Matcha has gone from niche health-shop favourite to high-street staple. Across the UK, you’ll now find it in supermarket fridges, coffee chains and even fast-food menus. For vegans, that’s great news, as many of these drinks are made with oat, almond or coconut milk instead of dairy. Whether you want a ready-to-drink carton, a powder to whisk at home or a café treat, here are the best vegan matcha drinks to try in the UK right now.

Why Matcha Is So Popular

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder with roots in Japanese tea ceremonies. Unlike regular green tea, you drink the whole leaf, which gives it a rich colour and earthy, slightly grassy flavour.

Many people enjoy it as a coffee alternative. It contains caffeine, but drinkers often describe the energy as calmer and steadier.

It also pairs naturally with plant milks. Oat milk adds creaminess, coconut gives a tropical twist and almond keeps things light.

Best Ready-to-Drink Vegan Matcha (Supermarkets)

If you want matcha with zero effort, these chilled options can be poured straight over ice or heated for a latte:

• Oatly Matcha Latte: Oat drink blended with matcha and a hint of vanilla. It’s dairy- and soya-free with added calcium.
• Oatly Strawberry Matcha Latte: A sweeter, fruity version, best served chilled or over ice.
• Califia Farms Matcha Latte: Made with almond milk and labelled suitable for vegans. Designed for pouring over ice.
• Alpro Matcha Coconut: A tropical twist with coconut, fortified with calcium, iodine and vitamins.
• MOMA Oat Pistachio Matcha: An oat-based drink with a subtle pistachio flavour, suitable for vegans.
• HumaniTea Cold Brew Matcha Latte: A canned oat milk matcha, lightly sweetened with agave and described as fully vegan.

Note: Tesco Finest Matcha Oat Latte uses no obvious animal ingredients, but it isn’t labelled vegan and carries a “may contain milk” warning. Strict vegans should check the packaging first.

Vegan Matcha Drinks: Supermarket Prices at a Glance

Prices may vary by retailer and change over time.

Best Vegan Matcha Powders to Make at Home

Making matcha at home gives you more control over strength, sweetness and milk choice.

• PerfectTed: A matcha-focused brand offering ceremonial-grade powder plus flavours like vanilla, strawberry, blueberry and pistachio. Its products are described as suitable for vegans.
• Cheerful Buddha Matcha Latte: A vegan-certified blend with ceremonial-grade matcha, coconut milk, vanilla, reishi and ashwagandha, with no added sugar.
• Naturya Matcha Superfood Latte: A powder with matcha, coconut milk powder, cinnamon, fibre and live cultures. It does contain sugar.

Easy home method: Whisk 1 teaspoon of matcha with a little hot (not boiling) water until frothy, then top up with warm or iced plant milk. Sweeten with maple syrup if you like.

Best Vegan Matcha Drinks at UK Cafés

Prefer someone else to do the whisking? These high-street chains offer plant-based matcha options:

• Pret: The Iced Matcha Latte is made with ceremonial-grade matcha and a coconut milk alternative, and is listed as suitable for vegans.
• Costa Coffee: The Strawberry Coconut Matcha Iced Latte is listed as vegan, alongside classic matcha lattes.
• Starbucks: Order a Matcha Latte or Iced Matcha Latte with plant-based milk, and skip the whipped cream.
• Blank Street Coffee: Known for colourful flavours like blueberry, cinnamon bun, white chocolate and strawberry shortcake matcha.
• Itsu: Offers matcha lattes in flavours such as vanilla, salted caramel and blueberry, hot or iced.

Tips for Ordering Vegan Matcha

Always ask for a plant-based milk, such as oat, soya, almond or coconut.

Check syrups, sauces and toppings, as some may contain dairy. Whipped cream and some cold foams usually aren’t vegan.

Recipes and menus can change, so check the chain’s allergen information or app before ordering, especially if you have allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is matcha vegan?
Pure matcha powder is made from green tea leaves, so it’s vegan. Whether a matcha drink is vegan depends on the milk, syrups and toppings used.

What is the best milk for a vegan matcha latte?
Oat milk is the most popular for its creaminess, but coconut and almond milk also pair well with matcha’s earthy flavour.

Which UK café matcha drinks are vegan?
Pret’s Iced Matcha Latte and Costa’s Strawberry Coconut Matcha Iced Latte are listed as vegan. At most other chains, ask for plant milk and skip dairy toppings.

Does matcha contain caffeine?
Yes. Matcha contains caffeine, though many people find its energy boost feels smoother than coffee.

Conclusion

Vegan matcha has never been easier to find in the UK. Grab a ready-to-drink carton from the supermarket, whisk up your own latte at home or treat yourself at your favourite café. Just remember to choose plant-based milk and check toppings, and you’ll have a creamy, earthy, dairy-free matcha that’s perfect any time of day.

Source: Plant Based News – These Are The Best Vegan Matcha Drinks In The UK