Matcha Frappuccino (Starbucks Copycat Recipe) - Oh, How Civilized (2024)

FAQs

How does Starbucks get their matcha so green? ›

To answer the question what matcha does Starbucks use once and for all, we can say that Starbucks uses a blend of cheap green tea powder mixed with sugar. The green tea powder is likely produced on a large scale, and it certainly is not produced using the traditional methods we know create great tasting matcha tea.

Starbucks gets their matcha from a very credible Japanese company, it is Japanese matcha, but it contains only 15% matcha, the rest is 3% fruit pectin, and 82% organic cane sugar.

However, it is important to note that the specific health benefits of matcha may vary depending on the quality and purity of the matcha green tea powder used. Starbucks' matcha powder contains a fair amount of sugar. The short answer is no.

Technically, you wouldn't call this mixture straight matcha, since the powder traditionally just consists of finely ground green tea leaves. As for where Starbucks sources its green tea from, the chain informed Tasting Table it sources "shade-grown milled green tea" for its matcha from Korea, Japan, and China.

At a high level - Matcha can be expensive due to the lengthy and unique harvesting process that requires meticulous manual handling and quality assurance. Moreover, because the best matcha comes from a single region in Japan (Uji), there is only a limited supply of the top quality product.

Starbucks uses a Japanese matcha powder known as "Teavana™ Matcha Japan." This particular matcha blend is made from 100% pure Japanese green tea leaves, which are carefully ground to a fine powder. Hey there, matcha lovers! If you're a fan of Starbucks, chances are you've had their delicious matcha beverages.

Not quite — your favorite chain coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin' do use real green tea powder in their matcha drinks but with all the added sugars used in their powder blend, it's technically not traditional Japanese matcha green tea powder and therefore it lacks a lot of the health benefits that real ceremonial ...

But I recommend opting for a high-quality matcha powder if you can. You can use 1 to 2 teaspoons, depending on how strong of a matcha flavor you prefer. 1-2 Teaspoons Sugar: Starbucks uses sugar to sweeten their matcha, but you could also use maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, a simple syrup, etc.

Almond milk is also low in calories and sugar, making it a great choice for those who are health-conscious. It is also suitable for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. The creamy and tropical flavor of coconut milk pairs well with matcha and creates a smooth and frothy texture.

The healthiest icy option is the light caramel Frappuccino, made with blended ice, nonfat milk, coffee and buttery caramel syrup. But did you know you can order many other Frappuccinos “light,” with nonfat milk, no whip and sugar-free syrup? Find out more things you didn't know about Frappuccinos.

Why is Starbucks matcha so high calorie? ›

After the matcha tea blend ingredient, the list reads, "Sugar, ground Japanese Green tea." Think about it this way: When referencing the matcha powder, Starbucks acknowledges that it's made of nothing but powder and sugar. That's two ingredients, making it about 50 percent sugar.

The Japanese powdered green tea, matcha, contains high amounts of substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It has promising potential health benefits, mainly through a high concentration of catechins. With regular consumption, it may support the body's efforts to maintain health and prevent disease.

Ingredients. Milk, Ice, Matcha Tea Blend [Sugar, Ground Japanese Green Tea]. We cannot guarantee that any of our products are free from allergens (including dairy, eggs, soy, tree nuts, wheat and others) as we use shared equipment to store, prepare and serve them.

Indulge in the rich and velvety goodness of our Matcha Latte, made with only the finest, carefully selected Matcha and premium full-fat powdered milk. Savor the Milk-Rich taste that leaves you craving for more, as each sip transports you to a world of smooth and creamy perfection.

Not quite — your favorite chain coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin' do use real green tea powder in their matcha drinks but with all the added sugars used in their powder blend, it's technically not traditional Japanese matcha green tea powder and therefore it lacks a lot of the health benefits that real ceremonial ...

Starbucks' Matcha Scoops Are Pre-Sweetened

The quality of a matcha latte also comes down to the type of powder you use. The cream of the crop is ceremonial-grade powder, which comes from the first harvest of the leaves, followed by culinary grade from the second harvest.

It has a slightly bitter, vegetal taste and a vibrant green color that results from the leaves' high chlorophyll levels. It's been the cornerstone of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, but it recently became popular in the US because of its health benefits.

In fact, the Starbucks matcha latte is more of a dessert than a drink. Per Starbucks, a quick look at the drink's nutritional information shows a grande (16-oz) contains 32 grams of sugar (almost the daily limit for men according to the American Heart Association).