People go crazy for their matcha. In fact, I’ve noticed that most people divide into two camps: the coffee drinkers and the matcha drinkers. It’s not very often you find someone who appreciates both regularly.
For me, I do drink coffee more often than tea, but I can definitely appreciate a great matcha on occasion (or any caffeinated drink, really). If it’s got caffeine – I’m interested.
So, since I just picked up a mean, green latte from Starbucks – I thought it was the perfect time to snap some photos and share why Starbucks has one of the most popular matcha lattes in the world.
What’s in a Starbucks matcha latte?
Starbucks makes their iconic matcha latte with a custom sweetened matcha powder made just for them and hot or cold steamed milk or a milk alternative. It’s basically a sweetened latte, but you swap espresso for matcha.
The bonus to Starbucks using a sweetened matcha is that it mixes much faster and easier, avoiding the dreaded matcha clumps that can be difficult to get rid of when using matcha powder that is unsweetened. This allows Starbucks to make them faster, too, a critically important component to keeping that long line moving at all times.
Let’s answer some of the most common questions about Starbucks matcha lattes and matcha in general.
What’s in Starbucks matcha?
This is one of the best kept secrets of Starbucks. Unlike their chai latte, which we know is a Tazo brand concentrate made just for them (stronger than the one they sell in stores), the exact matcha they use is not readily disclosed. They do share that it is two ingredients: sugar and Japanese green tea powder.
Some guesses have been made about the origins of their matcha, with some guessing its’ made by the brand Aiya, a reputable Japanese company, and others saying their matcha originates in the Wazuka region of Japan. Both possibilities confirm that they use a high quality matcha.
Does matcha have caffeine?
It sure does! In fact, don’t let the “green tea powder” fool you – matcha has way more caffeine than regular green tea. Green tea has about 25mg of caffeine per cup, but matcha has double the amount, with at least 70mg of caffeine per cup! By comparison, one espresso shot has 75mg of caffeine, so considering how much matcha is in a grande or even venti, you’re definitely not skimping on caffeine by switching to this green drink. To learn more about caffeine in coffee and tea drinks, head to this post.
Is matcha healthy?
I know quite a few people who tout their matcha habit as being “healthier” than drinking coffee. Matcha may or may not be good for you, depending on how much you’re drenching it in sugar and sweeteners. However, matcha, just like green tea, does have some health benefits when not loaded with sugar, such as the amino acid L-theanine, which can improve brain function. Plus, it contains double the inflammation reducing antioxidants as coffee, which is good if you’re drinking it with sugar and milk, which are both inflammatory foods.
Some studies have also shown that green tea extract may actually shrink tumors and slow the growth of cancer cells in rats, but there isn’t enough research yet to show if this works for humans, too. Still, it gives you a few more good reasons to keep sipping your matcha lattes anyway.
How many calories are in Starbucks matcha latte?
A grande Starbucks matcha latte made without substitutions has 200 calories. This includes 3 scoops of matcha and 2% milk. A tall drops you down to just 140 calories and a venti is going to set you back 280 calories.
To learn more about Starbucks cups sizes and what they mean, head to this post.
What are the Starbucks matcha latte nutrition facts?
Let’s go with a grande for this one, which we already know is 200 calories.
In addition, you’ll be consuming 5 grams of fat, 29g of carbs, 28g of sugar, 9g of protein and 80mg of caffeine.
For more Starbucks drinks under 200 calories, check out this post.
Customization options for Starbucks matcha lattes:
Like most of Starbucks drinks, you have a lot of choices for how you can customize your matcha latte. Here are some of the ways you can make this drink your own custom creation:
- Add syrups, including sugar-free vanilla
- Add milk of choice, such as almond, oat, soy, etc.
- Add vanilla sweet cream cold foam to the top – it’s delicious!
- Add whip to the top
- Adjust the number of matcha scoops
- Choose your size (tall, grande, venti)
- Choose temperature (iced or hot)
Starbucks Matcha Latte Copycat:
Looking to make your favorite matcha at home? I have a Starbucks copycat recipe that make one heck-of-a Matcha Latte, if I do say so myself.
Head to this post here to check out the recipe and see what you’ll need.
More Starbucks Drinks To Try:
Looking for more Starbucks drinks? I love trying them, sharing them and recreating them at home. You may also like these blog posts:
- Easy Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso at home
- 14 Best Starbucks Iced Coffee Drinks
- Why you need a Starbucks Iced London Fog stat.
- Starbucks Iced London Fog Latte Copycat
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Are you a matcha fan? Don’t forget to check out the best matcha copycat recipe ever.
Get roasted,
A
