Can You Add Milk to Green Tea?

Green tea has been cherished across various cultures for its myriad health advantages and subtle taste for centuries. 

While you may know the conventional method of enjoying green tea, you may be curious if it’s possible to include milk in the mix. 

In this article, we’ll determine the merits of combining milk and green tea, the resulting effects, and how to craft the ideal cup of green tea with milk.

Can You Add Milk to Green Tea?

Yes, you can mix milk with green tea, although it might change its taste and consistency. 

Adding milk can create a creamier and smoother beverage, though it may also mask the delicate, natural flavors of green tea.

At some point, certain research indicated that incorporating milk into tea could diminish its antioxidant levels, especially the catechins that contribute to many of green tea’s health advantages. This was believed to happen because milk proteins can attach to the catechins, thereby reducing their absorption by the body.

However, another study indicated that catechins from green tea and black tea are rapidly absorbed, and milk does not impair the bioavailability of tea catechins (1).

So ultimately, whether to add milk to green tea depends on personal preference in terms of taste and consistency.

Does Green Tea Taste Good With Milk?

The taste of green tea with milk can be subjective. Some people enjoy the creaminess and smoothness that milk adds to green tea. In contrast, others prefer green tea’s delicate, natural flavors without additives. 

If you’re a fan of milk tea or enjoy experimenting with different tea combinations, you may find green tea with milk a tasty beverage. Ultimately, whether green tea tastes good with milk depends on personal preference.

As for myself, I have tried adding different types of milk to different kinds of green tea, always with the same outcome – wasted tea. When drinking green tea, even with added milk, you expect it to taste like green tea. However, when you add milk, you taste milk above anything else. And I wouldn’t say I like it.

What Kind of Milk Do You Put in Green Tea?

A variety of milk options can be added to green tea based on your individual taste and nutritional requirements:

1. Cow’s milk: You can opt for whole, reduced-fat, or skim milk based on your desired level of creaminess and fat content.
2. Plant-based milk: Almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk serve as popular non-dairy alternatives for individuals who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or prefer plant-based choices.
3. Lactose-free milk: Lactose-intolerant individuals who still long for dairy taste can opt for lactose-free milk.

Each milk variety will influence the flavor and texture of the green tea differently, so you might need to experiment to discover the ideal blend for your palate.

Is It Better to Drink Green Tea Without Milk?

Drinking green tea without milk is the traditional way of enjoying this beverage and can provide several health benefits. Catechins in green tea, a type of antioxidant, are known to improve heart health and brain functions and accelerate fat burning (2, 3, 4). Adding milk to green tea may alter the taste and consistency of the drink but will not reduce the bioavailability of these antioxidants, as previously mentioned.

Green Tea With Milk Recipe

To give green tea with milk a try, follow this straightforward recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 green tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf green tea
• 1 cup of hot water (around 175°F or 80°C)
• 1/4 cup of milk (your choice of type)
• Optional: sweeteners such as honey, sugar, or agave syrup

Instructions:

1. Steep the green tea for 2-3 minutes in hot water.
2. Remove the tea bag or strain the loose-leaf tea.
3. Heat the milk over low heat or microwave it until warm.
4. Add the warm milk to the brewed green tea.
5. If desired, sweeten to taste with your choice of sweetener.
6. Stir gently to combine, and enjoy your green tea with milk.

Best Green Teas for You to Consider

Not all green teas are created equal, with some tasting better than others. Here are some of the best loose-leaf and bagged green teas to consider for your next brew.

Final Thoughts

While adding milk to green tea is not traditional, it can still be enjoyable for those who prefer a creamier taste. 

Ultimately, whether to drink green tea with or without milk depends on personal preference.

FAQ

Can Drinking Green Tea With Milk Make You Sick?

Drinking green tea with milk is generally safe. You shouldn’t become ill from it unless you have a particular allergy or intolerance to an ingredient like lactose. 

When trying green tea with milk for the first time, begin with a small portion and observe your body’s reaction. Should you encounter discomfort or adverse reactions, stop consuming it and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Does Adding Milk to Tea Make It Less Healthy?

No, it doesn’t. As previously mentioned, adding milk to green tea doesn’t impair the bioavailability of tea catechins, antioxidants responsible for the benefits of green tea.

Does Adding Milk to Green Tea Prevent My Teeth From Staining?

Yes, adding milk to green tea may help prevent the tea from staining your teeth. The proteins in milk can bind to the tannins in the tea, preventing them from adhering to and discoloring your teeth. However, remember to still maintain good oral hygiene to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Can You Add Milk to Matcha?

Yes, you can add milk to matcha green tea. In fact, matcha lattes are a popular beverage made by combining matcha powder with milk and a sweetener. Matcha lattes can be made with various types of milk, including cow’s, plant-based, or lactose-free. The choice depends on your preference and dietary needs. To make a matcha latte, simply whisk matcha powder with hot water, then add warm milk and your choice of sweetener. The result is a creamy, vibrant green beverage with a rich flavor and texture.

Just like with green tea, the choice of milk for matcha lattes primarily depends on personal preference and priorities concerning taste and consistency.

What Are Other Ways to Make Green Tea Taste Better?

To enhance the taste of green tea, you can:

1. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime.
2. Sweeten it with a bit of honey or stevia.
3. Infuse it with other herbs or spices like mint or ginger.
4. Blend it with fruits like berries or peaches for a fruity twist.