When the Trader Joe’s Jeju Matcha Latte was introduced, it was like they read my mind! Convenient, delicious, and made with high-quality matcha sourced from South Korea’s stunning Jeju Island, these instant latte packets are a game-changer.
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How to make Trader Joe’s Jeju Matcha Latte
Trader Joe’s Jeju Matcha Latte is a product offered in convenient, single-serve instant packets that allow you to make a matcha latte without the need for a traditional whisk.
Ingredients
- 1 packet of Trader Joe’s Jeju Matcha Latte mix
- 6-8 oz hot water (for a basic latte)
- OR 6-8 oz cold water + ice (for a refreshing iced latte)
- 1-3 oz warm or cold milk (oat milk, almond milk, or whole milk work wonderfully)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor
- Sweetener (like honey, agave, or stevia) if you prefer a sweeter latte
- Whipped cream and matcha dust for garnish
Instructions
For a Hot Matcha Latte
- Boil water: Heat 6-8 oz of water until just under boiling (~175°F is ideal for matcha to avoid bitterness).
- Mix the matcha powder: Empty one packet of Trader Joe’s Jeju Matcha Latte mix into your favorite mug.
- Pour and stir: Gradually add the hot water while stirring continuously to ensure the powder dissolves completely.
- Customize: If desired, warm up 1-3 oz of milk (or non-dairy alternative) and stir it in for added creaminess.
- Serve: Sip and enjoy as is, or top with a dash of vanilla extract or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
For an Iced Matcha Latte
- Prepare cold water: Add 6-8 oz cold water to a shaker, jar, or glass.
- Add matcha powder: Pour the contents of your Jeju Matcha Latte packet into the cold water.
- Shake or stir: Seal the shaker/jar tightly and shake for 10-15 seconds until fully combined. Alternatively, stir the mixture briskly with a spoon.
- Add ice & milk (optional): Fill the glass with ice and pour in 1-3 oz of your favorite milk for a creamy texture.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle matcha powder on top or add whipped cream as the finishing touch.
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Don’t skip the stirring/shaking: Properly mixing the matcha powder ensures a smooth and creamy drink. For the iced version, a shaker or frother can help you achieve that silky consistency easily.
- Experiment with milk alternatives: While the latte packets are already creamy, adding a splash of oat milk or almond milk can give the drink an extra luxurious feel. You can even froth the milk for a barista-style finish.
- Control sweetness: The packets are pre-sweetened, but if you enjoy your matcha with a bolder flavor, feel free to add more sugar, honey, or even a tiny drizzle of maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Serve in style: Matcha always looks best in a clear glass if you’re going iced—it allows you to see the gorgeous green color! If served hot, consider pairing it with a lovely, oversized mug for cozy vibes.
- Garnish for an aesthetic touch: A sprinkle of extra matcha powder or even some edible rose petals can add a sophisticated feel. This is perfect for entertaining guests or making your drink Instagram-worthy.
What to serve with
Trader Joe’s Jeju Matcha Latte is a delightful drink with an earthy, slightly sweet taste that’s both comforting and refreshing.
1. Matcha Madeleines: These airy, buttery French cakes with a touch of matcha reinforce the flavor in your latte while providing a soft, spongy texture that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for dipping or enjoying as a stand-alone treat.
2. Almond Biscotti: Crisp and nutty, almond biscotti offer the perfect textural contrast to the smoothness of your latte. Dip the biscotti into your hot matcha for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
3. Fruit Tarts: Mini fruit tarts with a creamy filling topped with fresh berries or sliced pears add a burst of fruity sweetness to your latte break. The freshness of the fruit balances the creamy, earthy flavor of the matcha perfectly.
4. Mochi: Soft, chewy mochi in flavors like strawberry, mango, or red bean provide a delightful textural contrast and complement the subtle sweetness of your matcha latte. The chewy texture pairs wonderfully with the smoothness of the drink.
5. Scones with Matcha Glaze: Classic scones, either plain or with additions like blueberries, topped with a drizzle of matcha glaze offer a sophisticated touch. The crumbly texture of the scones pairs beautifully with the creamy latte.
Ingredients Substitutes
Trader Joe’s Jeju Matcha Latte packets are convenient, pre-mixed blends that come with powdered matcha and creamer, delivering a creamy, slightly sweetened latte flavor in just minutes.
1. Matcha Powder Substitute
If you’re out of Trader Joe’s Jeju Matcha mix or just prefer to build your latte from scratch, you can use plain matcha powder. Make sure to select ceremonial grade matcha for a sweeter, smoother flavor or culinary grade matcha for a bolder, more robust taste.
How to Use It: Replace the packet with 1–1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder per serving. If your matcha lacks sweetness, add 1–2 teaspoons of sugar, honey, or another sweetener to match the flavor profile.
2. Sweetener Options
While Trader Joe’s packets include a pre-sweetened blend, you might want to adjust the sweetness level or use a healthier alternative.
Substitute Ideas:
- Honey: Opt for natural honey for a floral hint that complements matcha.
- Agave syrup: Perfect for those seeking vegan-friendly sweetness.
- Maple syrup: Adds mild caramel notes and works beautifully with the earthy matcha taste.
- Stevia or monk fruit sweetener: Great zero-calorie options; start with a pinch, as these sweeteners tend to be more potent than sugar.
3. Non-Dairy & Alternative Creamers
Trader Joe’s latte mix already contains creamer, but if you’d like to make your latte creamier or swap out dairy for a plant-based alternative, any milk substitute works!
Top Picks for Creaminess:
- Oat milk: This plant-based option has a naturally rich texture that enhances the creaminess of the matcha latte.
- Almond milk: Provides a slightly nutty flavour that pairs well with matcha.
- Coconut milk: Adds a tropical richness to the drink, perfect for creating a dessert-like treat.
- Soy milk: A classic non-dairy option, soy milk adds creamy depth and balances the flavor.
- Cashew or macadamia milk: Ultra-creamy and great for indulgent matcha drinks.
4. Water Alternatives
Trader Joe’s packets dissolve well in water, but you can swap water for alternatives that add creaminess or complexity to the flavor.
Substitutes for Water:
- Milk: Skip the water entirely and use warm or cold milk instead for extra creaminess.
- Coconut water: Use chilled coconut water for a refreshing twist, perfect for iced matcha lattes.
- Green tea: Brew a cup of plain green tea and use it as the liquid base for a layered tea flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Jeju Matcha Latte packets are incredibly versatile and make it simple to enjoy high-quality matcha at home.
More Trader Joe’s Recipes:
- Homemade Trader Joe’s Ketchup Chips Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Cajun Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
Base ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Savory components:
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Spices & Heat
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Optional add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
Liquid smoke:
- 1–2 teaspoons liquid smoke
Instructions
For a Hot Matcha Latte
- Boil water: Heat 6-8 oz of water until just under boiling (~175°F is ideal for matcha to avoid bitterness).
- Mix the matcha powder: Empty one packet of Trader Joe’s Jeju Matcha Latte mix into your favorite mug.
- Pour and stir: Gradually add the hot water while stirring continuously to ensure the powder dissolves completely.
- Customize: If desired, warm up 1-3 oz of milk (or non-dairy alternative) and stir it in for added creaminess.
- Serve: Sip and enjoy as is, or top with a dash of vanilla extract or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
For an Iced Matcha Latte
- Prepare cold water: Add 6-8 oz cold water to a shaker, jar, or glass.
- Add matcha powder: Pour the contents of your Jeju Matcha Latte packet into the cold water.
- Shake or stir: Seal the shaker/jar tightly and shake for 10-15 seconds until fully combined. Alternatively, stir the mixture briskly with a spoon.
- Add ice & milk (optional): Fill the glass with ice and pour in 1-3 oz of your favorite milk for a creamy texture.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle matcha powder on top or add whipped cream as the finishing touch.
