If you’re a devoted fan of the vibrant flavors of green tea and matcha, then a trip to Starbucks offers a delightful array of choices designed just for you. Whether you crave the comforting warmth of a hot brew or the refreshing chill of an iced concoction, Starbucks delivers a diverse menu of green tea and matcha beverages to satisfy every preference. From traditional steeped teas to creamy lattes and zesty lemonades, your perfect cup is always within reach.
The World of Starbucks Green Tea and Matcha
For many, Starbucks is synonymous with coffee, but for a growing number of enthusiasts, it’s also a trusted destination for exceptional tea. Specifically, their selection of green tea and matcha beverages has garnered a loyal following, offering an alternative for those seeking a less intense caffeine boost or simply a different flavor experience. This comprehensive guide is crafted for all green tea and matcha lovers, detailing every delightful option available on the Starbucks menu.
Starbucks has truly embraced the versatility of green tea, providing a range of both hot and iced options. Whether you’re looking for a simple, soothing brew or a complex, layered latte, there’s a green tea or matcha drink crafted to perfection. Beyond the standard offerings, the ability to customize your order means you can tailor any drink to your precise taste, dietary needs, or desired sweetness level. From the subtle earthiness of traditional green tea to the vibrant, creamy notes of matcha, your next favorite beverage is waiting.
Why Choose Green Tea and Matcha at Starbucks?
Starbucks’ commitment to quality extends to its tea selection, making it a reliable choice for green tea and matcha. Their consistent preparation methods ensure that you receive a high-quality beverage every time, regardless of the location. For those new to green tea or matcha, Starbucks provides an accessible entry point to explore these popular drinks in a comfortable and familiar setting. For seasoned aficionados, the customization options allow for an elevated and personalized experience.
Beyond taste, both green tea and matcha are celebrated for their potential health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, these teas can support overall wellness, boost metabolism, and even contribute to improved focus and a calm alertness thanks to L-theanine. This amino acid promotes a state of relaxed concentration, offering a smoother energy lift compared to the often-jittery effect of coffee. So, when you choose a green tea or matcha drink at Starbucks, you’re not just enjoying a delicious beverage; you’re also potentially nourishing your body and mind.
Understanding Green Tea vs. Matcha
While often grouped together, it’s important to understand the distinction between traditional green tea and matcha. Both come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, but their cultivation and processing differ significantly, leading to distinct flavors and preparations.
- Green Tea: Traditional green tea involves steeping tea leaves in hot water. The leaves are typically pan-fired or steamed to prevent oxidation, preserving their natural green color and delicate flavor. When you drink green tea, you are consuming an infusion of the leaves.
- Matcha: Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially shade-grown green tea leaves. Because the leaves are shade-grown, they produce higher levels of chlorophyll and L-theanine. When you drink matcha, you are consuming the entire tea leaf, dissolved in water or milk. This results in a more concentrated flavor, a richer nutrient profile, and a unique, vibrant green color. Matcha often has a more intense, sometimes slightly bitter or umami taste, which is why it’s frequently blended with milk and sweeteners in lattes.
Starbucks offers both brewed green teas and matcha-based beverages, ensuring a wide spectrum of green tea experiences for every palate.
Starbucks Green Tea and Matcha Drink Menu
Here’s an extensive list of the green tea and matcha drinks available at Starbucks, carefully curated to help you navigate their menu. These selections are generally available at most Starbucks locations, offering a consistent experience wherever you are. Explore the detailed descriptions below, including caffeine content and suggested modifications for dairy-free or lower-sugar preferences.
Use the links below to jump directly to your preferred drink or scroll through for a comprehensive overview:
- Emperor’s Cloud & Mist
- Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Tea
- Honey Citrus Mint Tea
- Matcha Green Tea Latte
- Iced Green Tea
- Iced Green Tea Lemonade
- Iced Peach Green Tea
- Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade
- Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
- Iced Matcha Lemonade
- Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino
1. Emperor’s Cloud & Mist
This exquisite green tea is a staple for those who appreciate simplicity and purity in their brew. It offers a wonderfully gentle, earthy flavor profile that smoothly transitions into a subtly sweet finish, making it enjoyable on its own. For those who prefer a touch more sweetness, a dash of honey can elevate its natural notes without overpowering its delicate character. It’s the perfect choice for a mindful moment or a gentle morning start.
A standard 16-ounce (Grande) serving of Emperor’s Cloud & Mist contains approximately 16 mg of caffeine. This minimal caffeine content provides a mild, refreshing pick-me-up, ideal for enhancing focus without any jitters. It’s a fantastic option for early mornings or late afternoons when you need a light boost of energy and calm.
2. Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Tea
A true sensory delight, the Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Tea is an aromatic infusion that masterfully blends the bright notes of lemon verbena and lemongrass with a cooling hint of spearmint. This vibrant combination results in a remarkably crisp, invigorating, and refreshing flavor that simultaneously soothes and uplifts. It’s a superb choice when you’re seeking comfort or a revitalizing sip to brighten your day.
Each 16-ounce (Grande) cup of this delightful green tea provides around 40 mg of caffeine. This offers a slightly more pronounced energy boost compared to the Emperor’s Cloud & Mist, making it an excellent choice for a midday lift or when you need a gentle nudge to stay productive and alert.
3. Honey Citrus Mint Tea (The “Medicine Ball”)
Affectionately known as the “Medicine Ball” among Starbucks regulars, this comforting concoction is a soothing blend designed to warm you from the inside out. It features a harmonious mix of steamed lemonade, the invigorating Jade Citrus Mint green tea, and the calming Peach Tranquility herbal tea, all sweetened with a touch of honey. Its unique blend creates a wonderfully cozy and comforting taste, perfect for chilly days or when you need a little TLC.
The Honey Citrus Mint Tea boasts a thicker, comforting viscosity due to the lemonade, which effectively coats your throat and provides a genuinely warming sensation. A 16-ounce (Grande) serving contains approximately 16 mg of caffeine, offering a gentle comfort rather than a strong energy jolt. It’s worth noting that a standard Grande contains about 30 mg of sugar, primarily from the honey and lemonade. If you prefer a less sweet option, simply ask your barista for less honey.
4. Matcha Green Tea Latte
The Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte is a beloved favorite for its creamy texture and distinct flavor. This luscious beverage is crafted by blending vibrant matcha green tea powder with sugar and milk, resulting in a perfectly balanced, slightly sweetened latte that is both comforting and invigorating. It’s a go-to for many matcha enthusiasts who enjoy a richer, more indulgent green tea experience.
For those with dairy preferences, this green tea matcha latte can easily be made dairy-free by opting for your choice of non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. However, it’s crucial to remember that the matcha blend used by Starbucks already contains sugar. Therefore, it’s not possible to order this drink completely unsweetened. If you desire an unsweetened, dairy-free matcha-like alternative, a great customization is to order an Emperor’s Cloud & Mist tea with your preferred milk steamed into it.
5. Iced Green Tea
A quintessential summer favorite, the Iced Green Tea from Starbucks is the epitome of crisp and refreshing. Made with the delightful Jade Citrus Mint brewed tea, served over ice, it offers a clean and vibrant taste that is both hydrating and subtly energizing. It’s an excellent choice for an afternoon boost when you’re looking to brighten your mood without the intensity of coffee, or simply to cool down on a warm day.
A 16-ounce (Grande) cup of Iced Green Tea contains approximately 25 mg of caffeine. This provides a gentle, yet effective, pick-me-up that helps maintain focus without causing jitters. While delicious on its own, you can customize it by adding your preferred sweetener, such as classic syrup, honey, or a sugar-free option, to introduce just a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements its crisp, cold flavor.
6. Iced Green Tea Lemonade
The Iced Green Tea Lemonade is a vibrant and zesty summertime sensation, combining the refreshing Jade Citrus Mint green tea with tangy lemonade, all shaken vigorously over ice. This dynamic duo creates an invigorating beverage known for its crisp tanginess and subtly sweet undertones. It’s a perfect antidote to hot weather, offering a delightful way to refresh and re-energize.
Each 16-ounce (Grande) serving of this popular drink delivers about 25 mg of caffeine, making it an ideal choice to kickstart your morning, especially on a sweltering day, or to inject a burst of life into your lunch break. This beverage is naturally dairy-free. For a less sugary alternative, consider ordering a regular Iced Green Tea and asking for a fresh squeeze of lemon or a splash of unsweetened lemonade on the side, allowing you to control the sweetness level.
7. Iced Peach Green Tea
For those who love a hint of fruit with their tea, the Iced Peach Green Tea is a fantastic choice. This slightly sweet beverage combines the refreshing Jade Citrus Mint tea with a vibrant, peach-flavored juice, resulting in a robust and delightfully fruity flavor. It evokes memories of long, sun-drenched summer days, offering a taste that is both comforting and exotic.
A 16-ounce (Grande) cup of Iced Peach Green Tea contains approximately 25 mg of caffeine. This mild caffeine content provides a pleasant, gentle energy boost, perfect for any time of day when you desire a flavorful and uplifting drink. Its balanced sweetness and fruity notes make it a wonderfully satisfying option for a refreshing treat.
8. Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade
If you crave an even bolder and tangier fruit-tea experience, the Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade is your perfect match. This invigorating drink takes the delicious Iced Peach Green Tea and blends it with zesty lemonade, then shakes it vigorously with ice. The result is a cold, vibrant, and deliciously fruity beverage with a pronounced tanginess that beautifully balances its inherent sweetness, preventing it from tasting overly sugary.
Like its green tea counterparts, a 16-ounce (Grande) serving of the Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade provides about 25 mg of caffeine. This makes it an excellent choice for a revitalizing afternoon drink or whenever you need a flavorful, refreshing pick-me-up that’s bursting with both fruit and a pleasant tartness. It’s a true thirst-quencher for warm weather.
9. Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
One of Starbucks’ most popular matcha drinks, the Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte is a delicious blend of finely ground green tea powder, sugar, and milk, all poured over ice. This beverage delivers a distinctively bold and earthy matcha flavor, beautifully softened by the creamy texture of the milk, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness. It’s incredibly refreshing and has become a go-to for many who enjoy a rich, cool matcha experience.
For a 16-ounce (Grande) cup, the Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte packs a robust 80 mg of caffeine, offering a substantial energy boost with the unique calming alertness provided by L-theanine. You can easily customize this latte by choosing any preferred milk alternative. However, due to the pre-mixed matcha blend, it cannot be ordered entirely unsweetened. For a similar, yet unsweetened, iced green tea experience, you could order an Iced Green Tea with a splash of your preferred milk alternative.
10. Iced Matcha Lemonade
For those seeking a truly unique twist on traditional matcha, the Iced Matcha Lemonade is an intriguing and incredibly refreshing choice. This drink ingeniously combines the earthy depth of iced matcha green tea with the bright, tangy zest of lemonade. The result is a harmonious balance of sweet, earthy, and tart flavors that creates a surprisingly delightful and invigorating beverage. It’s a vibrant option for adventurous palates.
A 16-ounce (Grande) cup of Iced Matcha Lemonade provides a significant 80 mg of caffeine, delivering a considerable energy lift. It also contains approximately 27 grams of added sugar, contributing to its sweet and tangy profile. This unique concoction offers an exciting alternative to classic iced teas and lattes, perfect for a hot day when you desire something both stimulating and refreshingly different.
11. Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino
For the ultimate sweet treat or a delightful dessert-like beverage, the Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino stands out on the Starbucks menu. This indulgent, frothy, and creamy drink is a masterful blend of milk, ice, vibrant matcha green tea powder, and Starbucks’ classic crème Frappuccino and classic syrups. It’s then lavishly topped with a swirl of whipped cream, creating a truly decadent experience that is perfect for cooling down on a warm day or satisfying a sweet craving.
A 16-ounce (Grande) serving of this rich Frappuccino contains about 70 mg of caffeine, offering a moderate boost of energy. Due to its indulgent nature, it also has approximately 61 grams of sugar. To create a less sweet version, you can request it without the classic syrup and omit the whipped cream. For a dairy-free alternative, ask for your preferred milk substitute and remember to skip the whipped cream.
Customizing Your Green Tea and Matcha at Starbucks
Starbucks prides itself on offering personalized beverages, and their green tea and matcha options are no exception. Understanding how to customize your order can transform a standard drink into your perfect personalized brew. Here are some popular ways to tailor your green tea and matcha drinks:
- Sweetness Level: Many drinks, like the Iced Green Tea, can have sweeteners added or reduced. For matcha lattes, while the matcha powder is pre-sweetened, you can still control additional syrups. Ask for fewer pumps of classic syrup or switch to sugar-free syrups.
- Milk Alternatives: Almost all milk-based matcha drinks can be made with non-dairy options such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.
- Temperature: Beyond hot and iced, you can request your hot teas at a specific temperature (e.g., “extra hot” or “kids temperature”).
- Add-ins: Experiment with extra flavors like vanilla syrup (for matcha lattes), a pump of peach or raspberry syrup in your iced green tea, or even a shot of espresso for a “dirty matcha” (though this is more adventurous!).
- Water vs. Milk: For a lighter matcha latte, you can ask for fewer scoops of matcha or half water/half milk for a less creamy texture.
Don’t hesitate to speak to your barista about modifications; they are often happy to help you discover your ideal drink!
Bonus & Seasonal Matcha Drinks
Beyond the core menu, Starbucks occasionally introduces exciting seasonal or regional matcha creations. These limited-time offerings often incorporate unique flavors and ingredients, providing a fresh take on the classic matcha experience. Examples of such innovations have included the Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink, which features a blend of coconut milk beverage and pineapple ginger syrup for a tropical twist, and even the vibrant Matcha Pink Drink, an unofficial menu item that combines matcha with other fruity flavors.
Keep an eye on the Starbucks app or ask your barista about any current or upcoming specialty matcha beverages. These limited editions are a fantastic way to explore new flavor combinations and keep your Starbucks visits exciting.
Starbucks Green Tea and Matcha FAQs
Absolutely! Starbucks offers both hot and iced matcha lattes, which are incredibly popular choices. For a unique twist, you can also explore options like the Iced Matcha Lemonade or the indulgent Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino. However, it’s important to note that Starbucks uses a pre-sweetened matcha green tea blend, so you cannot order a matcha latte that is entirely unsweetened. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can ask for fewer pumps of any added syrups or opt for a plain brewed green tea with a splash of milk.
No, Starbucks does not currently sell its proprietary matcha powder for purchase by customers to take home. Their matcha blend is specifically prepared for in-store beverage creation, ensuring consistency and quality across their drinks. If you’re looking to make matcha at home, you’ll need to source culinary-grade matcha powder from other retailers.
Yes, matcha is widely recognized for its numerous potential health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG, which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Matcha also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which is known to promote a state of calm alertness, enhance focus, and reduce anxiety without drowsiness. Regular consumption may also support metabolism, aid in weight management, and contribute to overall cardiovascular health. Given that you consume the entire tea leaf, matcha delivers a higher concentration of these beneficial compounds compared to traditional steeped green tea.
Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Starbucks Green Tea Awaits
Starbucks truly offers a green tea or matcha drink to suit every palate and preference. From the serene simplicity of a hot Emperor’s Cloud & Mist to the indulgent creaminess of an Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte, and the zesty refreshment of a Green Tea Lemonade, the choices are vast and varied. Whether you’re seeking a gentle morning wake-up, a midday energy boost, a comforting warm drink, or a cool, fruity escape, Starbucks has crafted a green tea experience just for you.
With ample customization options for sweetness, milk type, and additional flavors, you can always tailor your order to perfectly match your desires or dietary needs. So, on your next visit, embrace the world of green tea and matcha at Starbucks and discover your ultimate favorite beverage that will not only quench your thirst but also delight your senses.
Don’t forget to join my newsletter list to get exclusive clean eating recipes and tips. The newsletter is 100% free with no spam; unsubscribe anytime.
About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is a certified holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.
Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.