If there’s one thing that’s certain when it comes to matcha, you’re bound to get a stunning drink full of yummy green tea powder and a gorgeous green color. Matcha has certainly gained popularity in recent years and Starbucks has no lack of options when it comes to the beverage.
Compared to most other coffee shops, Starbucks’ matcha is a bit on the sweeter side since it’s a pre-sweetened powder containing Japanese green tea and sugar. Even so, there is a vast majority of ways that their matcha can be customized.
A Look Into Starbucks Matcha
As we mentioned above, the green tea blend served at Starbucks is pre-sweetened and therefore cannot be made into any sugar-free drinks. There’s also caffeine included in matcha, which for Starbucks, the amount depends on the size of the drink.
Since there are different volume amounts, there are also different amounts of scoops that go into each. So, if we’re looking at regular matcha lattes, a tall (12 ounces) gets two scoops of the matcha powder blend, a grande (16 ounces) gets three scoops, and a venti (20 ounces) gets four scoops.
For reference, each scoop of Starbucks matcha green tea powder has 27.5 milligrams of caffeine. You can also always take away or add to the amount of scoops in your drink. While matcha has less caffeine than coffee, you aren’t without a little boost of energy!
Matcha Drinks at Starbucks
If you’re looking to explore what Starbucks has to offer when it comes to matcha, or you’re looking to get creative with your usual go-to drink, there are several ways you can order a matcha beverage at Starbucks. Here’s our list of some of our favorite options!
Matcha Tea Latte
Starting off with the classic matcha drink on the Starbucks menu, the Matcha Tea Latte is truly timeless. You can get this yummy pick-me-up either iced or hot, but it’s pretty good both ways.
If you order a hot matcha latte, you’ll get a warm cup of 2% milk that’s been steamed with scoops of sweetened matcha powder. If you order an iced matcha latte, you’ll get a refreshing cup of 2% milk that’s been shaken with scoops of sweet matcha powder and ice.
Cha Cha Latte
This popular drink is a customization to the matcha green tea latte that isn’t on the menu, but many argue that it should be! To order this peculiar sip, simply ask for a regular Matcha Tea Latte and add some chai syrup to the mix.
Once again, this can be ordered iced or hot and is a simple yet delicious way to alter your favorite sip. Double the tea lattes? We say yes!
Matcha Lemonade
At first thought, or even first glance, this might not sound or look like the most appealing choice of beverage. But you’re in for a pleasant surprise because the Matcha Lemonade is one of the most overlooked and refreshing drinks on the Starbucks menu.
The sweetness of the Starbucks matcha powder is complemented by the tartness of the lemonade to give you a drink that’s simple yet extremely tasty. We highly recommend trying it out if you haven’t already!
Green Drink
Another little refreshing option isn’t on the menu but it definitely could be considering there’s already a Pink Drink there. The Green Drink is a customization of an iced black tea sans water and made with coconut milk and matcha powder.
Shake it all up and you get a gorgeous little green drink that tastes better than you’d expect. Plus, considering the ingredients, it’s not so bad for you either!
Matcha Pink Drink
Speaking of the Pink Drink, our next customization takes us to the Matcha Pink Drink. From the menu, you can order the Pink Drink and add some vanilla sweet cream cold foam with matcha powder blended in.
This creation gives you an absolutely beautiful beverage of a pink liquid on the bottom and a sweet green cold foam on the top. Aside from being great for pictures, it also tastes pretty good!
Popeye Tea
The last option we have on the more refreshing side is the Popeye Tea, which is another delicious drink that may not be on the Starbucks menu but is pretty popular nonetheless.
To get this customized beverage, all you have to do is order an iced green tea and ask to get it blended up with some matcha powder. Might sound curious, but to that we say you can’t knock it before you try it!
Clover Cold Brew
Moving more toward the coffee side of things, the Clover Cold Brew is definitely an interesting drink customization. For this beverage, order a cold brew with white mocha and vanilla and ask for the vanilla sweet cream cold foam topping that’s been blended with a scoop of matcha powder.
Grinch Drink
Another coffee drink is the Grinch Drink, however, it’s important to note that you can only get this one during the holiday Christmas season when certain ingredients are available.
By ordering a cold brew with mocha and peppermint syrup and adding a vanilla cold foam on top that’s been blended with both green tea matcha powder and Irish cream syrup, you’ll get a super fun and festive beverage.
Matcha Crème Frappuccino
The Matcha Crème Frappuccino is the other matcha drink that’s already on the Starbucks menu. It’s made by blending together milk, matcha powder, and ice, with some delicious whipped cream set on top.
This frozen beverage is one that’s crazy tasty on its own, but it sure is fun to get creative with this drink option, and so many people have!
Baby Yoda Frappuccino
One of these customizations is the Baby Yoda Frappuccino, which is essentially a Matcha Crème Frappuccino made with caramel syrup and thrown into a cup that has caramel drizzle around it, plus more on top.
It’s always great to order character-inspired drinks, but it’s even better when those creations are actually super delicious!
Lucky Leprechaun Frappuccino
In the spirit of all things green, you can also give your Starbucks barista the recipe for the Lucky Leprechaun Frappuccino. Order a Matcha Crème Frappuccino and have it blended with some peppermint syrup and java chips.
We can’t guarantee this will give you some good luck, but we can assure you that it’s a fantastic treat to drink!
Narwhal Frappuccino
The last matcha drink from Starbucks on our list is probably the most out-of-the-box option. The Narwhal Frappuccino is super fun-looking and one you have to try.
Simply order a Blended Strawberry Lemonade and ask for it to be blended with vanilla bean powder. Add some toppings of whipped cream and a dash of matcha powder and you’ve got yourself a very unique creation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you’ve gone through the many different types of matcha drinks that you can order at Starbucks, we’re sure you have a couple of questions regarding the sweet green powder. We’ve got your answers here!
Is it Okay to Drink Matcha Every Day?
Considering all of the wonderful health benefits that can be found in matcha, it’s actually more than okay to drink it every day. It’s got some great nutrients that can give you not only an energy boost but also a mood boost.
Plus, it helps with immunity, metabolism, heart health, lowers blood pressure, and more. So, yes, it’s definitely okay to drink matcha every day!
What Are the Health Benefits of Drinking Matcha From Starbucks?
While we did mention above how healthy matcha can truly be, it’s important to know that Starbucks matcha probably isn’t the healthiest of matcha options out there.
Because Starbucks matcha is a pre-made blend of both green tea powder and sugar, it’s not best to drink a ton of it, especially since sugar is actually the number one ingredient in the matcha tea blend.
What Goes Well With Matcha at Starbucks?
Many of the drink recipe options on our list prove that there are many things that go well with matcha at Starbucks. Since you can customize the Matcha Tea Latte, the Matcha Crème Frappuccino, and even put some matcha in the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy Starbucks matcha.
Can I Have Matcha While Pregnant?
It’s safe to drink matcha while pregnant since it has many nutritional benefits and a low amount of caffeine. However, since it does still contain caffeine, you’ll want to watch how much of it you’re consuming.
Is Starbucks Matcha Stronger Than Coffee?
No, typically Starbucks matcha is not stronger than coffee. As we talked about earlier, there are 27.5 milligrams of caffeine in one scoop of matcha. Meanwhile, a regular cup of coffee at Starbucks has a caffeine content of about 150 milligrams.
So, unless you’re drinking a bunch of scoops of matcha powder, you’ll have a lower caffeine intake with matcha than in a cup of coffee.
Going Green
With such a wide array of options to choose from when it comes to Starbucks matcha drinks, you’re sure to find something you just might like. If not, the customization options are nearly endless and definitely worth the research.
Whether you’re wanting something creamy and soothing like the traditional Matcha Tea Latte, refreshing and crisp like the Matcha Lemonade, or sweet and exciting like the Matcha Crème Frappuccino, you really can’t go wrong with Starbucks matcha!
Happy Caffeinating!
