Iced Lavender Cream Matcha Latte

Blog by Callie Birtles R.H.N. & Acne Coach in The Clear Skin Solution + Recipe by Katie Stewart R.H.N.

With the arrival of spring, many of us are craving a refreshing drink to enjoy in the warmer weather. This season, Starbucks has sparked a trend on TikTok with their spring menu, and one drink that has caught our attention is the Iced Lavender Cream Oat Matcha Tea Latte. While it may be tempting to indulge in these trendy beverages, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients, especially when it comes to sugar content, and how they can impact your skin health.

When enjoying beverages at popular coffee shops, it’s important to be aware of hidden sugars. Sugar can have detrimental effects on our skin, contributing to inflammation and acne. The Starbucks new spring lavender latte contains 28 grams of sugar, exceeding the recommended upper limit by 3-4 grams. This amount of sugar surpasses the daily limit of 24-25 grams, equivalent to about 6 teaspoons.

Opting for homemade versions of popular drinks allows you to control the sugar content and make healthier choices for your skin. By being mindful of sugar intake and choosing ingredients that support skin health, you can enjoy delicious beverages without compromising your skin goals.

So, in the healthy spring spirit, we made a “copycat” version with nutrient-dense ingredients that won’t flare your skin like the coffee shop counterpart. Our Iced Lavender Cream Matcha Latte is a delightful treat for your taste buds and offers some amazing benefits for your skin.

Let’s dive into the key ingredients and their potential impact on your skin health:

Matcha – A Powerhouse of Antioxidants

Matcha, celebrated for its vibrant green hue and earthy flavour, offers a multitude of health benefits, including support for the liver, which plays a crucial role in detoxification, hormone balancing, and digestion – all necessary for clear, glowing skin! Let’s have a look at how matcha supports this:

Liver Detoxification

Matcha is rich in chlorophyll, a compound that supports liver detoxification. By aiding in the elimination of toxins from the body, chlorophyll promotes liver health, which is essential for clear and radiant skin.

Antioxidants

Matcha contains high antioxidants, which combat free radicals and help protect the liver from damage. These antioxidants benefit the skin by reducing oxidative stress, promoting a healthy complexion.

Catechins

Catechins, a type of flavonoid and antioxidant found in plants, are abundant in matcha. These phytochemicals have been shown to support liver regeneration, aiding in repairing and renewing damaged liver cells. This regenerative process is beneficial for the overall health of the liver, which is then reflected in the improved appearance of the skin.

Lavender: Soothing and Calming

Lavender, celebrated for its calming properties, offers a host of benefits for both your mental well-being and skin health. Stress, a prevalent issue in today’s fast-paced world, elevates cortisol levels, triggering inflammation and an overproduction of sebum that leads to acne. Incorporating lavender into your routine – or your cup, can support your stress response and promote a sense of calm. This, in turn, may help reduce cortisol levels and alleviate inflammation, resulting in clearer skin. Additionally, lavender is noted to provide several other benefits:

• Anxiety Relief: Lavender’s calming effects can help reduce anxiety, which is often linked to skin issues like acne.
• Improved Sleep: Lavender is known to promote better sleep quality, which is essential for skin repair and regeneration.
• Mood Enhancement: The aroma of lavender can enhance mood and reduce feelings of depression, contributing to lower stress levels and better skin health.

Relaxing with lavender can be a simple yet effective way to care for your skin amidst life’s hectic moments.

Powerful Purple Powder

Purple sweet potato powder is more than just a colourful addition to your latte; it’s a powerhouse of skin-loving nutrients. Derived from purple sweet potatoes, this powder is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin. 

Anthocyanins

These are antioxidants that give the purple sweet potato its vibrant colour. They help protect your skin from environmental stressors and can reduce signs of aging by preventing the breakdown of collagen.

Anti-Inflammatory

Purple sweet potatoes are abundant in antioxidants, contributing to their potent anti-inflammatory effects. These properties aid in fighting underlying inflammation in the body, which is a root cause of acne.

Fibre

The fibre content in purple sweet potato powder supports good digestion. A healthy gut is crucial for clear skin, as it helps eliminate toxins and promotes the absorption of nutrients that are essential for a glowing complexion.

Iced Lavender Cream Matcha Latte

This delicious iced lavender cream matcha latte is a Starbucks “copycat” version with nutrient-dense ingredients that won’t flare your skin.

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Ingredients

For the Matcha:

• 1 ½ cups of your favourite non-dairy milk
• 1 tsp matcha tea powder
• 1-2 tsp raw honey or pure maple syrup (adjust to preference)
• ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Lavender Cream (Cold Foam)

• ⅓ cup lite coconut milk (see notes)
• ½ drop of culinary-grade lavender essential oil (see notes - sub 1 tsp culinary-grade lavender flowers)
• ½ tsp purple sweet potato powder
• ½ tsp maple syrup or raw honey (adjust to your taste preference)
• Optional: 2 tbsp non-dairy milk (if using the flower method)

Instructions

For the Match

• Fill a 16 oz glass with ice.
• Mix the non-dairy milk, matcha powder, sweetener, and vanilla until smooth and frothy using a hand frother or blender.
• Pour the matcha over the ice, leaving room on top for the foam. Set aside.

For the Lavender Cream (Cold Foam)

Lavender Essential Oil Version:

• Mix the lavender essential oil directly into the coconut milk—no need to heat!
• Stir in sweet potato powder and sweetener of choice.
• Use a hand frother to whip it up into a light, frothy consistency.
• Spoon it over your matcha and enjoy it right away!

Lavender Flowers Version:

• Warm the coconut cream gently over low heat until it becomes liquid.
• Add the lavender flowers, letting them infuse on low heat for 1-2 minutes.
• Allow the lavender-infused coconut cream to cool, then strain out the flowers. Chill it in the fridge for about an hour.
• Once chilled, whip it with 2 tbsp of non-dairy milk and sweetener of choice using a handheld frother until light and foamy.
• Spoon over your matcha and sip it up immediately!

Notes

• Coconut Milk: If you're using canned full-fat coconut milk, you might notice it gets a bit grainy once it cools down. Not a fan of that texture? Try Thai Kitchen’s Coconut Milk  Lite. It's really smooth and froths up nicely (we used it in this recipe). You can snag it online through Amazon and Well.ca, or swing by a Sobey's or Walmart if you're in the mood for a store visit. For those in the US, it's stocked up at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.

 

• Lavender Essential Oil: This was recipe tested with both flower and essential oil. For the oil version, I used doTERRA lavender essential oil. Remember, essential oils are super potent, so less is more when using them in recipes. You can start with a toothpick swirl by dipping a toothpick into the essential oil bottle and then swirling in the coconut milk. To get roughly ½ a drop, place a single drop on the back of the spoon, let it coat the spoon, and then allow the drop to fall off the spoon.  
• Natural Colouring: We used Purple Sweet Potato Powder purchased from Amazon Canada. Purple carrot powder would also work.  
• Frothing Tip: A mug, mason jar, or taller cup works great for frothing your cold foam, giving enough space without spilling.