match milk bases, like almond and coconut milk, to balance calories and creaminess.
Choosing the Best Brands for Your Milk Base
Many plant-based milks contain added gums and emulsifiers for texture and stability. While these additives are generally safe, some people prefer to avoid them due to digestive sensitivities or a preference for cleaner ingredients.
Gum-Free Plant-Based Milk Options
- Malk: Made with minimal ingredients and no gums, Malk offers almond and oat milks that are as close to homemade as possible.
- Elmhurst 1925: Known for its ultra-simple, filler-free ingredient lists, Elmhurst creates nut and oat milks with a clean, natural flavor.
- Three Trees: This brand offers rich, smooth almond and oat milks with no added gums or emulsifiers.
Making Your Own Milk at Home
For complete control over ingredients, you can easily make almond or oat milk at home:
Homemade Almond Milk:
- Soak 1 cup of raw almonds overnight.
- Blend with 4 cups of water until smooth.
- Strain through a nut milk bag and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Homemade Oat Milk:
- Blend 1 cup of rolled oats with 4 cups of water for 30 seconds.
- Strain through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer. (To avoid sliminess, don’t overblend.)
- Chill and enjoy within 3-5 days.
Advantages of Dairy Milk
One key advantage of cow’s milk is its naturally creamy texture without the need for gums or stabilizers. For those who prefer to avoid added ingredients, dairy milk offers a simple, natural choice.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of matcha lies in its versatility—there’s a perfect matcha-milk combo for everyone.
What’s your favorite milk base for Moody Matcha? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media with your matcha creations!