What Matcha Does Starbucks Use? (Caffeine, Calories, Etc.)

Last Updated on: 14th February 2024, 01:57 pm

So, you’re dying to know the secret behind Starbucks’ matcha, huh? Well, buckle up because I’ve got some juicy details to share.

As a matcha lover, I’ve always been curious about the blend Starbucks uses in their drinks. After digging, I’ve uncovered some interesting facts that might surprise you. But I won’t spill all the tea just yet.

Starbucks’ Matcha Blend: A Closer Look

Starbucks’ matcha blend, the Teavana Matcha Blend, combines three vibrant green Japanese matcha powder types to create their signature matcha beverages. This Starbucks-branded high-quality matcha powder is sourced from Japan and is carefully blended to ensure consistency and authenticity in their drinks.

Starbucks uses sweetened matcha, which gives it a pleasant taste that appeals to many customers. The specific brand or origin of Starbucks’s matcha powder isn’t publicly disclosed, but it’s known for its premium quality.

Matcha drinks From Starbucks

Here is a comprehensive list of matcha drinks available at Starbucks:

1. Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink: Premium matcha green tea shaken with flavors of pineapple and ginger, combined with coconut milk and ice.
2. Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte: Matcha green tea with milk and ice, topped with sweetened whipped cream.
3. Matcha Lemonade: This refreshing beverage combines matcha green tea with lemonade and is served over ice.
4. Iced Matcha Latte: This is a classic iced matcha latte made with milk, matcha powder, and sweetener, served over ice.
5. Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino: A creamy blend of matcha green tea, milk, and ice, topped with sweetened whipped cream.
6. Hot Matcha Green Tea Latte: Steamed milk with a blend of matcha green tea and sweetener.

These are some of the popular matcha-based drinks offered at Starbucks. Their availability may vary by location.

How To Order Matcha At Starbucks

To order a matcha drink at Starbucks, you can follow these steps:

1. Choose Your Beverage Type: Decide if you want a creamy latte, an icy frappuccino, a sweet and fruity variant, or if you wish to opt for a pure, uncomplicated matcha tea.
2. Assess Your Sweetness Level: Starbucks allows customization, so you can decide on the sweetness level that suits your preference.
3. Consider Any Dietary Restrictions: Starbucks offers dairy-free alternatives like almond, soy, and coconut milk, so you can choose the milk that fits your dietary needs.
4. Customize Your Drink: You can customize your drink by specifying the type of milk, sweetness level, and any additional flavorings or toppings.
5. Try Something New: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite matcha drink.

Following these steps, you can easily customize your matcha drink at Starbucks to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

The Quality Issue: Starbucks’ Matcha Latte

After examining the details of Starbucks’ matcha blend, it is important to address the potential quality concerns regarding their Matcha Latte. While Starbucks uses a high-quality matcha powder sourced from Japan, certain aspects of their Matcha Latte may raise questions among matcha enthusiasts.

Firstly, Starbucks’ matcha powder is pre-sweetened and contains sugar, which may affect the overall taste and authenticity of the drink. The vibrant green color of the matcha used in their beverages may be attributed to the added sweeteners rather than the natural color of high-quality matcha.

It’s worth considering whether using pre-sweetened matcha powder aligns with the traditional preparation and taste of an authentic matcha experience.

Authentic Matcha Vs. Starbucks’ Matcha

The difference between authentic Matcha and Starbucks’ Matcha lies in their composition and quality. Authentic Matcha is pure green tea powder with no added sugar, unlike Starbucks’ Matcha, which contains a blend with sugar as the first ingredient.

Genuine Matcha offers unique flavors, more nutrients, and antioxidants compared to Starbucks’ Matcha, which may not be the highest quality. Counterfeit Matcha products exist in the market, often produced in countries like China, while authentic Matcha represents true flavors and health benefits.

Nutrition Information – Are They Healthy?

Starbucks’ matcha drinks, such as the Matcha Tea Latte, can be unhealthy, but if you drink them in moderation, you should be okay.

Caffeine Content

Yes, Starbucks matcha contains caffeine. The matcha tea latte from Starbucks has 80 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce (grande) serving, and the iced matcha latte also has 80 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce (grande) serving.

Calories

A grande (16 oz) Matcha Tea Latte from Starbucks contains 240 calories, while an iced Matcha Tea Latte (16 oz) contains 200 calories. These calorie counts may vary based on the specific ingredients and serving size.

Sugar Content

Starbucks’ matcha drinks are typically sweetened with sugar. For example, the Iced Matcha Tea Latte is described as “smooth and creamy matcha sweetened just right and served with milk over ice” and contains 28g of sugar in a grande size. If you prefer an unsweetened matcha option, you may want to inquire about the possibility of customizing the sweetness level when placing your order at Starbucks.

Making the Ultimate Copycat Matcha Latte at Home

Here are a couple of DIY recipes for Starbucks matcha:

1. Iced Matcha Latte Recipe (Starbucks Copycat):
   • Ingredients:
     • 1-2 teaspoons good quality matcha powder
     • 1-2 teaspoons sugar or sweetener of choice
     • 4 tablespoons water
     • 3/4 cup whole milk
     • 1/4 cup cream (or more milk)
     • Ice cubes
   • Instructions:
     • Place the matcha, sugar, and water in a small bowl. Whisk until completely smooth.
     • Place the ice cubes in a 16-ounce glass or pint mason jar. Pour the milk and cream on top. Pour the matcha mixture over the milk/cream/ice.
     • Gently stir and enjoy!
2. Copycat Starbucks Dairy-Free Iced Matcha Latte:
   • Ingredients:
     • 1 cup rice milk
     • 1 teaspoon matcha powder
     • 2 tablespoons warm water
     • 1-2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
     • Ice
   • Instructions:
     • Add ice to a glass. Using a frother, froth the teaspoon of matcha powder with the warm water. Pour 1 cup of rice milk into the glass over the ice, add the vanilla syrup, stir, and then pour the matcha over the top. Stir and enjoy!

These recipes provide options for traditional and dairy-free versions of Starbucks matcha that you can easily make at home.