What Matcha Green Tea Does Starbucks Use?

If you’ve ever ordered a matcha drink at Starbucks, you’ve probably noticed that vibrant green hue and distinct, slightly earthy flavor. But have you ever wondered exactly what kind of matcha green tea Starbucks uses in its drinks? Whether you're a matcha aficionado or new to this vibrant green powder, understanding what goes into your cup can help you make more informed choices. Let’s take a deep dive into what matcha Starbucks uses, its origins, and how it affects your drink experience.

Starbucks Matcha: The Basics

At Starbucks, the matcha powder used in drinks like the Matcha Latte, Iced Matcha Latte, and Matcha Lemonade is not made from whole leaf green tea leaves. Instead, it’s a finely ground powder made from young, shade-grown green tea leaves, specifically designed for culinary and beverage use. This type of matcha is known as culinary-grade matcha. It’s important to note that the matcha Starbucks uses is sweetened, which contributes to the drink's flavor profile.

The Matcha Blend

Starbucks sources its matcha from AJINOMOTO® (also known as Takasago, a global food company), specifically a blend of matcha powder from Japan. However, this matcha isn't just pure matcha—it’s sweetened with a combination of sugar and vanilla flavor to make it more palatable to a wider audience. This sweetened blend creates a smooth, balanced taste that’s not too bitter or grassy, making it ideal for their wide range of beverages.

What Makes Starbucks' Matcha Different?

There are a few things that set Starbucks’ matcha apart from other varieties:

1. Sweetened vs. Unsweetened Matcha: Many traditional matcha drinks, especially in Japan, use pure ceremonial matcha powder, which can have a strong, slightly bitter flavor. Starbucks opts for a sweetened matcha powder to provide a more approachable taste, particularly for customers who may not be familiar with matcha's naturally earthy profile.

2. Matcha and Sugar Mix: The sweetened matcha powder Starbucks uses is a blend of matcha and sugar, which eliminates the need for customers to add additional sweeteners. This simplifies the process for baristas and streamlines the drink-making experience.

3. Consistency: Starbucks matcha powder is finely milled to ensure it dissolves easily in milk or water, giving customers a smooth, even consistency in their drinks.

How Does Starbucks Prepare Matcha Drinks?

Starbucks makes its matcha-based drinks by mixing the sweetened matcha powder with either hot or cold milk (depending on your preference). Here’s a general breakdown of how the popular matcha drinks are made:

• Matcha Latte: Baristas whisk the matcha powder with a small amount of hot water to create a smooth matcha base. Then, steamed milk is added to this base, resulting in a creamy, slightly sweet, and energizing latte.

• Iced Matcha Latte: For an iced version, the matcha powder is mixed with a little water to form a paste, then combined with cold milk and ice. This creates a refreshing, creamy beverage that’s perfect for warmer weather.

• Matcha Lemonade: In this drink, the matcha is combined with a lemonade base, creating a unique fusion of earthy matcha and tangy citrus.

• Matcha Frappuccino: For a cold and indulgent treat, Starbucks blends matcha powder with ice, milk, and other ingredients to create a thick, smoothie-like consistency.

Is Starbucks' Matcha the Best Option?

When it comes to matcha, Starbucks’ version is definitely on the sweeter side compared to what you might find in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies or high-end matcha cafes. If you're someone who prefers the strong, pure taste of matcha, you might find Starbucks' sweetened matcha a little too sugary for your taste. A 16-ounce Grande Matcha Green Tea Latte from Starbucks packs in 240 calories and a whopping 32 grams of added sugar. Avoid the sugar rush with your own DIY Matcha Latte or from a high-end cafe.

Conclusion

Starbucks uses a sweetened, culinary-grade matcha sourced from Japan, which is combined with sugar to create a smoother, more approachable flavor profile. While it’s not the pure, unsweetened ceremonial grade some matcha purists may prefer, Starbucks' matcha is designed to provide a quick drink that appeals to a wide audience.