As a Japanese tea enthusiast, I found myself raising an eyebrow when I first stumbled upon this question: “Can you add milk to green tea?” Growing up in Japan, drinking green tea with milk wasn’t something I ever saw or even thought of. But thanks to the internet (and tools like Ahrefs for keyword research), I discovered that people are genuinely curious about this! So, let’s talk about the bizarre yet fascinating pairing of green tea and milk.
Can You Put Milk in Green Tea?
The short answer is yes, you can! But whether you should is another question altogether. Adding milk to green tea is not traditional in Japan, where green tea is enjoyed for its pure, refreshing taste and health benefits. However, in other parts of the world, especially in Western cultures and places influenced by tea trends, people have experimented with milk in all kinds of teas.
Here are some common questions I found people asking:
- “Do you drink green tea with milk?”
- “Is green tea with milk good?”
- “Can you put milk in green tea?”
So let’s break it down!
Green Tea and Milk: What Happens?
When you add milk to green tea, a few things happen:
- Flavor: Milk tones down the natural bitterness of green tea and creates a creamier, smoother texture. Depending on the type of green tea, this could be a good or bad thing. For delicate teas like sencha or gyokuro, the milk may overpower the subtle flavors.
- Health Benefits: Green tea is packed with antioxidants like catechins, which offer numerous health benefits. Some studies suggest that adding milk to green tea may reduce its antioxidant power because milk proteins can bind to catechins.
- Cultural Twist: For many Japanese people (myself included), adding milk to green tea might feel strange, almost like putting soy sauce on fruit – it’s just not what we do!
Popular Green Tea and Milk Variants Around the World
Even if it’s unusual in Japan, milk green tea has found its place in global tea culture. Here are a few popular variations:
1. Thai Green Milk Tea
- Originating in Thailand, this creamy, sweet drink is made by combining strong-brewed green tea with condensed milk or evaporated milk. It’s rich, indulgent, and often served iced.
2. Jasmine Green Milk Tea
- A popular bubble tea flavor, jasmine green milk tea combines fragrant jasmine green tea with milk (or non-dairy options like oat milk). It’s smooth, floral, and often served with tapioca pearls.
3. Matcha Latte (Green Tea Milk Tea)
- While not exactly the same as steeped green tea with milk, matcha lattes are one of the most popular green tea and milk combinations. Matcha’s strong, earthy flavor pairs well with milk, creating a creamy and energizing drink.
4. Houjicha Latte
- One of my personal favorites! Houjicha, a roasted green tea, makes for an incredibly delicious latte. Its naturally low caffeine content and toasty flavor combine beautifully with milk for a warm, comforting drink. Unlike delicate sencha, houjicha holds its flavor when paired with milk, making it perfect for lattes.
How to Make a Houjicha Latte at Home
If you’re curious to try a Houjicha Latte, here’s a simple recipe you can follow. It’s cozy, creamy, and perfect for any time of day!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of Houjicha leaves (or 1 Houjicha tea bag)
- 200ml of hot water (around 90°C / 194°F)
- 150ml of milk (or oat milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon of honey or sweetener (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew the Houjicha:
- Steep the Houjicha leaves in 200ml of hot water for 2-3 minutes to create a strong, roasted tea base.
- Heat the Milk:
- Warm the milk in a small pot or froth it using a milk frother until it’s hot and foamy.
- Combine:
- Strain the Houjicha tea into a cup and pour the steamed milk over it.4. Sweeten (Optional):
- Add a teaspoon of honey or your preferred sweetener.5. Serve:
- Enjoy your warm and toasty Houjicha Latte!
👉 You can grab authentic Houjicha leaves straight from a small family farm in Kyoto. Try making this latte for a cozy break!
Do You Put Milk in Green Tea? My Honest Opinion
As someone who grew up drinking green tea in its pure form, I have to admit I was skeptical about adding milk. I personally think the beauty of green tea lies in its simplicity: the refreshing bitterness of sencha, the roasted warmth of houjicha, or the deep umami of gyokuro.
But… I get it! Green tea with milk, especially when done as milk tea or latte-style, can be delicious. If you love creamy drinks, why not give it a try? It’s all about how you enjoy your tea.
Final Thoughts: Can You Add Milk to Green Tea?
Yes, you can add milk to green tea, but it’s all about personal preference. While it’s not traditional in Japan, creative tea lovers around the world have found ways to make it work – whether it’s Thai green milk tea, jasmine green milk tea, trendy matcha lattes, or comforting Houjicha lattes.
As a Japanese tea lover, I’ll always prefer green tea in its pure, natural form. But if you’re curious, why not experiment? After all, tea is meant to be enjoyed your way.
👉 If you’re interested in trying authentic Japanese green teas like sencha, houjicha, or genmaicha, check them out at my store. Who knows, you might fall in love with pure green tea just like I did! 🌿