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I’ve been on a real matcha kick lately, so I kept noticing Starbucks had a whole range of matcha drinks and I wanted to try them.
My wallet can only handle so many drive-thru runs, though, so I started looking at how to make my favorite Starbucks matcha drinks at home instead.
That sent me looking into what matcha Starbucks actually uses. Below, I’m pulling apart the facts behind those bright green drinks and what they really taste like.
Starbucks Matcha - Quick guide
- Starbucks uses Aiya Matcha Powder
- It is sourced from Uji, Japan
- Starbucks matcha is NOT 100% authentic matcha powder.
- Matcha at Starbucks contains sugar and matcha powder
What exactly is matcha?
Matcha is a type of Japanese green tea powder made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the same plant used to make black tea and oolong tea.
Matcha has been produced and enjoyed in Japan for centuries, especially in the traditional tea ceremony.
It has also spread far beyond Japan because the flavor is distinctive and works well in drinks and desserts.
In its pure form, matcha is often talked about for antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other compounds, although some of the wellness claims around it go well beyond what the tea itself can prove.
What kind of matcha does Starbucks use?
Starbucks uses a high-grade matcha powder manufactured by Aiya Matcha and sourced from Uji, Japan.
Starbucks does not specify the exact brand it uses, but Aiya Matcha is one of the larger premium matcha producers in Japan.
Aiya America also distributes matcha to coffee shops, companies, and other businesses.
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Is Starbucks matcha powder authentic or fake?
It may disappoint matcha fans to learn that Starbucks matcha green tea is not 100% authentic.
The Starbucks matcha powder is a blend of matcha and sugar, which means it is not the purest form of matcha available.
What stood out to me most was the sweetness. Once I tasted these drinks side by side, it became obvious that the sugar pushes the flavor away from plain tea pretty quickly.
I have a generous sweet tooth, so I do not mind sugar in Starbucks' matcha blend. Even so, I pay closer attention to what I add when I order it now.
Starbucks matcha vs pure matcha
The Starbucks matcha blend includes matcha and other additions, including sugar for a sweeter taste.
According to their website, the Starbucks matcha blend contains matcha powder, as well as a lot of sugar. A grande Iced Matcha Tea Latte has 28 grams of sugar.
A pure matcha powder would not contain added sugar or fruit pectin, and Starbucks' blend does.
Price difference
Making authentic matcha takes time, resources, and skill, which is part of why the pure, good-quality stuff costs more.
That difference is easier to see side by side than from a single ingredient list alone.
- Everyday matcha powder costs around $0.25-$0.50 per gram
- Ceremonial-grade matcha costs around $0.75-$1 per gram.
Taste
Matcha has a reputation for tasting like bitter grass, but that is usually what happens with lower-grade blends.
High-quality matcha has a smooth and non-bitter taste that can sometimes even be a little sweet in aroma. An earthy, nutty, almost vegetal flavor often comes through regardless of blend.
A cup of Starbucks matcha latte is known for being sweeter than traditional, authentic matcha. The addition of sugar and fruit pectin help to sweeten the drink, cut costs, and can increase the shelf-life of the product – all attributes that are perfect for a large chain like Starbucks.
Quality
Better blends still taste grassy, but the flavor is smoother and less harsh, and that comes down to how the tea is grown and processed.
When I shop for ceremonial-grade matcha, I look for Japanese brands with a clear origin and a short ingredient list.
- Uji
- Nishio
- Shizuoka Prefecture
- Kagoshima Prefecture
Why drinking actual matcha is better
When I want the plain tea flavor, I skip blends with extra fillers and go straight to powdered green tea.
Authentic matcha is made from 100% pure matcha powder and contains no added ingredients.
This means it will provide the maximum amount of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds.
It also tends to taste more intense than blended varieties, so the aroma and tea character come through more clearly.
When did Starbucks start serving matcha drinks?
Starbucks first started serving matcha drinks on April 4th, 2006, with the introduction of their Matcha Green Tea Latte.
Starbucks has also offered drinks like Matcha Lemonade and the Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte, which change how much the matcha stands out in the cup.
These can be served with a range of milks, including alternatives such as Starbucks oat milk .
Is Starbucks matcha healthy?
Starbucks' matcha is not the same as plain matcha, but it still gives you a tea flavor and some of the compounds people usually associate with green tea.
It is the added sugar content, and what customisations a customer makes, that ultimately affect how healthy the final drink is.
If I want the most straightforward matcha experience, I skip the sweeter blends and go for a purer form of powder instead.
Benefits of good quality matcha green tea
Matcha green tea contains caffeine and compounds such as L-theanine, along with antioxidants, which is why it is often discussed in wellness contexts.
I took a closer look at the benefits people usually mention.
High in antioxidants
The antioxidant angle is the one that comes up most often, especially catechins and polyphenols.
People often link those compounds with inflammation support, immunity, and slower aging, although the claims are broader than what a café drink can prove on its own.
Contributes to the liver's protection
Liver support is another common claim that gets attached to matcha.
That benefit is usually tied to catechins and oxidative stress, but I would treat it as a general wellness claim rather than a guarantee.
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Helps in weight loss
Weight loss is another area where matcha gets overpromoted.
Its high levels of caffeine and catechins found in matcha can help to boost metabolism and burn fat more efficiently.
Increases your productivity dramatically
Focus is the claim that feels most believable in everyday use, especially compared with the louder wellness promises.
That is usually linked to matcha's caffeine and L-theanine.
FAQs
Does Starbucks sell unsweetened matcha?
Starbucks does sell an unsweetened matcha option, but you have to ask for it because the default is a sweetened drink.
Does Starbucks sell their Matcha powder in stores?
The matcha powder Starbucks uses is for barista use only, so anyone making it at home will need a separate brand.
What matcha drinks can you order at Starbucks?
You can currently order various matcha drinks at Starbucks, including a hot Matcha Tea Latte, an Iced Matcha Latte, a Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino, and more.
Does Starbucks use Tazo matcha?
Starbucks matcha drinks use Aiya matcha powder rather than Tazo matcha.
Final Words
That Aiya-manufactured powder is the base across Starbucks' matcha tea drinks.
For me, this is where the drink stops tasting like straight matcha. Once the sugar and fruit pectin come through, the green tea character feels softer and less distinct.
If I want the full matcha flavor, I stick with a pure powder that has no extras mixed in at all.
