This matcha jelly recipe will elevate your matcha lattes, bubble teas, and desserts. Matcha green tea jelly is fun, bouncy, and full of earthy-sweet matcha flavor—perfect for the matcha lovers out there. Whether you’re making a trendy matcha jelly latte, enjoying it on its own, or incorporating it into desserts, this easy and customizable recipe is a must-try for matcha fans.
Updated on September 12, 2025
Table of contents
What Is Matcha Jelly?
Matcha jelly is a Japanese-inspired treat made from matcha green tea powder and a gelling agent like gelatin or agar agar. It’s similar in texture to Jell-O but has the distinct, earthy flavor of food grade matcha green tea.
Matcha jelly can be cut into cubes and added to drinks, or chilled in a mold for a scoopable dessert. Sometimes it’s yummy on ice shavings and with condensed milk like bingsu.
What Does Matcha Jelly Taste Like?
Matcha jelly tastes like a subtly sweet, earthy green tea dessert. It has a mild bitterness that’s balanced by the sweetness added during the cooking process. The jelly texture is smooth, bouncy, and melts in your mouth.
You can use it to create:
- Matcha Jelly Lattes
- Layered Parfaits
- Green Tea Bubble Tea with Jelly Cubes
- A healthy, refreshing standalone dessert
Matcha vs Green Tea – What’s the Difference?
Though both come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, matcha and regular green tea are very different:
- Matcha is made from whole, finely ground green tea leaves, giving it a vibrant green color and concentrated flavor.
- Green tea is usually brewed from whole or crushed leaves and is lighter in both color and taste.
For this recipe, matcha is key to achieving the rich, creamy texture and bolder earthy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup cold milk of choice or cold water
- 3 tsp matcha powder food grade
- 2 packets unflavored gelatine about 5 teaspoons
- ice for serving
- 3 teaspoons blue agave, or cane sugar (adjust to taste)
- Optional: splash of vanilla extract for a flavor twist
Equipment Needed
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or bamboo matcha whisk
- Saucepan
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Jelly mold or small glass container
How to Make Matcha Jelly
- Measure Out and Lay Out the Ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk matcha powder with 1 tbsp hot (not boiling) water until smooth and lump-free. Take that water from the measured ingredients.
- In a heat safe glass container or jelly mold, add 4 tbsps of the cold milk of choice or water, then add the gelatin pack. Whisk it. Allow the gelatin to bloom for 3 minutes. If using agar agar, follow package instructions.
- Heat the cup of water to almost boiling, then add to the bloomed gelatin. WHisk until the gelatin is totally dissolved.
- Stir in the matcha mixture. Add in the remaining cold milk or choice or water.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 5 hours until fully set.
- Once set, cut into cubes for drinks or spoon into bowls for a dessert. Serve cold.
How to Serve Matcha Jelly
- In a Matcha Jelly Latte: Add jelly cubes to a glass, then pour in cold milk or oat milk and sweetener. Stir and enjoy! Add more matcha to the latte for extra flavor power. I love loading my matcha latte with matcha jelly cubes and topped with whipped matcha cream…it’s amazing!
- In Parfaits: Layer with coconut yogurt, chia pudding, or whipped cream.
- As a Dessert Topping: Use with mochi, fresh fruits, or ice cream.
- As a Standalone Treat: Top with a drizzle of condensed milk or brown sugar syrup.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Vegan Matcha Jelly: Use agar agar instead of gelatin for a completely plant-based version.
- Coconut Matcha Jelly: Replace some water with canned coconut milk for a creamy tropical twist.
- Dirty Matcha Jelly: Swirl in a shot of espresso before chilling.
- Fizzy Matcha Jelly Drink: Add jelly cubes to sparkling water or soda for a fun, boba-inspired drink.
- Whipped Honey Matcha Jelly Latte: Top your jelly drink with whipped honey for a cozy sweet treat.
Common Questions
Can I use green tea instead of matcha?
Technically yes, but NO. The flavor and color will be much lighter and not be nearly the same. For true matcha jelly flavor, use real matcha powder. It can be food grade matcha and that will be more ideal for this recipe. Using green tea will be light like jasmine tea jelly.
How long does matcha jelly last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep chilled and covered.
What’s the texture like with agar agar vs gelatin?
Agar agar sets firmer and doesn’t melt at room temp. Gelatin yields a softer, jiggly texture like jello.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! Adjust sweetness to your preference, or use maple syrup or stevia.
Matcha Jelly
Equipment
- small mixing bowl
- Whisk or bamboo matcha whisk
- saucepan
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Jelly mold or small glass container
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup cold milk of choice or cold water
- 2 packet unflavored gelatine about 5 teaspoons
- ice for serving
- 3 teaspoons blue agave or cane sugar (adjust to taste)
- Optional: splash of vanilla extract for a flavor twist
- 3 tsp matcha food grade powder
Instructions
- Measure Out and Lay Out the Ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk matcha powder with 1 tbsp hot (not boiling) water until smooth and lump-free. Take that water from the measured ingredients.1 cup hot water
- In a heat safe glass container or jelly mold, add 4 tbsps of the cold milk of choice or water, then add the gelatin pack. Whisk it. Allow the gelatin to bloom for 3 minutes. If using agar agar, follow package instructions.1 cup cold milk of choice or cold water, 2 packet unflavored gelatine about 5 teaspoons
- Heat the cup of water to almost boiling, then add to the bloomed gelatin. Whisk until the gelatin is totally dissolved.
- Stir in the matcha mixture. Add in the remaining cold milk of choice or water.3 teaspoons blue agave, Optional: splash of vanilla extract for a flavor twist
- Chill in the fridge for at least 5 hours until fully set.
- Once set, cut into cubes for drinks or spoon into bowls for a dessert. Serve cold.ice for serving
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