When you think of Starbucks, your mind probably conjures up images of delicious lattes, frappuccinos, or iced coffees.
However, there’s a unique ingredient that has been quietly rising in popularity in the Starbucks menu – matcha.
The question on everyone’s mind is, what are the best matcha drinks at Starbucks? The answer is more diverse and delicious than you might think. T
he Starbucks matcha menu offers a variety of drinks that cater to different tastes and preferences, from sweet and creamy lattes to refreshing iced teas.
This guide will take you on a tour of the best matcha drinks at Starbucks, their taste profiles, health benefits, and how they compare to other matcha beverages on the market.
What is good to add to matcha at Starbucks?
Adding a personal touch to your Starbucks matcha drink can transform it from good to great. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sweeteners: If you find the natural taste of matcha a bit too bitter, consider adding honey, agave syrup, or simple 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’re a matcha lover, you can request an extra scoop of matcha powder in your drink.
What flavors go well with matcha?
Matcha has a unique, somewhat earthy taste that pairs well with a wide range of flavors. Some of the best flavors to pair with matcha include:
- Vanilla: The sweet, creamy flavor of vanilla softens matcha’s bitterness and enhances its natural sweetness.
- Coconut: Coconut milk or creamer adds a tropical twist to your matcha drink.
- Cinnamon: This warming spice adds a hint of complexity to the matcha flavor.
- Citrus: The acidity of lemon or lime can help balance out the bitterness of matcha.
What should I put in my matcha?
What you add to your matcha depends on your personal preference. Here are some popular add-ins:
- Milk: This could be dairy milk or a dairy-free alternative. Milk creates a smoother, creamier matcha drink.
- Sweetener: A little bit of sugar, honey, or agave syrup can balance out the bitterness of matcha.
- Flavorings: Vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a dash of cinnamon can enhance the flavor of matcha.
- Ice: If you prefer a cold beverage, add some ice cubes to your matcha.
How to Order a Starbucks Matcha Latte
Step 1: Decide on 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’s all about your 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 adjust the type of milk, add sweeteners, or even ask for extra matcha powder.
Step 5: Enjoy your delicious Matcha Green Tea Latte!
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 hot or iced.
It’s made with steamed milk, a sweetened matcha tea blend, and simple syrup.
It has a vibrant green color and a beautifully balanced flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating.
Iced Matcha Lemonade
This is a summery, refreshing drink that combines the earthy taste of matcha with the tartness of lemonade. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity with a beautiful green hue.
The Iced Matcha Lemonade is a great choice if you’re looking for something light and refreshing.
Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino
This is a creamy, frozen treat that’s perfect for those hot summer days.
The Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino is a blend of milk, cream, sweetened matcha powder, and ice; all topped off with a generous helping of whipped cream.
It’s sweet, it’s creamy, and it’s irresistibly delicious.
Matcha Green Tea
This is a straightforward, traditional matcha tea. It’s made with matcha tea powder and hot water, resulting in a strong, earthy flavor. If you’re a fan of traditional matcha tea, this is the drink for you.
The Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is more than just a tasty ingredient; it’s also packed with health benefits. Here are a few:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Matcha is high in a class of antioxidants known as catechins, which can help protect your cells from damage.
- Boosts Brain Function: Some studies have found that matcha can improve brain function, attention, and memory.
- May Help with Weight Loss: Matcha can boost metabolism and increase fat burning, which could help with weight loss.
- May Support Heart Health: Consuming matcha may help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing levels of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
The Taste Profile of Matcha and How It Contributes to Starbucks Drinks
Matcha has a unique taste that is often described as earthy, rich, and slightly bitter. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a sweet aftertaste.
When added to Starbucks drinks, matcha contributes a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated with other ingredients.
It complements the creaminess of milk, the sweetness of syrups, and the tartness of fruits like lemon.
How Starbucks Matcha Drinks Compare to Other Matcha Beverages on the Market
Starbucks’ matcha drinks stand out in the market due to the brand’s commitment to quality and consistency.
Their matcha powder is sourced from a high-quality supplier, resulting in a vibrant green color and a distinctive, rich flavor.
Also, Starbucks offers a variety of matcha beverages, each with its unique twist. 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 a high level of customization. Customers can adjust the sweetness, choose from different types of milk, and add various flavor shots and toppings.
Price Range for Matcha Drinks at Starbucks
The price of matcha drinks at Starbucks can vary depending on the size of the drink and any additional customizations. Here’s a general range:
- Tall (12 oz.): $3.45 – $4.45
- Grande (16 oz.): $4.15 – $5.15
- Venti (20 oz.): $4.65 – $5.65
Keep in mind that prices can vary slightly depending on the location.
How to Customize Your Matcha Drink at Starbucks
Step 1: Choose Your Matcha Drink Base
You can start with a Matcha Green Tea Latte, Iced Matcha Lemonade, Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino, or simple Matcha Green Tea.
Step 2: Select Your Size
Starbucks offers Tall, Grande, and Venti sizes for most of their drinks.
Step 3: Choose Your Milk
If your drink includes milk, you can opt for whole milk, nonfat, 2%, soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk.
Step 4: Adjust the Sweetness
You can request more or less classic syrup, or substitute it for another flavor like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.
Step 5: Add Extras
Consider adding whipped cream, a flavored drizzle, or a sprinkle of matcha powder on top for a little extra indulgence.
Step 6: Place Your Order
You can order at the counter, through the drive-thru, or use the Starbucks mobile app for convenience.
Nutritional Information for Matcha Drinks at Starbucks
The nutritional content of matcha drinks at Starbucks can vary depending on the size of the drink and any additions or customizations.
However, a standard Grande Matcha Green Tea Latte with 2% milk has about 240 calories, 5 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbs, and 12 grams of protein.
People Also Search
1. Is the matcha at Starbucks sweetened?
Yes, the matcha powder used at Starbucks is pre-sweetened. However, you can customize the sweetness level of your drink by asking for more or less classic syrup or substituting it with a different flavored syrup.
2. Is the matcha at Starbucks caffeine-free?
No, matcha naturally contains caffeine. A grande Matcha Green Tea Latte at Starbucks contains approximately 80 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to a tall cup of Starbucks’ brewed coffee.
3. Does Starbucks use real matcha in their drinks?
Yes, Starbucks uses a blend of sugar, ground Japanese green tea, and flavorings for their matcha drinks. This blend ensures consistency and sweetness across all their locations.
4. Can I buy matcha powder from Starbucks?
Starbucks does not typically sell their matcha powder separately, but they do offer a variety of matcha drinks you can enjoy in-store or take home.
5. How often can I drink matcha tea from Starbucks?
There are no strict guidelines on how often one should drink matcha tea as it depends on individual dietary needs and caffeine tolerance.
However, matcha does contain caffeine, so it’s best to monitor your overall 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 long-time matcha lover or a curious newbie, there’s a matcha drink waiting for you at Starbucks.
Remember, you can always customize your drink to fit 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 best matcha drinks at Starbucks bring to your taste buds!
For more information on Starbucks’ full menu and the nutritional facts of their drinks, visit the Starbucks website.
