When you think of Starbucks, your mind probably conjures up images of delicious lattes, frappuccinos, or iced coffees.
However, there is one unique ingredient that is slowly gaining popularity on the Starbucks menu – matcha.
Everyone is asking what are the best matcha drinks at Starbucks? The answer is more diverse and tasty than you might think. T
The Starbucks matcha menu offers a variety of drinks to suit different tastes and preferences, from sweet and creamy lattes to refreshing iced teas.
A delicious dipping sauce recipe A delicious dipping sauce recipe
This guide takes you on a journey through the best Starbucks matcha drinks, their flavor profiles, health benefits and how they compare to other matcha drinks on the market.
What's worth adding to matcha at Starbucks?
Adding a personal touch to your Starbucks matcha drink can go from good to great. Here are some suggestions:
- Sweeteners: If you find the natural taste of matcha too bitter, consider adding honey, agave syrup, or regular syrup.
- Dairy: To make your matcha drink creamier, you can add whole milk, almond milk, oat milk or soy milk.
- Flavor Shots: For a unique twist, consider adding a flavor shot such as vanilla, caramel or hazelnut.
- Extra Matcha: If you are a matcha lover, you can ask for an extra scoop of matcha powder with your drink.
What flavors go well with matcha?
Matcha has a unique, slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with a wide variety of flavors. Some of the best flavors to pair with matcha include:
- Vanilla: The sweet, creamy flavor of vanilla soothes the bitterness of matcha and enhances its natural sweetness.
- Coconut: Coconut milk or cream adds a tropical touch to your matcha drink.
- Cinnamon: This warming spice adds a touch of complexity to the taste of matcha.
- Citrus: The acidity of lemon or lime can help offset the bitterness of matcha.
What should I add to my matcha?
What you add to your matcha depends on personal preference. Here are some popular add-ons:
- Milk: This can be dairy milk or a dairy-free alternative. Milk creates a smoother, creamier matcha drink.
- Sweetener: A little sugar, honey or agave syrup can balance the bitterness of matcha.
- Flavorings: Vanilla extract, almond extract, and even a dash of cinnamon can enhance the flavor of matcha.
- Ice: If you prefer a cold drink, add a few ice cubes to your matcha.
How to order a Starbucks Matcha Latte
Step 1: Choose the size of your latte. Starbucks offers Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz) and Venti (20 oz) sizes.
Step 2: Choose whether you want your latte hot or iced. Both versions are delicious, so it all comes down to personal preference.
Step 3: Ask for a "Matcha Green Tea Latte". This is the official name of the drink on the Starbucks menu.
Step 4: Customize your latte. You can customize the type of milk, add sweeteners and even request extra matcha powder.
Step 5: Enjoy your delicious Matcha Green Tea Latte!
A detailed description of each Matcha drink at Starbucks
Matcha green tea latte
This is the classic matcha drink that started it all. Creamy, sweet and full of earthy matcha flavor, this latte can be enjoyed warm or over ice.
It's made from skimmed milk, a sweetened matcha tea blend and a simple syrup.
It has a vibrant green color and a beautifully balanced flavor that is both comforting and refreshing.
Iced Matcha Lemonade
It's a refreshing summer drink that combines the earthy taste of matcha with the tartness of lemonade. It is the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity with a beautiful green hue.
Iced Matcha Lemonade is a great choice if you're looking for something light and refreshing.
Frappuccino cream with Matcha green tea
It's a creamy, frozen snack, perfect for hot summer days.
Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino is a mixture of milk, cream, sweetened matcha powder and ice cream; all topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
It is sweet, creamy and irresistibly delicious.
Matcha green tea
This is a simple, traditional matcha tea. It's made from matcha tea powder and hot water, giving it a strong, earthy flavor. If you are a fan of traditional matcha tea, this is the drink for you.
Matcha health benefits
Matcha is more than just a tasty ingredient; it is also full of health benefits. Here are a few:
- Rich in antioxidants: Matcha has a high class of antioxidants called catechins, which can help protect cells from damage.
- Improves brain function: Some studies have shown that matcha can improve brain function, attention and memory.
- Can help with weight loss: Matcha can boost metabolism and speed up fat burning, which can help with weight loss.
- May support heart health: Consuming matcha may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering levels of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Matcha flavor profile and its impact on Starbucks beverages
Matcha has a unique taste, often described as earthy, rich and slightly bitter. It has a smooth, creamy consistency and a sweet aftertaste.
When matcha is added to Starbucks beverages, it provides a depth of flavor that cannot be replicated with other ingredients.
It complements the creaminess of milk, the sweetness of syrups and the tartness of fruits like lemon.
Comparison of Starbucks Matcha drinks with other Matcha drinks on the market
Starbucks matcha drinks stand out in the market thanks to the brand's commitment to quality and consistency.
Their matcha powder comes from a high-quality supplier, resulting in a vibrant green color and a distinctive, rich flavor.
In addition, Starbucks offers a variety of matcha drinks, each with its own unique character. Whether it's the classic Matcha Green Tea Latte or the innovative Iced Matcha Lemonade, there's something for everyone.
Compared to other brands, Starbucks also allows for a high level of personalization. Customers can adjust the sweetness, choose between different types of milk and add different flavor shots and toppings.
Price range of Matcha drinks at Starbucks
The price of matcha drinks at Starbucks may vary depending on the size of the drink and any additional adjustments. Here is the general scope:
- High (12 oz): $3.45 - $4.45
- Large (16 oz): $4.15 - $5.15
- Twenty (20 oz): $4.65 - $5.65
Please note that prices may vary slightly depending on location.
How to customize your Matcha drink at Starbucks
Step 1: Choose a Matcha drink base
You can start with Matcha Green Tea Latte, Iced Matcha Lemonade, Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino or regular Matcha Green Tea.
Step 2: Choose your size
Starbucks offers Tall, Grande and Venti sizes for most of its drinks.
Step 3: Choose your milk
If your drink contains milk, you can choose between whole milk, fat-free, 2% milk, soy milk, almond milk or oat milk.
Step 4: Adjust the sweetness
You can ask for a more or less classic syrup or replace it with another flavor, such as vanilla, caramel or hazelnut.
Step 5: Add extras
Consider adding whipped cream, a flavored drizzle or a bit of matcha powder on top for a little extra indulgence.
Step 6: Place your order
You can order at the counter, drive-thru or use the Starbucks mobile app for convenience.
Starbucks Matcha Nutrition Facts
The nutritional value of matcha drinks at Starbucks may vary depending on the size of the drink and any additions or adjustments.
However, a standard Grande Matcha Green Tea Latte with 2% milk has about 240 calories, 5 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of protein.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Starbucks matcha sweetened?
Yes, the matcha powder used at Starbucks is sweetened. However, you can adjust the level of sweetness in your drink by asking for a more or less classic syrup or replacing it with a syrup with a different flavor.
2. Is Starbucks matcha caffeine free?
No, matcha contains natural caffeine. The Grande Matcha Green Tea Latte at Starbucks contains approximately 80 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to a tall cup of brewed Starbucks coffee.
3. Does Starbucks use real matcha in its drinks?
Yes, Starbucks uses a mixture of sugar, ground Japanese green tea and flavorings in their matcha drinks. This blend provides consistency and sweetness across all locations.
4. Can I buy matcha powder at Starbucks?
Starbucks does not usually sell matcha powder separately, but offers a variety of matcha drinks that you can enjoy in store or take home.
5. How often can I drink Starbucks matcha tea?
There are no strict guidelines for how often you should drink matcha tea, as it depends on your individual dietary needs and caffeine tolerance. However, matcha does contain caffeine, so it's best to monitor your total daily caffeine intake.
Final thoughts
Matcha drinks at Starbucks offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation with options that cater to a variety of taste preferences.
Whether you're a longtime matcha lover or a curious newcomer, there's a matcha drink waiting for you at Starbucks.
Remember that you can always adapt your drink to your taste and dietary needs. So don't hesitate to ask your barista for recommendations or experiment with different flavor combinations.
Enjoy the earthy, refreshing experience that these Starbucks best matcha drinks bring to your taste buds!
For more information on the full Starbucks menu and the nutritional value of their drinks,visit the Starbucks website.
FAQs
How do you order matcha at Starbucks and it taste good? ›
If you want to customize your matcha drink, you can add a Starbucks flavored syrup to your drink. Some of the most popular syrups to go with the matcha tea blend are vanilla, honey blend, and toffee nut. You can also customize your matcha drink by adding a scoop of vanilla bean powder.
What is the best Starbucks matcha drink TikTok? ›TikTok. if you like Matcha, you're gonna want to try this for a change. grande iced matcha latte and a venti cup extra ice, with one Blanche out of espresso, oat milk, brown sugar syrup, and cinnamon powder. it's honestly so good.
How do I order the best matcha? ›Color = bright green
The first harvest, the top part of the plant, and tana shaded are always good quality matcha. If you see yellowish or brownish versions… stay away! That means that they have not been properly shaded.
- Fruits: Natural sweetness and tropical flavors are a good way to balance out the mellow taste of matcha, while also minimizing added sugar. ...
- Nuts: Nuts and seeds have a very “neutral sweet” flavor, making them extremely popular in lattes. ...
- Sweets: ...
- Citrus: ...
- Milk:
While coffee and match both have their own health benefits, matcha is better for you overall and has fewer potential side effects. It's gentler on the body and is good for you in so many different ways.
What is good to put in matcha Starbucks? ›A: Starbucks matcha drinks pair well with a variety of flavors. Some popular options include adding a shot of espresso, honey, almond milk, coconut milk, fresh fruit or yogurt for added sweetness and texture. You can also add syrups like classic vanilla or caramel for an extra layer of flavor.
What is the new matcha drink at Starbucks 2023? ›Cha Cha Latte
This unique beverage is made with a combination of Matcha green tea and sweet Chai syrup - a recipe that is found exclusively on the secret menu at your local Starbucks. To create this invigorating blend, begin with one pump of chai syrup and add more if you'd like a stronger flavor profile.
Whole Milk, Low Fat or Fat Free Milk for Your Matcha Latte
If you're looking to indulge in a rich and creamy matcha latte, whole milk is a great option.
For Kardashian's matcha recipe, she uses the Matcha Purity Powder from Matcha Bloom, which is available on Poosh for $34.
What is a dirty matcha at Starbucks? ›There are three main components to a Dirty Matcha: Matcha, milk and coffee. Lightly sweetened Matcha forms the base while milk allows a smooth transition in flavour between Matcha and roasted notes of coffee.
Which matcha is sweeter? ›
The flavor of ceremonial matcha is typically lighter and sweeter than culinary matcha, stemming from the fact that the stems and veins are removed from the leaves. Ceremonial-grade matcha is also typically stone ground, resulting in a finer, smoother texture of the powder.
Is it better to drink matcha in the morning or night? ›Morning. Arguably the best time to drink Matcha is right after you get up or before you leave for work. Matcha provides an excellent caffeine boost and helps you stay alert. It is great to have with breakfast so you start your day feeling energised.
Should I drink matcha in the morning or afternoon? ›Matcha green tea is best enjoyed before meals, but not after 2 p.m. or if you are sensitive to caffeine. If possible, try having Matcha in the morning or afternoon, but never late at night since it will affect your energy levels, mood, and sleep quality.
Is milk or water better for matcha? ›Is Matcha Better with Milk or Water? Matcha powder can be mixed with both milk and water and still taste good. Both of these matcha tea versions have relatively similar health benefits. The only difference is the taste.
Is Starbucks Iced matcha latte sweet? ›The two ingredients in the Starbucks matcha tea blend are green tea and sugar. This matcha drink is sweetened, so you'll need to ask for it unsweetened if that's what you prefer. Starbucks used to add syrup to its matcha drinks, but that's no longer the case.
What can you not mix with matcha? ›Please don't put milk in your good matcha, especially if you're drinking it for health reasons. The milk sticks to the polyphenols, which alters (not in a good way) the bioavailability (how well your body can absorb nutrients) of the matcha, and all the goodies just flush through.
Is a matcha latte better hot or cold? ›A cold matcha latte is an ideal drink when you want to enjoy a more umami flavor from matcha. On the other hand, a hot version of a matcha latte has a sweet high, tone grassy taste and an intense nutty flavor. Additionally, hot matcha lattes tend to have a smoother texture than cold ones.
Is it OK to drink Matcha latte everyday? ›Short answer: Yes, matcha is safe for everyday use. The most-important aspect to be aware of when it comes to how much matcha you consume is its high caffeine content. As with coffee, you should drink (or eat!) matcha in moderation, listen to your body, and avoid caffeine later than mid-afternoon.
How many times should I drink Matcha latte? ›To be safe, make sure to consume matcha in moderation. It's best to stick to 1–2 cups per day and look for certified organic varieties to take advantage of matcha's many health benefits without risking any side effects. There are many ways to prepare matcha, so you can choose the one you like best.
Is matcha better for your stomach than coffee? ›"Matcha is more alkaline than coffee with almost the same caffeine content," Ella Davar, R.D., CDN, tells mbg. The lower acidity means matcha may also be a better choice for anyone with a sensitive stomach.
How to make matcha at Starbucks sweeter? ›
Starbucks uses a matcha powder that's pre blended with sugar, so use sugar for the most accurate recreation. You could also use vanilla syrup if you enjoy that flavor with your matcha, or add 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract. You can use less sugar for a more mildly sweetened drink.
How many pumps of vanilla are in a Starbucks matcha latte? ›i call it the vanilla matcha latte order. a venti iced matcha latte with four pumps. toasted vanilla and vanilla sweet cream. cold foam on top.
Is matcha better than coffee for anxiety? ›How to choose matcha vs. coffee for anxiety. Matcha tea has one huge advantage over any other caffeine drink, and that's L-theanine. This natural amino-acid in green tea boosts calm feelings and dampers anxiety in those tested.
Is Starbucks matcha really matcha? ›What Matcha does Starbucks use? Here's the answer: Starbucks Matcha is technically not even Matcha, but rather just plain sugar! That's because it's a powdered mix of at least 51% pure added sugar, with some ground green tea added into it.
Does Starbucks have a vanilla matcha latte? ›What is an Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte? This delicious and refreshing green tea drink is a popular Starbucks order but you can easily make it at home too! A vanilla matcha latte combines the yummy flavors of vanilla and matcha. This is then served over ice and milk to make a perfectly refreshing, creamy beverage.
Does Starbucks shake their matcha? ›Starbucks just shakes the matcha with ice and milk and it just gets too clumpy. but you're not sure if you like Matcha. Make sure you're using oat milk for this. The flavor combination is perfect.
What do people add to matcha lattes? ›Options include: orange Peel, lemon or lime zest, cardamom, coriander; fresh ginger and turmeric root (or powder). Unless you have fresh spices available, you might consider using a powdered form to help acclimate to the fine froth of matcha tea.
Is iced matcha better with oat milk or almond milk? ›If you're looking for a milk that will easily match with about anything, oat milk is your choice. It's richer in nutrients than coconut or almond milk but it's not the heaviest. It's usually pricier than options, but it is extremely easy to find. Oat milk is another perfect match to matcha.
Is Matcha latte better with almond or coconut milk? ›Coconut milk scores the most flavoured of all types of non-dairy milk. It has a rich and creamy taste that makes it versatile to most beverages. Coconut milk is becoming a popular favourite. It's very rich in fats that heats well and it's naturally sweet, meaning you can skip the sugar.
Why is Starbucks Matcha so sweet? ›Unfortunately, the matcha powder that Starbucks uses in the USA to make these lattes is pre-blended with sugar, according to the nutritional information online. Because sugar is listed as the first ingredient, it may mean that there's even more of it than matcha.
Is Matcha latte the same as matcha? ›
A matcha latte consists of matcha powder (made from the finely-ground leaves of certain green tea plants), water, and milk. If the matcha powder is unsweetened, the drink is then often sweetened with honey or syrup.
What models drink matcha? ›Other Cha Cha Matcha fans include Leonardo DiCaprio and Victoria's Secret models Gigi Hadid, Jasmine Tookes and Taylor Hill, fitting given that the cafe's co-founder, Matthew Morton, grew up in celebrity circles.
Is Starbucks Matcha even healthy? ›Starbucks matcha is not particularly healthy at all. A grande matcha tea latte packs in 240 calories and has an astonishing 32 grams of sugar! While 66% of the sugar is naturally occurring in the milk portion of the latte, the remaining 34% of the sugar comes from the added sugar in Starbucks matcha powder.
What is the difference between Matcha latte and Matcha macchiato? ›Matcha Macchiato vs Matcha Latte
A macchiato has steamed and frothed milk, and that foam goes on top of the shot of espresso or matcha. It's a lot more concentrated than a latte, since it only has the milk foam to dilute the tea or coffee.
Questions You May Have. How much caffeine is there in matcha? A grande 16 oz matcha latte has about 80 mg of caffeine. In comparison, a 16 ounce latte has about 150 mg of caffeine.
Which grade of matcha is best? ›Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality grade of matcha. It tends to be slightly more subtle and nuanced than culinary grade matcha, and should be consumed on its own rather than added to lattes and other confections.
What are the 3 grades of matcha? ›To quickly sum up, matcha comes from first or second harvest green tea leaves, with all three matcha grades (Culinary, Premium, Ceremonial) coming from one or a blend of these first two harvests.
Which matcha tea is best for weight loss? ›Studies have shown that drinking more matcha green tea increases metabolism and fat burning — both of which can help promote weight loss!
Why do I feel sleepy after drinking matcha? ›Matcha is a source of tryptophan, which helps the body to make serotonin and melatonin, two hormones necessary for sound sleep and healthy sleep-wake cycles.
Why can't i drink matcha on an empty stomach? ›Drinking matcha on an empty stomach is not advisable. Matcha has a caffeine content that can alter your body's threshold for digesting food and has a few side effects if consumed too quickly. Allow your meal to digest slightly before beginning to drink green tea.
Should I drink matcha on an empty stomach? ›
It's best not to drink it on an empty stomach. Some people who are extremely sensitive to caffeine can find matcha has a similar effect to coffee. Others who cannot drink coffee due to the jittery side effects have no problems drinking matcha.
How long does it take to see results from matcha? ›The combination of naturally occurring amino acids plus small amounts of caffeine tend to give an instant boost to personal energy levels. Most people feel the stimulative effects of a cup of matcha for at least two hours, but they last as long as six hours for some people.
Does matcha heal your gut? ›Matcha may help improve your gut microbiota: Matcha contains high levels of polyphenols and polyamines that can improve the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to a healthier gut microbiome.
How long after drinking matcha can I eat? ›The most frequent advice is to consume green tea about 2 hours before the next meal and 2 hours after the last meal (i.e. in the middle of the 4-hour break between meals). If this is not possible, the interval between green tea consumption and a meal should be equal to at least half an hour.
Is honey good in matcha? ›A touch of honey balances the bitterness of matcha in this healthy latte recipe.
Why add hot water to matcha? ›Matcha requires hot water, but not boiling. Hot water enhances the delicate, fragrant taste of Matcha unlike it's friend the green tea that needs to be brewed in near-boiling water. There are some who start their Matcha habit with subprime Matcha green tea, but mistakenly brew it like regular tea, with boiling water.
What is the best sweetener at Starbucks for matcha latte? ›Matcha Green Tea Latte
If you're trying matcha for the first time and want your drinks to taste extra sweet, consider getting it with Starbucks classic syrup. It's what they used to serve in the past when they allowed customers to customise their drinks.
Starbucks uses a matcha powder that's pre blended with sugar, so use sugar for the most accurate recreation. You could also use vanilla syrup if you enjoy that flavor with your matcha, or add 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract. You can use less sugar for a more mildly sweetened drink.
What milk goes well with matcha? ›We suggest to start with matcha lattes, choosing coconut or almond milk (or even oat, just less sweet). Both milks pair up very well with matcha without cover its flavour entirely.
Is Starbucks matcha latte already sweet? ›Smooth and creamy matcha sweetened just right and served with milk over ice.
What should I sweeten my matcha latte with? ›
Sweeten your matcha latte with simple syrup, honey or pure maple syrup. Simple syrup is made by heating together equal parts of water and granulated sugar.
What milk makes matcha sweeter? ›Almond Milk for Your Matcha Latte
This is one of our favorites to blend in your matcha latte. Almond milk has a similar texture compared to regular milk with a fraction of the calories. It also has a sweet and slightly nutty undertones which complements matcha well.
If you're looking for a sweeter version of your matcha latte, then adding milk is a great way to do so. You can also add a sweetener such as honey, agave syrup, or sugar to your matcha latte for an extra boost of sweetness.
What syrups go well in matcha? ›If you're looking for sweeteners, try honey, agave, or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners are healthier than sugar and their tastes line up well with matcha tea.
What do you add to matcha at Starbucks? ›A: Starbucks matcha drinks pair well with a variety of flavors. Some popular options include adding a shot of espresso, honey, almond milk, coconut milk, fresh fruit or yogurt for added sweetness and texture. You can also add syrups like classic vanilla or caramel for an extra layer of flavor.
Should I use water or milk with matcha? ›Tip: always whisk your matcha with a small amount of water first, even when you're making a latte, as matcha won't blend as well in milk.
Does adding almond milk to matcha reduce benefits? ›If you absolutely rely on the rounding, smoothing taste of milk for matcha, we recommend the growing number of milk substitutes. Coconut cream, almond milk, oat milk — alternatives like these will taste great with your matcha, and you won't be losing out on key benefits.
Is matcha good with water or milk? ›Matcha powder can be mixed with both milk and water and still taste good. Both of these matcha tea versions have relatively similar health benefits. The only difference is the taste. Matcha mixed with water has a mellow grassy taste accompanied by a naturally sweet nuttiness with a touch of bitterness.
What grade matcha does Starbucks use? ›What kind of Matcha does Starbucks use? Starbucks uses ceremonial grade matcha. This type of matcha is made with high-quality shade-grown tea leaves and stone-ground into a fine powder. It has a vibrant green color and offers robust umami flavor that's ideal for making smooth lattes or chilled teas.