Are you a superfan of Starbucks’ Green Tea Matcha Latte? If so, you’ve probably wondered what makes this amazing drink so mesmerizingly delicious, and even more so, if you can make it at home. That’s why we’ve decided to dive in and dissect the Green Tea Latte to find out what’s in it, how it’s made, and why this creamy, dreamy concoction is so much more than meets the eye (or taste buds). Let’s jump right in!
Photo: Starbucks
What’s in a Starbucks Green Tea Latte? – The Short Answer
You need to know, and you need to know now. So, what’s in a Starbucks Green Tea Latte? A delightful blend of hot water, your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based like almond milk or oat milk) and matcha tea blend, which is a mixture of ground green tea and sugar. The matcha powder is what gives this drink its earthy flavor and a good amount of caffeine (80 grams in a grande). It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice for anyone seeking to switch up their regular coffee latte.
Now, let’s get into the thick of it, and explore some other fun facts about this Starbucks favorite.
Photo: Starbucks
What is a Matcha Latte?
Green Tea Lattes are also known as Matcha Lattes, and they’re a fusion of finely ground green tea leaves and milk, which blend together with ease to create a creamy drink. While traditional green tea is brewed from tea bags or loose leaves, matcha is made by whisking high quality matcha powder into warm water.
Though matcha originated from Japan, its unique taste and health benefits have made it quite popular in the US. It’s easy to see why this drink stands out among other green tea drinks.
Matcha lattes can be enjoyed hot or cold, which make them suitable for any season. Matcha, itself, is a super versatile ingredient that’s been enjoyed in everything from matcha lemonade to the tropical iced pineapple matcha drink.
Matcha Grades
Good news for matcha lovers: the massive popularity of this green drink has made high quality matcha powder more available, so you can enjoy it at its best.
Wait, you thought all matcha was created equal? Not a chance.
There are different grades of matcha, and each is meant for specific purposes. Ceremonial grade is the highest quality of matcha because it’s made from the youngest tea leaves. With its vibrant green color and smooth, slightly sweet flavor, this type of matcha is reserved for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and is usually mixed with just hot water.
Culinary grade matcha is made from slightly older tea leaves and has a stronger, more bitter taste. It’s known as culinary matcha because it’s often used for cooking and baking. Starbucks Matcha Latte uses a blend that’s somewhere in between, though it’s important to note that the main ingredient in their green tea powder blend is, in fact, sugar. 32 grams of it to be exact, which is something to be aware of if you’re looking to avoid sugar. If that’s too much sugar for you, be sure to stick around to learn how you can make your own, healthier version of Starbucks’ Green Tea Latte from the comfort of your home.
However, there are some perks to this delightfully sweet drink. Let’s explore what makes Starbucks’ Green Tea Latte so special.
The Health Benefits of Starbucks’ Matcha Latte
There are a surprising number of health benefits to drinking a Starbucks Matcha Latte, mostly thanks to the powerful antioxidants found in matcha. One of the most talked-about is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is known for its ability to fight free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Matcha is also rich in amino acids, especially L-theanine, which encourages alpha wave activity in the brain. The alpha wave brain state is one of calm and focus, which makes this a great drink for anyone who is looking to enhance their mental clarity.
Matcha is also great for your immune system and skin health, due to its high vitamin and mineral content. Regularly drinking matcha can even help lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Of course, we can’t forget to mention the perks of its moderate caffeine levels which promote a gentle energy boost without the usual coffee crash that so many experience.
Customizing Your Matcha Latte
One of the reasons why this drink is such a perfect choice is its ability to be endlessly customized. Looking to dial in the texture? The type of milk you choose can change everything. Whole milk and dairy milk will give this latte a rich, creamy base, while plant-based options like coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and even Starbucks’ Original Nut Blend (a vegan option made with rice milk, hazelnuts, and cashews) will give it a lighter feel.
Though the matcha powder contains its own sugars, you can further customize this latte with Starbucks’ sweetener options. Regular sugar and syrup are classic choices, but if you want a more natural sweetener, you can opt for their honey blend, or take advantage of their full like of taste infusions with their assortment of flavored syrups like caramel, cinnamon dolce, toasted vanilla, or toffee nut. They also have a small list of sauces to choose from like which chocolate, mocha and (seasonally) pumpkin. Mix and match to create your own unique matcha latte experience.
How to Make Your Own Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte at Home
If you’re someone who enjoys the taste of a Starbucks Green Tea Latte, chances are you’ll probably like the homemade version even more. Why?
It’s Cheaper: The cost of making a drink with real matcha can save you BIG time, especially if you enjoy this drink often.
It’s Got Less Calories: Cutting out those 32 grams of sugar in the matcha powder alone means cutting your calories down significantly.
It’s Got Natural Flavors: You can avoid all the food coloring, preservatives, and chemical additives that go into the cafe versions of matcha drinks.
It Tastes Better: When you use higher quality matcha the way it was intended to be used, the taste blows Starbucks out of the water.
Ready to enjoy a Starbucks Iced Matcha drink from the comfort of home? Here’s a simple copycat recipe you can whip up in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp high-quality matcha powder
- 1 tbsp of your preferred sweetener
- 1 cup milk (any kind you prefer: whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- Ice
Instructions:
- Sift the matcha powder into a bowl to remove any clumps.
- Add the warm water and whisk using a bamboo matcha whisk until the matcha is fully dissolved and frothy. (A milk frother is also great for this!)
- In a separate glass, add ice and the milk of your choice.
- Pour the matcha mixture over the milk and stir.
- Sweeten with simple syrup, honey, agave, vanilla extract, or maple syrup to taste.
It’s Matcha Time!
And there you have it! All the knowledge you need to either enjoy (and customize) your very own Starbucks Matcha Latte or make your own at home is right at your fingertips. Whatever you choose, just knowing you’ll enjoy it puts a smile on our faces.
Do you have any favorite matcha drinks or tips for making your own matcha recipes at home? If so, we’d would love to hear about it. Be sure to leave a comment sharing your own matcha tricks with us and the rest of the Steamy fam. We love sharing in our community knowledge, reveling in your stories, and trying something new.
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comment section! I always appreciate your feedback and I know other readers do, too!
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