As a Starbucks lover, I am always eager to try their newest menu items. My sister is a huge matcha latte fan and has been raving about Starbucks’ take on the drink.
I had heard mixed reviews about the drink, so I decided to venture out of my usual coffee order to see what all the fuss was about.
In this article, I will tell you exactly what this cool colored drink tastes like and give you my honest personal review
What Is Starbucks Matcha Latte?
For those who may not be familiar, a matcha latte is made with a type of green tea powder called matcha, which is whisked with hot water and then mixed with milk and sweetener.
Starbucks offers a variety of milk options and they also have the option to add simple syrup or maple syrup for added sweetness.
Origins Of Matcha
Matcha is a type of green tea that has been used in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries.
It is made from finely ground green tea leaves, which are shaded from the sun for several weeks before being harvested.
This process increases the chlorophyll content in the leaves, giving them a vibrant green color and a unique taste.
Starbucks’ Matcha Blend
Starbucks’ matcha blend is made from high-quality Japanese green tea powder.
The powder is mixed with hot water and whisked together using a bamboo whisk to create a smooth, creamy texture. The result is a bright green color that is sure to catch your eye.
Starbucks offers a variety of matcha drinks on their menu, including the classic hot or iced matcha latte, and matcha lemonade.
They also have some unique and delicious options like the iced pineapple matcha drink and the iced golden ginger drink.
If you’re trying a matcha latte for the first time, you may notice a slight bitterness to the drink.
This is due to the natural flavor of the green tea powder, which can be an acquired taste for some.
However, the addition of simple syrup or natural sweeteners like maple syrup can help balance out the bitterness and make the drink more palatable.
Starbucks offers a variety of milk options for their matcha drinks, including soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and whole milk.
Each milk option can affect the taste and texture of the drink, so it’s worth trying a few different options to see which one you prefer.
One thing to keep in mind when ordering a matcha latte at Starbucks is the added sugar content.
Some of their pre-sweetened matcha drinks can contain up to 30 grams of sugar, so it’s important to be mindful of your sugar intake.
If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, you can always ask for less or no added sugar in your drink.
Tasting The Starbucks Matcha Latte
I was excited to try the Starbucks Matcha Latte for the first time.
Here’s what I thought of the taste and texture of this popular beverage.
Flavor Profile: What Does Starbucks Matcha Latte Taste Like?
So, what does the Starbucks matcha latte taste like? In my opinion, the taste is unique and unlike any other drink on the Starbucks menu.
The matcha powder gives the latte a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter taste, which is balanced out by the milk and sweetener.
The texture is creamy and smooth, making it a comforting and energizing drink that is perfect for any time of day.
The Starbucks Matcha Latte has a distinct taste that’s hard to describe.
The matcha tea blend used by Starbucks is of good quality, and the taste is not too grassy or earthy.
Starbucks uses simple ingredients to make this drink, such as hot water, matcha tea powder, and an optional natural sweetener like maple syrup or simple syrup.
The level of sweetness can be adjusted to your liking, which is great news for those who prefer less sugar in their drinks.
If you’re a fan of green tea drinks, you’ll probably love the Starbucks Matcha Latte.
It has a vibrant green color and a nutty flavor that’s hard to resist.
The drink has a slight bitterness to it, which balances out the sweetness. All in all, the Starbucks Matcha Latte has a unique taste that’s worth trying.
Texture And Consistency
The texture and consistency of the Starbucks Matcha Latte are creamy and smooth.
The main ingredient in the drink is milk, which gives it a creamy texture. Starbucks offers a variety of milk options, including whole milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk.
My Personal Review Of The Starbucks Matcha Latte
I decided to order a regular Matcha Latte, to get the basic experience.
Right away I was struck by the vibrant green color as I took my first sip. To my surprise, I really enjoyed the bold yet not too bitter matcha flavor balanced nicely by the creamy milk.
Where black coffee sometimes leaves me feeling jittery, I found the Matcha Latte to be energizing without being overly stimulating. It was smoother and more well-rounded than expected.
I could see why my sister loves this drink so much. The unique taste and gorgeous color made it feel indulgent yet healthy at the same time.
While I’m not usually one for strong green tea flavors, the Matcha Latte won me over.
The blend of matcha, milk and sweetness was perfectly balanced.
It’s definitely becoming one of my new go-to drinks, especially on days when I want a change from my regular order.
I’ll have to thank my matcha-loving sister for introducing me to this Starbucks favorite!
Customizing Your Matcha Experience
When it comes to Starbucks matcha latte, there are a variety of ways to customize your drink to suit your taste buds.
Here are some options to consider:
Milk Variations
Starbucks offers a variety of milk options to choose from, including whole milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk.
Each type of milk can affect the taste and texture of your matcha latte.
For example, whole milk can provide a creamy texture, while almond milk can add a nutty flavor. Coconut milk can give your latte a tropical twist, and oat milk can provide a slightly sweet taste.
Sweetness Levels
Starbucks matcha latte typically comes with classic syrup, which adds a certain level of sweetness to the drink.
However, you can ask for less syrup or no syrup at all if you prefer a less sweet drink.
You can also add a natural sweetener like maple syrup or simple syrup to your matcha latte. Another option is to try the pre-sweetened matcha tea blend, which already contains a small amount of added sugar.
It’s important to keep in mind that the amount of sugar in your matcha latte can vary depending on the type of milk and level of sweetness you choose.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, you may want to opt for a milk with less sugar, or ask for your drink to be made with less syrup.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Content
I always like to pay attention to the nutritional information of the beverages I consume.
When it comes to Starbucks Matcha Latte, the caloric content varies depending on the type of milk and sweetener used.
A grande-sized Starbucks Matcha Latte made with whole milk and classic syrup contains 240 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 34 grams of sugar.
If you opt for almond milk instead of whole milk, the calorie count drops to 170, with 6 grams of fat and 26 grams of sugar.
Switching to coconut milk further reduces the calorie count to 130, with 6 grams of fat and 16 grams of sugar.
Exploring Other Matcha Offerings at Starbucks
As a matcha lover, I am always on the lookout for new and delicious ways to enjoy this vibrant green tea.
While Starbucks’ matcha latte is a classic favorite, the coffee chain offers a variety of other matcha drinks that are worth exploring.
Iced Matcha Drinks
During the warmer months, I love to cool down with an iced drink from Starbucks.
One of my current favorites is the Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink, which combines matcha green tea with pineapple and ginger flavors for a refreshing and energizing drink.
I also enjoy the Iced Matcha Lemonade, which balances the earthy flavor of matcha with the tartness of lemonade.
For those who prefer a simpler drink, the Iced Matcha Latte is a great option. Made with matcha tea blend, milk, and simple syrup, this drink has a creamy texture and bright green color that is sure to please your taste buds.
Matcha Blended Beverages
If you’re in the mood for a frozen treat, Starbucks offers a variety of matcha blended beverages.
The Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino is a classic choice, made with matcha green tea powder, milk, and ice for a creamy and sweet drink.
For a stronger matcha flavor, you can ask for a Matcha Frappuccino with added matcha powder.
For a healthier option, you can try the Iced Golden Ginger Drink, which combines turmeric, ginger, and matcha for an energizing drink.
You can also customize your matcha blended beverage by asking for alternative milk options such as coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk.
Other Questions You May Have
How sweet is the matcha latte from Starbucks?
Starbucks matcha latte has a natural slightly sweet taste, which comes from the fine powder of green tea leaves used as the main ingredient. The sweetness level can be adjusted by adding simple syrup or natural sweeteners such as maple syrup.
The amount of added sugar can also be reduced by opting for non-dairy milk options like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
What’s the difference between iced and hot matcha lattes at Starbucks?
The main difference between iced and hot matcha lattes at Starbucks is the temperature and texture. The hot matcha latte has a creamy texture and earthy flavor, while the iced matcha latte has a refreshing and energizing taste.
Additionally, the iced matcha latte can be customized with different flavors like pineapple or ginger, making it a perfect way to beat the summer heat.
Does the Starbucks matcha latte contain real matcha?
Starbucks matcha latte contains real matcha tea powder, which is made from high-quality Japanese green tea leaves. The matcha tea blend used by Starbucks is of culinary grade, which means it is not the highest quality but is still suitable for consumption.
The matcha mixture is whisked with hot water to create a bright green color and creamy texture.
What are the taste reviews of Starbucks matcha latte on social platforms like TikTok and Reddit?
Starbucks matcha latte has received mixed reviews on social platforms like TikTok and Reddit. Some people love the creamy texture and vibrant green color, while others find it too sweet or bitter.
The quality of the matcha used, the type of green tea, and the added sugar content can affect the taste.
However, the good news is that Starbucks matcha latte is made with simple ingredients that are easy to customize according to your taste buds.
So, go ahead and try the Starbucks matcha latte today and experience the benefits of matcha for yourself!