Iced Cacao Matcha Latte

Author: Julianne Hall

I am obsessed with all things cacao and this recipe is no exception! I’ve been drinking matcha for about a year and a half now (since I quit coffee) and I recently started adding cacao which has been a total game-changer. I won’t lie, I still dabble in coffee from time to time, but I usually regret it and end up feeling super low energy after a few hours. This Iced Cacao Matcha Latte is energizing in all of the right ways! I can feel the effects almost instantly, but it’s a gentle, natural energy that doesn’t spike and dip like coffee does. Raw cacao is extremely high in antioxidants and is also a great plant-based source of magnesium, iron, and calcium. It is also considered a natural mood elevator due to its concentration of the neurotransmitter anandamide, also known as the bliss molecule. Basically, it’s a natural pleasure molecule that fits into our cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. Believe it or not, cacao is one of only TWO foods known to contain it! (The other is black truffles).

When shopping for cacao powder, be sure not to confuse it with cocoa powder! Cocoa powder is put through high heat for processing and refining which can damage the micronutrients and decrease the potential health benefits. Not to mention that a lot of cocoa powders contain added sugars, hydrogenated oils, artificial flavorings, and even milk fat. So always go with raw cacao powder! I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect cacao powder for about a year; I’ve tried super bitter ones, super gritty ones, tasteless ones, and finally, the perfect one! Healthworks cacao powder is super fine, smooth, flavorful but not too bitter, and best of all, affordable. (Right now it’s just $6.99 for a half-pound or $11.55 for a full pound; a pound lasts me months!!) Don’t be fooled by other organic brands with pretty packaging; I’ve tried some really expensive ones that I found to be tasteless. Healthworks’ cacao beans are hand-harvested, cold-pressed, and carefully milled into a super fine powder. I don’t know what their other secrets are but whatever they are doing, they are doin’ it right!

If you want to learn more about Healthworks and how they do their thing, sign up for their newsletter to enjoy 10% off and receive a surprise gift product! Once you sign up for their newsletter, just forward the e-mail you receive back to them at info@healthworks.com (provide your shipping address in your reply!)  and their awesome team will send you a Healthworks superfood product. (They have other great superfoods like acai, camu camu, maca, hemp seeds, turmeric, etc.)

This cacao matcha latte is easy (takes just a few minutes to assemble and blend) and is the perfect morning beverage or afternoon pick-me-up. I also like to prep my dry ingredients in bulk so I can just take a scoop of pre-mixed ingredients in the morning and go! Either way, this recipe is quick and fool-proof. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your preference; I tend to eyeball it and adjust depending on my mood! You can also leave it unsweetened but matcha does tend to be a bit earthy so sometimes it’s nice to add a touch of sweetener. I prefer maple syrup or date nectar but you could also use stevia.

Iced Cacao Matcha Latte

 Prep Time: 5 minutes

 Servings: 1 person

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon Healthworks Cacao Powder
• 1 teaspoon matcha
• 1-2 teaspoon maple syrup or date nectar
• 1 tablespoon coconut butter
• Optional:
• 1/4 teaspoon cordyceps
• 1/4 teaspoon maca
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients in blender.
2. Blend on high for 1 minute.
3. Serve over ice and enjoy!

RECIPE NOTES

If you prefer a warm latte, blend all ingredients and then warm in a small saucepan over low heat for 3-5 minutes.