What does matcha taste like at Starbucks? (What is in matcha at Starbucks? + More information)

If you are a fan of green tea, you can try matcha from Starbucks. What does matcha taste like at Starbucks?

Starbucks matcha is sweet since it is loaded with sugar. The numerous drinks from Starbucks can be quite confusing to new customers. Since I have always been choosy with drinks and food items, I had a hard time when I started drinking Starbucks since the menu always presented lots of unfamiliar drinks.

These days, I have to do research before ordering such a drink from Starbucks. I created this post to help you learn what Starbucks matcha tastes like. You will also learn what is in it and whether it is healthy. Enjoy!

What is in matcha at Starbucks?

Starbucks uses two main ingredients to make matcha: green tea powder and sugar. Many customers are drawn to the green color of this drink. It is a Japanese green tea that is finely ground. Starbucks makes use of pre-sweetened matcha, which can dissolve in water.

This coffee chain offers different types of matcha drinks that you can pick from. The types are made with different ingredients. They include matcha green tea creme frappuccino, matcha green tea latte, and iced pineapple matcha drink. Apart from green tea and sugar, matcha also contains caffeine in different quantities depending on the size of matcha drink you pick.

Is Starbucks matcha healthy?

Though matcha contains antioxidants, Starbucks matcha is not very healthy. This is because almost 50% of Starbucks matcha is sugar. Though Starbucks markets this drink as a purifying immune booster, it is not the best for everyone.

The sugar in Starbucks dilutes the benefits of this drink. Consuming this drink frequently can lead to weight gain due to the fat and calories in variations such as Starbucks matcha latte. If you are watching your diet and mind the calories you take every day, you would be better off with a healthier drink.

Choosing homemade matcha can help you enjoy the health benefits of the drink since this option is unsweetened. Generally, matcha is a good drink that can boost heart health and even lower blood sugar due to the presence of antioxidants. Preparing your own matcha drink is also advisable since it allows you to control what is in your drink.

Is Starbucks matcha full of sugar?

Yes. While regular matcha tastes like green vegetables, Starbucks matcha is sweet. This is because it contains a lot of sugar. According to the nutritional label of this drink, a 16-ounce matcha drink has 32 grams of sugar.

The company purchases matcha from a Chinese company known as AIYA and then mixes it with excess sugar. Since Starbucks matcha comes sweetened, you cannot order it unsweetened. Due to the high sugar content in Starbucks matcha, some people view the latte option as more of a dessert rather than a drink. Some even look for ways to sweeten it further using syrups.

FAQ section

How many calories are in a matcha green tea latte from Starbucks?

A grande of this green tea latte at Starbucks has 240 calories, while a tall cup has 190 calories. If you are craving this drink but want to reduce the number of calories, you can order the short cup, which has 110 calories.

How many calories are in a Starbucks matcha latte with almond milk?

The tall cup of Starbucks matcha latte with almond milk has 70 calories.

Is Starbucks matcha latte sweet?

Yes. This drink is sweet due to the matcha tea blend. Starbucks allows you to sweeten it by ordering the drink with classic syrup.