Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Iced Latte
Calories, caffeine, ingredients, price, copycat recipe & every customization you need to know.
If you’ve walked into a Starbucks lately and spotted a creamy, jade-green drink sweating in someone’s hand, there’s a good chance it was the Matcha Green Tea Iced Latte. It’s one of the most talked-about drinks on the menu — beloved by matcha enthusiasts, health-conscious sippers, and TikTok foodies alike.
But what exactly is in it? How much caffeine does it have? Is it actually healthy? And can you make it at home for a fraction of the price? This guide answers all of that — and then some. You can also use the Starbucks Calorie Counter to build and track your exact custom order.
What Is the Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte?
The Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte is a blended drink made from Starbucks’ proprietary sweetened matcha powder, milk, and ice (for the iced version) or steamed milk (for the hot version). It sits under the Teavana line on the Starbucks menu and is one of the chain’s longest-running non-coffee beverages.
Unlike a traditional Japanese matcha preparation — where pure ceremonial-grade matcha powder is whisked with hot water — Starbucks uses a pre-sweetened matcha blend. This means sugar is already baked into the powder itself, which is an important distinction when counting calories or looking for a sugar-free option.
The drink is available both hot and iced, and can be customized with a wide range of milk alternatives, sweetness adjustments, and add-ons. If you enjoy this drink, you may also want to explore the newer Starbucks Lavender Matcha — a seasonal variation with a floral twist.
Hot vs. Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
Both versions share the same core ingredients — matcha powder and milk — but they deliver a noticeably different experience.
🧊 Iced Version
- Matcha shaken with cold milk + ice
- Sweeter, more refreshing taste
- Diluted slightly by ice melt
- Lighter body, easier to drink fast
- Best-seller, especially in warm months
☕ Hot Version
- Matcha dissolved in hot water, topped with steamed milk
- More pronounced earthy, grassy flavor
- Gentle foam on top
- Cozier, warming experience
- Great for cold-weather mornings
Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte Ingredients
Understanding what goes into your drink helps you make smarter ordering decisions — especially if you have dietary restrictions.
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Starbucks Matcha Tea Blend (matcha + sugar) | Flavor base and color |
| 2% Milk (default) | Creamy body |
| Ice (iced version only) | Temperature and refreshment |
| Water (small amount) | Dissolves the matcha powder |
What’s in Starbucks Matcha Powder?
The Starbucks matcha blend contains just two ingredients: ground Japanese green tea and sugar. The sugar-to-matcha ratio is relatively high compared to traditional matcha preparations, which is why the drink tastes sweeter than ceremonial matcha prepared at home.
The powder is sourced from Japan and gives the drink its distinctive bright green color — though the shade tends to be lighter and less vivid than a pure matcha preparation because of the sugar content.
The standard recipe contains no coffee or espresso — it is entirely caffeine-free in origin except for the natural caffeine in matcha itself.
Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte Nutrition Facts & Calories
All figures below are based on the standard recipe using 2% milk and no additional customizations. For a full interactive breakdown by size and milk type, see the Starbucks Nutrition Calculator.
Calories by Size
| Size | Fluid Oz | Calories (Hot) | Calories (Iced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall | 12 oz | 240 cal | 200 cal |
| Grande | 16 oz | 320 cal | 270 cal |
| Venti (hot) | 20 oz | 470 cal | — |
| Venti (iced) | 24 oz | — | 340 cal |
Full Nutrition — Grande, 2% Milk, Hot
Calories with Alternative Milks (Grande Iced)
Want to calculate your exact custom order? Use the Starbucks Calorie Calculator to adjust size, milk, and add-ons in real time.
| Milk Type | Approx. Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk | ~290 cal | Richest texture |
| 2% Milk (default) | ~270 cal | Standard order |
| Oat Milk | ~260 cal | Best texture alternative |
| Soy Milk | ~250 cal | High protein, froths well |
| Coconut Milk | ~230 cal | Tropical sweetness |
| Almond Milk | ~210 cal | Lowest calorie option |
| Nonfat Milk | ~220 cal | Lightest dairy option |
Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte Nutrition Facts (with Almond Milk)
| Nutrient | Tall (Almond) | Grande (Almond) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~130 cal | ~210 cal |
| Total Carbs | ~27g | ~41g |
| Sugar | ~24g | ~37g |
| Fat | ~3g | ~4.5g |
| Protein | ~1g | ~2g |
Caffeine in Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte
This is one of the most common questions — especially for people trying to avoid or manage their caffeine intake.
Caffeine Content by Size
| Size | Caffeine (Approx.) | vs. Pike Place Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Tall | ~55mg | ~18% of drip coffee |
| Grande | ~80mg | ~26% of drip coffee |
| Venti (hot) | ~110mg | ~35% of drip coffee |
| Venti (iced) | ~110mg | ~35% of drip coffee |
A Grande Starbucks Pike Place drip coffee contains around 310mg of caffeine. A Grande latte has about 150mg. The matcha latte sits at roughly half the caffeine of a latte and about one-quarter of a drip coffee.
Matcha’s caffeine is often described as delivering a smoother, more sustained energy boost compared to coffee, largely because it also contains an amino acid called L-theanine that modulates caffeine absorption.
Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte Price (2026)
Prices vary by location. Here are approximate current U.S. retail prices:
Prices are slightly higher in urban markets (New York City, San Francisco, Chicago) and airport or licensed locations.
Customizations: How to Order Your Perfect Matcha Latte
One of the underrated strengths of the Starbucks matcha latte is how customizable it is. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular modifications.
Milk Alternatives
| Milk | Texture | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Oat Milk | Creamy, full-bodied | Closest to dairy; popular choice |
| Almond Milk | Lighter, slightly nutty | Lower calories |
| Coconut Milk | Rich, tropical sweetness | Unique flavor pairing |
| Soy Milk | Rich, high protein | Best for hot/frothed version |
Reducing Sugar
Because the sugar is inside the matcha powder itself, you cannot fully eliminate sugar from the standard Starbucks matcha latte. However, you can reduce the overall sweetness by:
- Asking for fewer matcha scoops — this reduces both flavor and sugar.
- Not adding any additional syrups (the default recipe has none).
- Pairing with unsweetened milks (almond, oat, or coconut).
Keto-Friendly Order
The standard recipe is not keto-friendly due to sugar in the powder and milk carbs. Use the Starbucks Macro Calculator to find the exact carb count for your modified order. To get closer to keto:
- Ask for heavy cream instead of milk (dramatically reduces carbs).
- Ask for extra water to thin it out.
- Order the smallest size (Tall) to minimize sugar intake.
Secret Menu & Popular Add-Ons
| Modification | What It Does |
|---|---|
| + Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam | Rich, Instagram-worthy topping |
| + Pineapple Juice (half milk) | “Pineapple Matcha” — tropical & refreshing |
| + Chai Syrup | Spiced, warming matcha chai |
| + Brown Sugar Syrup | Extra sweetness with caramel depth |
| + Espresso Shot | “Dirty Matcha” — double caffeine boost |
| + Raspberry Syrup | Fruity contrast to earthy matcha |
| + Vanilla Syrup | Smooths and sweetens the earthiness |
Is the Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte Healthy?
The answer depends entirely on what you’re comparing it to and what your personal health goals are.
✅ The Case For It
- High in antioxidants — matcha EGCG catechins are well-studied
- L-theanine promotes smoother, sustained focus
- No added liquid sweeteners by default
- Lower caffeine than espresso drinks
- Better than most Frappuccinos calorie-for-calorie
⚠️ The Case Against
- ~50g sugar per Grande — near daily AHA limit
- Pre-sweetened powder limits control
- Lower matcha quality vs. specialty cafés
- 270–320 cal Grande is closer to a snack
Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte: Taste Review
If you’ve never tried it, here’s an description of what to expect:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Earthy, mildly grassy, sweet, and creamy |
| Sweetness Level | Moderately sweet — more so than specialty matcha cafés |
| Texture | Smooth and creamy (foam on hot; thinner on iced) |
| Color | Pale army-green — less vibrant than filtered Instagram photos |
| Hot vs. Iced Verdict | Most regulars prefer iced — cold softens bitterness and enhances sweetness |
| vs. Specialty Café Matcha | Sweeter, less complex, but more consistent and accessible |
The sweetness from the matcha powder can be polarizing — matcha purists sometimes find it too sweet, while people transitioning from sweeter Starbucks drinks find it pleasantly mild. Either way, it’s one of the most distinctive, recognizable drinks on the menu.
Copycat Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte Recipe
Making this at home is significantly cheaper, healthier (if you use unsweetened matcha), and takes less than five minutes.
🧊 Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte (Copycat)
Ingredients
- 1–2 tsp culinary-grade matcha powder (Jade Leaf, Ippodo, or Encha recommended)
- 2 tbsp hot water at ~175°F / 80°C (not boiling)
- 1–2 tbsp simple syrup (adjust to taste; ~1.5 tbsp ≈ Starbucks sweetness)
- 1 cup milk of choice (oat milk recommended)
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Make the matcha paste: Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl. Add hot water and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until smooth and slightly frothy — about 60 seconds. A bamboo chasen or small electric frother works best.
- Sweeten: Stir in your simple syrup to taste. 1.5 tbsp approximates Starbucks’ sweetness level.
- Build the drink: Fill a tall glass with ice, then pour in your cold milk until three-quarters full.
- Pour the matcha: Slowly pour the matcha mixture over the top. It will layer naturally before you stir — great for photos.
- Stir and enjoy. Or top with oat milk cold foam for a Starbucks-style upgrade.
☕ Hot Matcha Green Tea Latte (Copycat)
Ingredients
- 1–2 tsp culinary-grade matcha powder
- 2 tbsp hot water at ~175°F / 80°C
- 1–2 tbsp simple syrup
- 1 cup milk of choice
Instructions
- Sift and whisk the matcha with hot water using the same technique as above.
- Warm and froth the milk on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming (do not boil). Use a hand frother, blender, or French press to create foam.
- Combine: Pour the matcha paste and sweetener into your mug. Add the hot milk. Spoon foam on top.
- Taste and adjust sweetness before serving.
Starbucks vs. Homemade Comparison
| Factor | Starbucks | Homemade |
|---|---|---|
| Matcha Quality | Pre-sweetened blend | Culinary-grade unsweetened |
| Sugar Control | Fixed in powder | Fully adjustable |
| Caffeine | ~80mg (Grande) | Varies with scoops |
| Cost Per Drink | $5.75–$6.25 | $0.75–$1.25 |
| Prep Time | 3 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Taste Profile | Sweeter, milder | More complex, earthier |