The ULTIMATE Matcha Starbucks Drinks 2023 Edition
Matcha has become a popular drink among tea lovers and health gurus alike due to its earthy flavor, energy boost, and claimed positive effects on the body. While Matcha might not be for everyone, and definitely doesn’t replace the sweet aroma of a freshly brewed cup of Lifeboost coffee, it can be a nice change for anyone looking to switch it up a bit.
With its growing popularity, it comes as no surprise chains like Starbucks are taking advantage of this trend and adding an extensive range of Matcha starbucks drinks in 2023.
For those of you wanting to see what this trend is all about, the good news is there are health benefits to Matcha! And, with chains adding it to their menus more and more, Matcha drinks can also be a great alternative to the sugary afternoon pick-me-ups Starbucks usually has to offer.
So, if you're looking for a healthier alternative to most Starbucks drinks, or just to try something different when you are out-and-about, keep reading to get the scoop on your options!
A Summary of Starbucks Matcha Drinks
Starbucks has a range of matcha drinks on its menu, which are quite different from what you might find at other coffee shops.
All the beverages are made using a pre-made powder mix containing caffeine.
It is also important to note that there is usually sugar in Starbucks' matcha drinks, although they can be customized to include different types of milk (e.g., 2% low-fat).
Additionally, all of the Starbucks drinks featuring Matcha are available iced.
Best Matcha drinks at Starbucks 2023
Matcha Tea Latte
If you're looking for a delicious yet refreshing drink, a Matcha Tea Latte from Starbucks will hit the spot. This satisfying beverage is made with matcha powder and creamy milk, which combine to create an exquisite texture. You can also get your latte with steamed or foamed milk and cold ice options.
It comes with three scoops of matcha powder when ordering a Grande size Matcha Green Tea Latte at Starbucks. This adds a caffeine boost and increases the sugar content due to the sweetener in the blend. In total, this delectable drink contains 240 calories and 7 grams of fat, making it worth every sip.
Green Tea Matcha
If you want to enjoy the great taste of green tea matcha without all the added fat and calories, then the perfect solution is to opt for a plain matcha drink.
This beverage combines high-quality green tea powder with hot water to create a refreshing, energizing, and healthful indulgence.
Unlike a traditional green tea latte, this version does not contain any dairy products, so it can be enjoyed by those who are vegan or lactose intolerant.
The flavor of plain Matcha is slightly bitter but incredibly flavorful. It has an earthy undertone with a pleasingly smooth aftertaste that lingers on the tongue.
Iced Matcha Tea Latte
For anyone looking for a refreshing, energizing beverage that is packed with health benefits, an iced matcha tea latte is a perfect choice.
Unlike regular lattes made with coffee, which can have upwards of 200 calories per serving, an iced matcha latte has fewer calories since it uses less milk and includes ice.
This delicious drink contains three scoops of matcha powder and the milk of your choice.
Depending on your dietary preferences or needs, you can choose from skim milk, coconut, soy, oat, almond, heavy cream, or half and half.
Matcha Lemonade
Instead of settling for a traditional glass of lemonade, why not opt for something a little more unique and refreshing? At your local café, you can now get Matcha Lemonade, a delicious concoction that mixes Teavana matcha green tea with freshly squeezed lemon juice and then shakes it with ice. The result is a delightfully vibrant green beverage that tastes sweet and incredibly satisfying.
You can order your Matcha Lemonade with cold foam on top for an extra special treat. This adds an extra level of creaminess to your drink while maintaining its fat-free goodness. Plus, the combination of the creamy topping and the sharp tartness of the lemon makes for a truly unique experience.
Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink
For those looking for a way to enjoy a mini tropical vacation without having to leave their home, the Iced Pineapple Matcha drink is an ideal choice.
Combining Matcha with coconut milk and pineapple ginger syrup, this delicious beverage gives it a unique exotic flavor that can't be found anywhere else.
The ice added to the drink helps keep it nice and cool, making it great for hot summer days.
Matcha Crème Frappuccino
If you're looking for a special, unique twist to your typical frozen drink that still offers a boost in energy and refreshment, the Matcha Crème Frappuccino is a perfect choice.
Instead of brewing coffee, this drink combines sweetened matcha powder with whole milk, crème Frappuccino syrup, and ice.
To top it off, it is finished with a generous dollop of vanilla-flavored whipped cream. This delightful beverage is almost like having dessert while simultaneously giving you an energy pick-me-up.
However, it's important to remember that this sugary treat contains many calories - nearly 500 if you get a Grande size of the whole dairy option.
Despite its high-calorie content, this delicious drink renders an exquisite balance between sweet and creamy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds without guilt or shame. It's perfect as an afternoon snack or as an after-dinner treat at the end of the day.
Green Drink
The Starbucks green drink, though a secret menu item, can still be ordered by any customer.
It is a delicious combination of iced black tea, Starbucks matcha powder, and coconut milk. Adding an extra scoop or three makes the matcha latte more revitalizing due to its unique combination of two types of tea.
The contrast between the smoothness of the coconut milk and the earthy tones of the Matcha gives an interesting flavor profile that any fan of coffee drinks would love.
Cha Cha Latte
For those looking for an interesting twist on their favorite Starbucks latte, the Cha Cha Latte is the perfect drink.
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. The result will be a refreshingly sweet and earthy cup of joe that you won't find anywhere else.
Matcha Pink Drink
Curious about something a little more vibrant than the standard pink drink? Then look no further than the Matcha Pink Drink from your local Starbucks location.
This secret menu item combines the sweetness of their Strawberry Acai Refresher beverage with the refreshing and calming green of Matcha and coconut milk.
To order this amazing concoction, ask for a Pink drink like the Strawberry Acai Refresher. This will give you sweet berry and passion fruit flavors blended with velvety coconut milk.
To take things up a notch, ask your barista to add some iced matcha with coconut milk on the bottom, followed by the pink drink on top. The result is an eye-catching combination of hues in one delicious beverage.
Caffeine Content of Starbucks Matcha
Matcha starbucks drinks come with different levels of caffeine content, depending on the size of the drink. A standard Starbucks matcha powder scoop contains 27.5 mg of caffeine, which is relatively low compared to an espresso coffee's 65 mg of caffeine content. However, when ordering drinks that are modified to include other ingredients like chai or black tea, it increases the total amount of caffeine in the beverage. For instance, a Short (8 oz) Starbucks matcha drink with one scoop will have 30 mg of caffeine, while a Venti (20 or 24 oz) matcha drink with four scoops will have 110 mg of caffeine.
To determine how much caffeine you'll be consuming in your Starbucks matcha drink, it's important to consider additional ingredients which may increase its overall content. The Cha Cha Latte, for example, is a popular choice that adds chai to the mix and contributes to an increased caffeinated effect in comparison to a regular cup. Similarly, adding black tea - as is done in the Green Drink from the secret menu - has a similar outcome. Therefore remember that if you get any added ingredients besides plain matcha powder, your total amount of caffeine will be higher than expected.
Starbucks Matcha Drinks Customization
Matcha starbucks drinks customization is the perfect way to make your favorite beverage even more special. You can add a variety of syrups, milk types, and even extra scoops of matcha powder to create your unique concoction.
If you're looking for a sweetness boost, try classic syrup, vanilla syrup, toffee nut syrup, or honey. For something with a bit of a fruity kick, the raspberry syrup is the way to go. Various milk choices are available, such as almond milk, nonfat dairy, and coconut milk.
Of course, if you want a fuller flavor and increased calories, you can opt for full-fat dairy options. Adding extra scoops of matcha powder will increase the sweetness of any drink, with each scoop containing about 5 grams of sugar.
Finally, you can also add cold foam flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or cascara to your drink to make it even more flavorful, or ask your barista to blend matcha powder into the regular cold foam for a truly unique taste experience.
With all these customization options available at Starbucks, there's no limit when it comes to creating the perfect matcha drink.
In Conclusion
Similarly to our most beloved beverage, coffee, Matcha can boost your energy and offer a unique alternative to your typical afternoon pick-me-up. While Matcha does boast health benefits, be careful when ordering not to add in too many sugary syrups or customizations unless you are craving that cheat day treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Nutritious Are Starbucks Matcha Drinks?
Matcha tea is often seen as a healthy drink, but when it comes to the Starbucks version of it, it contains a spin that takes away some of its health benefits. Unlike traditional matcha drinks, which only contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, the Starbucks Matcha tea blend has quite a bit of sugar added to it. This can make it an unhealthy choice for those who are mindful of their calorie intake.
Fortunately, if you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy Starbucks' Matcha drinks, there are alternatives available. By avoiding high-fat dairy products like half and a half and opting for syrups or sweeteners with fewer calories, you can create your own healthier version of this tasty treat. However, keep in mind that even if you use fewer scoops of the Starbucks Matcha blend, it will still be rather sweet due to the high sugar content in the powder itself.
Does Starbucks' Matcha Contain Caffeine?
Starbucks matcha drinks contain caffeine derived from Japanese green tea leaves, which is the main ingredient of Matcha. Depending on the size of the drink, the amount of caffeine may range from just under 30 mg to more than 100 mg for a Venti-sized beverage. In addition, if other caffeinated ingredients like black tea are added to the recipe, it will cause an increase in the overall caffeine content.
What Health Benefits Can You Expect from Drinking Starbucks Matcha?
Matcha green tea has been highly praised for its abundance of vitamins and nutrients and is made from ground Japanese green tea leaves with matcha powder. This combination allows the leaf to retain its beneficial health-promoting catechins, a type of antioxidant that has been linked to improving overall health in numerous studies.
Unfortunately, Starbucks' version of matcha powder blend comes with added sugar, which can detract from the potential health benefits one may achieve by consuming it. To maximize the positive effects of Matcha, it is recommended to avoid adding additional ingredients, such as high levels of sugar or fat, that could diminish the natural health-boosting elements.
What Additions Can I Make To Enhance My Matcha Green Tea From Starbucks?
Nothing beats Starbucks' Japanese Green Tea when you're craving a flavorful and energizing drink. This unique beverage is made with matcha green tea, which is ground into a fine powder and then whisked with hot or cold water to create its distinctive flavor. For an added twist on the classic recipe, there are endless ways to customize your matcha green tea according to your individual tastes.
One of the easiest ways to add flavor is by adding syrups like raspberry, vanilla, honey, or toffee nut. Since these syrups are already sweetened, you won't need to add any additional sugar for a perfectly balanced treat.
You can also vary the dairy base by opting for half and half or avoiding it entirely with plant-based kinds of milk like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
To keep things extra cool and refreshing, try topping off your iced matcha latte with cold foam in delicious flavors such as raspberry, strawberry, cascara, or even regular cold foam topped with matcha green tea powder for a truly vibrant drink.
Whipped cream can be added too if you like; however, many people find that this sugary topping doesn't quite fit with the unique flavor of matcha green tea.
How should I order my Matcha at Starbucks?
When ordering your matcha green tea at Starbucks, you should specify the size of your drink, whether you'd like it hot or iced, and all other desired ingredients. For example, if you want a Venti Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte without dairy and flavored with raspberry syrup, you would say: "I'll have a Venti Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte with no dairy and raspberry syrup."
If you are trying to keep your beverage as healthy as possible, request that they use less sugar than usual or substitute it for an alternative sweetener such as honey or agave nectar. Also, remember that adding high-calorie ingredients such as full-fat milk or whipped cream will take away from the beneficial aspects of matcha green tea.
Is Starbucks matcha better than coffee?
Whether Starbucks matcha is better than coffee largely depends on your individual needs and preferences. Matcha green tea offers a different set of potential health benefits that are not found in coffee, such as its high levels of antioxidants. Additionally, the combination of caffeine and L-theanine found in the matcha powder can give you a balanced energy boost without any jitters or crashes commonly associated with coffee.
On the other hand, if you prefer stronger flavors and espresso-based drinks, then coffee may be better suited to your tastes. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference, so try both out before deciding which one works best for you.