Updated on May 15th, 2023
A Starbucks matcha creme Frappucino looks compelling, right? Bright green with a mountain of whipped cream on top…if you’ve never had one, you can’t help but wonder, what does matcha taste like at Starbucks? Read on to find out the answer, plus key nutritional facts about Starbucks matcha drinks.
So, what does matcha taste like at Starbucks?
Starbucks matcha green tea drinks use a matcha powder blend that includes sugar. As a result, Starbucks matcha is sweeter than traditional matcha. Probably, Starbucks uses sweetened matcha because many people prefer it over the standard matcha flavor, which can be bitter. Indeed, the top answer to the question of how to make matcha taste good is: add sweetener.
Starbucks’ matcha drinks have a smooth and creamy consistency, especially when mixed with milk for lattes. The flavor is mildly sweet and vegetal, with a hint of creaminess from the milk. You might taste a slight bitterness from the matcha itself, but it’s generally mild because of the added sugar.
Note that the taste can vary depending on the specific drink and how it’s customized. For example, adding flavors like vanilla or peppermint, or changing the type of milk, can significantly alter the flavor profile.
This post describes the matcha used at Starbucks in detail.
To learn more about the taste of traditional matcha, see our posts what does matcha taste like? and what does matcha latte taste like?
Starbucks matcha drinks and their nutritional content
The 2023 Starbucks menu includes a matcha crème Frappucino blended beverage, iced matcha tea latte, iced matcha lemonade, and a matcha tea latte. The nutritional content of each, including caffeine, by size is noted below.
Note that in addition to these four standard beverages, you can make your own matcha drink by customizing other Starbucks concoctions with a scoop or two of matcha powder.
Matcha crème Frappucino blended beverage
The table below shows the nutritional characteristics of Starbucks matcha crème Frappucino — assuming no customizations. The standard recipe includes both whole milk and whipped cream.
| Nutritional Factor | Tall | Grande | Venti |
| Calories | 300 | 420 | 520 |
| Caffeine | 50 mg | 70 mg | 95 mg |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg | 50 mg | 55 mg |
| Total Fat | 12 g | 16 g | 18 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 44 g | 62 g | 81 g |
| Protein | 5 g | 6 g | 8 g |
| Scoops of Matcha Powder | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Iced matcha tea latte
The table below shows the nutritional characteristics of Starbucks iced matcha tea latte — assuming 2% milk and no added flavors, toppings, or sweeteners.
| Nutritional Factor | Tall | Grande | Venti |
| Calories | 140 | 200 | 220 |
| Caffeine | 55 mg | 80 mg | 110 mg |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 20 mg | 30 mg |
| Total Fat | 4 g | 5 g | 8 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21 g | 29 g | 41 g |
| Protein | 7 g | 9 g | 13 g |
| Scoops of Matcha Powder | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Iced matcha lemonade
The table below shows the nutritional characteristics of Starbucks iced matcha lemonade — assuming no customizations, sweeteners, or toppings.
| Nutritional Factor | Tall | Grande | Venti |
| Calories | 90 | 120 | 170 |
| Caffeine | 55 mg | 80 mg | 110 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Total Fat | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21 g | 29 g | 41 g |
| Protein | 1 g | 1 g | 1 g |
| Scoops of Matcha Powder | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Matcha tea latte
The table below shows the nutritional characteristics of Starbucks matcha tea latte — assuming 2% milk with no added flavors, sweeteners, or toppings.
| Nutritional Factor | Tall | Grande | Venti |
| Calories | 190 | 240 | 320 |
| Caffeine | 55 mg | 80 mg | 110 mg |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 25 mg | 35 mg |
| Total Fat | 5 g | 7 g | 9 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g | 34 g | 45 g |
| Protein | 10 g | 12 g | 16 g |
| Scoops of Matcha Powder | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Starbucks matcha FAQs
What is in Starbucks matcha green tea powder?
Starbucks matcha green tea powder is a blend of sugar, ground Japanese green tea, and flavoring.
Is Starbucks Matcha Powder sweetened?
Yes, the matcha powder used by Starbucks is sweetened. This gives Starbucks matcha beverages a sweeter taste compared to traditional, unsweetened matcha.
Is the Matcha at Starbucks caffeinated?
Yes, matcha contains caffeine. A standard matcha drink at Starbucks has approximately 55-80 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the size of the drink.
Can I get Starbucks Matcha Drinks dairy-free?
Yes, Starbucks offers several non-dairy milks, depending on location. These include almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, and oat milk. You can request these as a substitute in any matcha drink.
Does Starbucks offer unsweetened matcha?
Starbucks does not currently (2023) offer an unsweetened matcha. However, you can ask for no additional sweetener in your matcha latte or other matcha drinks.
Can I customize my Matcha drink at Starbucks?
Yes, you can customize a Starbucks matcha drink by changing the type of milk, adding flavors, sweeteners, or toppings. You can also increase or decrease the number of matcha scoops in your beverage.
Are the Matcha drinks at Starbucks vegan?
Starbucks matcha powder is vegan, but the hot and cold tea lattes are made with dairy milk by default. You can ask for a plant-based milk to make your drink vegan. However, some flavorings and additives may not be vegan, so it’s always best to check with your barista.