Is Starbucks Matcha Sweetened? What You Need To Know
Matcha is popular globally due to its unique flavor, antioxidant properties and bright green color.
This finely ground Japanese green tea offers a slightly bitter and vegetal taste that turns delightful when combined with a sweetener.
If you’re considering trying a matcha-infused beverage at Starbucks, you might wonder: does Starbucks sweeten their matcha?
The answer is yes; the matcha served at Starbucks is sweetened. Starbucks uses a pre-sweetened matcha powder that is essentially an instant matcha mix. Their matcha blend powder contains ground green tea and sugar, making it ideal for those who prefer a slightly sweet taste.
But what exactly does Starbucks put in their matcha? Why is it sweetened? And is it good for you? All of these questions and more will be answered in this blog. Let’s read on!
What is Starbucks Matcha Made Of?
Have you ever wondered what Starbucks matcha is made of? Which brand do they use? And can you purchase it?
Aside from its flavor profile, only a little information is known about Starbucks matcha. This is because Starbucks produces a proprietary blend unavailable to purchase in powder form.
Here’s what we do know about Starbucks matcha.
Starbucks uses sweetened matcha; according to the ingredients label, it contains mostly sugar, followed by matcha powder. Currently, Starbucks in the USA only provides a sweetened option. While Canada and the United Kingdom are the only countries offering unsweetened matcha powder.
Starbucks matcha tastes sweet, and earthy with umami notes and a bitter aftertaste. Starbucks adds sugar to mellow out the natural bitterness and enhances the drink’s sweetness.
One of the most Starbucks matcha drinks is the Matcha Tea Latte. It combines sweet matcha powder with steamed low-fat milk and is topped with a scoop of frothy milk foam. Many people enjoy the taste because it’s creamy, sweet and earthy.
Is Starbucks Matcha Sweetened?
In the United States, Starbucks matcha powder is pre-mixed with sugar. Every Starbucks matcha drink, such as plan matcha, latte, or frappuccino, are all sweetened.
In Canada and the United Kingdom, Starbucks matcha powder is unsweetened. If you’re looking for a sweeter taste, you can ask the barista for several pumps of sugar syrup.
When you order a matcha drink at Starbucks, such as the popular Matcha Tea Latte, you’re consuming a beverage with a significant amount of sugar. For instance, a grande Matcha Tea Latte has 32 grams of sugar and 240 calories. They combine the sweetened matcha powder with steamed milk, which is 2% dairy milk by default unless you specify a different preference.
Even cold matcha drinks at Starbucks, like the Iced Matcha Tea Latte and Iced Matcha Lemonade, include sugar from the sweetened matcha blend. A grande Iced Matcha Tea Latte contains 28 grams of sugar, while a grande Iced Matcha Lemonade has 80 mg of caffeine.
Why Is Starbucks Matcha Sweetened?
It boils down to preference and practicality.
Starbucks sweetens its matcha because many customers are accustomed to a sugar-rich American diet. For the majority of people, they prefer a sweet, refreshing, and rich drink. This contrasts with the natural flavor of matcha, which leans towards being earthy, vegetal, and bitter.
Since most Starbucks customers prefer sweet and rich drinks, it’s high in demand.
Pre-mixed matcha also makes it much easier for the baristas to prepare the matcha. Instead of having an additional step of adding sugar or pumping sugar syrup, it’s already done for them.
It’s also much cheaper for Starbucks to mix matcha with sugar. Ceremonial matcha from Japan is very expensive due to its cultivation and harvesting process. Adding sugar means using less matcha powder.
What Does Matcha Taste Like at Starbucks?
At Starbucks, the matcha flavor you’ll experience is both slightly sweet and grassy, with a creamy texture. If you’ve never tried matcha, it’s a finely ground Japanese green tea recognized for its bright green color.
Starbucks matcha is a blend of sugar and matcha powder which produces a sweet taste followed by earthy and vegetal notes. In addition to the natural sweetness of the matcha blend, the type of milk used in your latte can also influence the taste.
A latte made with whole milk will taste creamier, while one made with almond milk will give off a nuttier flavor.
Due to its distinct taste, Starbucks matcha might be an acquired flavor for some. Nonetheless, Starbucks offers a variety of matcha-based drinks to suit different palates. If you prefer a sweeter experience, you can enhance your matcha latte with Classic syrup, which is how Starbucks used to make their matcha lattes.
So, when you’re at Starbucks, feel free to explore their matcha offerings and discover the unique combination of sweetness, earthiness, and creaminess that comes with matcha.
Is Starbucks Matcha Good For You?
Matcha is well-known for its numerous potential health benefits. It can positively improve brain function, potentially prevent cancer and help with weight loss.
Matcha has high antioxidant content and can reduce free radicals known to cause cell damage and chronic diseases. Another health benefit is matcha’s impact on brain function. Combining caffeine and L-theanine can improve mental clarity, focus, and memory.
This begs the question, is Starbucks matcha good for you?
Drinking matcha daily has a positive effect on health. However, Starbucks includes more sugar than matcha. While sugar sweetens the taste of Starbucks matcha drinks, it also affects their nutritional value. Sugar will spike blood sugar which is bad for anyone dealing with diabetes.
Starbucks matcha should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and sugar count.
Knowing the calorie content of your matcha drink can help you make informed decisions about your diet and nutrition.
Starbucks Matcha Calories
When you evaluate the nutritional aspects of Starbucks Matcha, know that they sweeten their matcha powder. A grande matcha tea latte from Starbucks packs 240 calories and a surprising 32 grams of sugar.
For a Starbucks iced matcha green tea latte:
- Tall: 140 calories, 4 g fat, 21 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein
- Grande: 200 calories, 5 g fat, 29 g carbohydrates, 9 g protein
- Venti: 280 calories; 8 g fat, 41 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein
The bigger the size, the more calories there are. If you’re trying to find a healthier option, try a tall size to save on all the additional fats and carbohydrates.
Be mindful that adding pumps of sugar syrup, whipped cream, or foam will significantly increase the total calories. If you’re concerned about the calorie and sugar content, you might request a custom order or make your own unsweetened matcha drink.
The caffeine content of a Starbucks matcha latte
The caffeine content in a Starbucks Matcha Tea Latte depends on the size of the drink. Generally, a grande (16 oz) Matcha Tea Latte has approximately 80mg of caffeine. However, this might vary depending on the specific preparation of the drink.
Popular Sweetened Matcha Options at Starbucks
Matcha Green Tea Latte
At Starbucks, you can enjoy their popular Matcha Green Tea Latte, a smooth and creamy drink made from matcha powder, sweetened just right, and served with steamed milk. This drink contains about 240 calories, 32 grams of sugar, and 7 grams of fat in a grande size.
Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
Try the Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte if you want a refreshing, cold option. They make it simply with 2% milk and ice. Even though this drink doesn’t contain syrup, the sweetened matcha tea blend Starbucks uses already gives it a sweet taste.
Matcha Lemonade
Another sweet matcha beverage to try at Starbucks is the Matcha Lemonade. It consists of ice, matcha tea blend, and lemonade. In a grande size, it contains 80 mg of caffeine.
Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino
The Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino is a tasty blend of matcha and milk, topped with sweetened whipped cream. An average grande serving has roughly 420 calories with quite a bit of sugar.
How to Order A Healthy Matcha Option at Starbucks
Starbucks matcha contains sugar as a way to sweeten their tea. Consuming too much sugar can be bad for your health because it can raise blood sugar levels, especially if you are dealing with diabetes.
Moderation is key when finding the best combination to reduce extra calories, sugar, and fat.
Here are several ways to order a “healthier” matcha option at Starbucks.
First, choose a dairy alternative that has fewer calories. Starbucks offers various options, such as coconut, oat, soy, or almond milk, which can make your drink a more nutritious option.
Almond milk contains only 60 calories, while non-fat milk contains 83 calories. Both are significantly less than whole milk, heavy cream, and half and half.
One suggestion is to cut down on the sweetness. Starbucks’ matcha blend comes pre-sweetened, but avoiding sugar syrups can reduce additional calories and sugar. Let your barista know that you’d like to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Watch any additional syrups, toppings, or extras that may add unwanted calories or sugars. Stick to the basics and customize your matcha to align with your health goals.
The last option is to enjoy your Starbucks matcha without any flavor enhancers. Avoid adding sugar or milk if you want to enjoy your matcha black.
Remember that portion control is essential, regardless of your drink choice. Opt for smaller sizes, such as tall or short, when ordering your matcha drink to manage the overall calorie and sugar intake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starbucks Matcha
Yes, Starbucks matcha powder is pre-mixed with sugar. Their matcha drinks, such as the Matcha Tea Latte, are all sweetened. The sweetness may vary depending on location because only Canada and the United Kingdom offer unsweetened matcha.
Starbucks uses a proprietary blend of sugar and matcha powder as its primary ingredient. While Starbucks hasn’t disclosed details about the matcha they utilize, some speculate that they source the powder from a brand named Aiya Matcha in Uji, Japan.
Starbucks matcha tastes sweet because the powder comes pre-mixed with sugar. Essentially, it’s a proprietary blend of matcha powder and sugar. This blend is the base of their various matcha-based drinks, giving them a sweeter taste than traditional ones that might use unsweetened matcha powder.
Yes, matcha lattes are typically sweetened, especially in coffee shops like Starbucks. The natural flavor of matcha can be slightly bitter and vegetal, so many shops add sweeteners to make the drink more palatable for their customers.
Starbucks offers matcha and green tea, which differ in several key ways, including their cultivation method, form, flavor, and preparation. Producers make matcha by grinding shade-grown tea leaves into a fine powder. In contrast, they cultivate green tea under the sun and prepare it by steeping whole tea leaves in hot water. Matcha boasts a vibrant green color and comes as a powder. Green tea is available in tea bags or as loose leaf and, when brewed, produces a greenish-brown colored tea.
The cost of a Matcha Tea Latte at Starbucks can vary depending on the size and location. Prices may also change based on additional customizations or substitutions. Generally, you can expect to pay between $3.95 and $5.45 for a matcha latte.
Final Thoughts
Depending on your country, Starbucks may be sweetened. In the U.S., expect your matcha drinks to come sweetened due to a pre-mixed matcha powder with sugar. Across the border in Canada and over the pond in the U.K., the matcha is unsweetened, giving you the choice to sweeten it as you desire.
As a customer-centric brand, Starbucks tailors its offerings to suit the palate of the majority. In the U.S., where many are inclined towards a sweeter profile, this means matcha with a sugary kick. Moreover, sweetened matcha simplifies baristas’ preparation process and reduces matcha’s cost.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, always ask your barista about the sweetness level of your matcha drink.
