What is better for matcha oat or almond milk? The ultimate guide

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

With oat milk sales experiencing rapid growth, it's becoming a top contender in cafés everywhere, challenging almond milk's long-held dominance. This shift has intensified the debate over what is better for matcha oat or almond milk, prompting many to re-evaluate their latte choices.

Quick Summary

The decision between oat and almond milk for matcha depends on personal taste, texture preference, and nutritional goals; oat milk provides creamy froth and a rich mouthfeel, whereas almond milk offers a lighter, lower-calorie option with a subtle nutty flavor.

Key Points

Oat Milk for Creaminess: For a rich, café-style latte with excellent, stable foam, oat milk is the superior choice, especially a barista blend.
Almond Milk for Lightness: Almond milk offers a lighter, low-calorie option, best suited for refreshing iced matcha lattes.
Consider Your Flavor Preference: If you want the matcha flavor to shine with a hint of sweetness, oat milk works well; if you prefer a noticeable nutty undertone, opt for almond milk.
Barista Blends Improve Results: Barista-specific versions of both milks are formulated to froth better and mix more smoothly, preventing separation.
Be Mindful of the Brand: The taste, thickness, and performance of both oat and almond milk can vary significantly between brands, so a little experimentation is worthwhile.
Matcha's Antioxidants are Fine: Unlike dairy milk, which contains casein that can bind with matcha's catechins, plant-based milks do not interfere with the tea's antioxidant absorption.

Matcha, with its distinct earthy and umami notes, requires a complementary partner to create the perfect latte. The choice of milk can drastically alter the final drink's taste, texture, and overall experience. Among the most popular plant-based options, oat and almond milk are frequent choices, each bringing a unique character to the blend. To determine what is better for matcha oat or almond milk, you must consider several key factors, from how they froth to their nutritional profiles.

The Case for Oat Milk

Oat milk has quickly become a favorite among baristas and latte enthusiasts for several compelling reasons. Its creamy texture and superior frothing capabilities allow it to mimic the richness of dairy milk, creating a velvety microfoam perfect for latte art. Oat milk's naturally sweet, slightly malty flavor works in harmony with matcha's earthy profile, enhancing the tea's natural notes without overwhelming them.

Oat Milk Pros

Superior Frothing: Oat milk, especially barista blends, creates stable, creamy foam.
Rich, Creamy Texture: It provides a luxurious, full-bodied mouthfeel that many people desire in a latte.
Balances Flavor: Its mild, naturally sweet taste complements matcha, reducing bitterness and adding indulgence.
Environmental Edge: Oat production is more sustainable than almond, using significantly less water.

Oat Milk Cons

Higher Carbohydrates: It is higher in carbs and calories than almond milk.
Distinct Aftertaste: Some people may notice a slight "oatmeal" or malty aftertaste, depending on the brand.

The Case for Almond Milk

For those who prefer a lighter, lower-calorie drink, almond milk has long been the go-to plant-based choice. It has a subtle, nutty flavor that can pair well with matcha, provided it doesn't overpower the delicate tea. Almond milk's low sugar and carbohydrate content also make it a popular option for those with specific dietary goals.

Almond Milk Pros

Lower in Calories and Carbs: It is a low-calorie and low-carb option, making it ideal for those on ketogenic or low-carb diets.
Subtle Nutty Flavor: Unsweetened varieties add a mild nutty note that can complement matcha's earthiness.
Refreshing for Iced Lattes: Its lighter, thinner consistency is particularly refreshing in iced matcha lattes.

Almond Milk Cons

Weaker Froth: Regular almond milk often results in a watery, less stable foam compared to oat milk.
Nutty Flavor Can Overpower: If the almond flavor is too strong, it can mask the nuances of a high-quality matcha.
Higher Water Usage: Almond production requires significantly more water than oat production, raising environmental concerns.

Oat Milk vs. Almond Milk: A Head-to-Head Comparison

To truly see what is better for matcha oat or almond milk, it helps to put them side-by-side. Here is a comprehensive comparison based on the most important factors for your latte.


Feature	Oat Milk	Almond Milk
Taste	Naturally sweet, mild, and malty.	Subtly nutty and much less sweet.
Texture	Rich, creamy, and full-bodied.	Lighter, thinner, and can be watery.
Frothing	Superior performance, excellent microfoam.	Weaker froth, less stable foam (unless barista blend).
Calories	Moderate (~120 per cup).	Low (~30-60 per cup).
Carbohydrates	Higher, rich in fiber.	Lower, beneficial for low-carb diets.
Environmental Impact	Generally more sustainable (lower water use).	Less sustainable (higher water use).
Best For	Creamy, rich, café-style hot lattes.	Light, refreshing, low-calorie iced lattes.

Making the Right Choice for Your Matcha Latte

The optimal milk for your matcha depends heavily on your desired outcome. For a luxurious, coffee-shop-style latte with rich creaminess and excellent foam, oat milk is the clear winner, especially a high-quality barista blend. This is also the best option if you prefer a flavor that enhances the matcha without overwhelming it. For those who prioritize a low-calorie, lighter drink, almond milk is the better choice, particularly for a refreshing iced latte. Just be mindful of the brand and consider a barista version for better integration and less separation.

Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment with a few different brands to find the one that perfectly suits your taste and texture preferences. Remember to always sift your matcha powder first to avoid clumps, and whisk it with a small amount of warm water before adding your milk of choice. For high-quality, authentic matcha, sourcing from a reputable provider is crucial to ensure a vibrant and flavorful base, no matter what milk you pair it with, and you can explore options from vendors like Maison Koko.

Conclusion: The Verdict

There is no single "better" milk; the choice between oat and almond for matcha is a matter of personal preference and desired outcome. Oat milk excels in creating a creamy, full-bodied latte with superior foam, making it the favorite for those who prioritize a rich texture. Almond milk, with its lower calorie count and light, nutty flavor, is ideal for a lighter, more refreshing experience, especially in an iced drink. By considering your personal priorities—whether it's creaminess, calories, or flavor balance—you can easily decide which plant-based milk will make your perfect cup of matcha.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the creamiest, most café-like matcha latte, oat milk is the best choice among plant-based options due to its rich texture and excellent frothing ability, particularly with barista-specific blends.

For an iced matcha latte, almond milk is an excellent option. Its thinner consistency provides a light and refreshing drink, while its nutty flavor complements the matcha.

Oat milk's naturally sweet and mild flavor profile generally complements matcha well without overpowering it, especially with unsweetened varieties. It enhances the earthiness of the tea rather than masking it.

Regular almond milk doesn't froth as well as oat milk, often creating less stable foam. However, using a barista-style almond milk can produce a more consistent and stable froth for your latte.

The healthier choice depends on your dietary needs. Almond milk is lower in calories and carbs, while oat milk is higher in fiber and often contains more nutrients like iron and phosphorus when fortified. Both are good, dairy-free options.

Plant-based milk can sometimes curdle when added to matcha if the temperature difference is too great. To prevent this, warm your milk gently and whisk the matcha with a little hot water first before combining.

Oat milk is naturally sweeter and more malty, so it's a great option if you prefer a sweeter latte without adding extra sugar. For an even sweeter taste, look for sweetened versions of either milk.