Can a Starbucks Matcha Latte be Unsweetened? Yes, Here's How

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

In January 2025, Starbucks officially changed its matcha recipe, switching to a new unsweetened powder base. This major update means you can now get a Starbucks matcha latte unsweetened, though customization is key to achieving a truly sugar-free drink.

Quick Summary

A Starbucks matcha latte can be ordered completely unsweetened by requesting 'no classic syrup.' The base powder is now sugar-free, allowing for personalized sweetness, or a truly unsweetened taste.

Key Points

Recipe Change: As of January 2025, Starbucks' matcha powder base is unsweetened, not pre-sweetened with sugar.
Order Unsweetened: To get a truly unsweetened matcha latte, you must explicitly ask for 'no Classic Syrup'.
Taste Difference: The new unsweetened matcha has a more authentic, earthy, and slightly bitter taste compared to the old, very sweet version.
Customization: The switch allows for full control over sweetness, including the use of sugar-free syrups like vanilla or Stevia.
Mobile App: When ordering via the app, you must manually set the Classic Syrup pumps to zero in the customization menu.
Healthier Option: This change makes a sugar-free or low-sugar matcha latte a much more accessible and healthier option for mindful consumers.

The Shift to Unsweetened Matcha

For years, Starbucks' matcha powder was pre-sweetened, making it impossible to order a completely unsweetened matcha latte. This changed in early 2025 when the company responded to customer demand for less sugary options. The new matcha powder is pure, ground green tea with no sugar added. However, the standard matcha latte recipe still automatically includes Classic Syrup to replicate the familiar sweet flavor. This means that simply ordering a regular matcha latte will still result in a sweet beverage. To get an unsweetened drink, the Classic Syrup must be removed.

How to Order Your Unsweetened Matcha Latte

Ordering a sugar-free matcha drink is a simple customization, but requires clear instructions to the barista or when using the mobile app. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your drink is made exactly as you want it.

For an in-person order:

Specify whether you want a hot or iced matcha latte.
State your size (e.g., Grande).
Ask for "no Classic Syrup." This is the most critical step.
Choose your milk preference (e.g., almond, coconut, oat, 2%, whole).
Add a sugar-free sweetener if desired, such as "with a couple of Stevia packets" or "with sugar-free vanilla syrup".

For the Starbucks mobile app:

Select the Matcha Tea Latte (hot or iced) from the menu.
Tap 'Customize' or 'Edit' on the drink order screen.
Under the 'Sweeteners' section, change 'Classic Syrup' to '0 pumps.'
Go to the 'Milk' section to select your preferred milk (e.g., Almondmilk).
To add a sugar-free flavor, go to 'Add-ins' and select a sugar-free syrup (e.g., Sugar-Free Vanilla).

The Difference in Taste: Old vs. New Matcha

For long-time fans of the old Starbucks matcha latte, the unsweetened version may be a surprising change. The taste profile shifts from a very sweet, creamy milkshake-like drink to a more authentic, earthy, and potentially bitter green tea flavor. This is because the previous matcha powder was mixed with a significant amount of sugar, and for many, the new recipe is a vast improvement, offering a more genuine matcha experience. If you want to replicate the sweetness of the old recipe, simply ask for more pumps of Classic Syrup, or experiment with other sweeteners like honey or agave.

Customizing Your Unsweetened Matcha

Part of the benefit of the new unsweetened matcha is the freedom to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Here are some popular options to try:

Sugar-Free Vanilla: Pair the earthy matcha with a few pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup for a balanced flavor without the sugar.
Protein Boost: Ask for Protein-boosted Milk or Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha for a higher-protein, no-sugar-added option.
Nondairy Alternatives: The bitterness of unsweetened matcha can be mellowed by creamy nondairy milks like oatmilk or coconut milk.
Extra Matcha: If you prefer a more robust, stronger green tea flavor, you can ask for an extra scoop of the unsweetened matcha powder.
Water-Based: Some enthusiasts prefer their matcha with just hot water for a purist experience, similar to a traditional preparation. You can customize your order to substitute water for milk to achieve this.

Comparison: Old vs. New Starbucks Matcha Latte


Feature	Old Matcha Latte (Pre-2025)	New Matcha Latte (Post-2025)
Matcha Powder Base	Pre-sweetened powder with significant sugar content.	Unsweetened, pure ground green tea.
Default Sweetener	Sugar blended directly into the matcha powder.	Classic Syrup is added by default during preparation.
Customization	Very limited; sweetness level could not be significantly altered.	Highly customizable; sweetness is fully controlled by the customer.
Flavor Profile	Very sweet and creamy, resembling a milkshake.	Earthier, grassier, and slightly bitter if ordered unsweetened.
How to Order Unsweetened	Not possible; sugar was pre-mixed into the powder.	Must specify "no Classic Syrup" during your order.

Conclusion

Thanks to a recipe change implemented in early 2025, it is now entirely possible to order a Starbucks matcha latte that is unsweetened. The key is to understand that while the base powder is no longer sweetened, the standard recipe includes added Classic Syrup. To get a truly sugar-free drink, you must specifically request "no Classic Syrup" when ordering. This change gives customers more control over their beverage, whether they prefer a completely unsweetened, earthy green tea experience or wish to add a low-calorie or alternative sweetener of their choice. The customization options are now broader, making the Starbucks matcha latte a versatile and healthy option for a wider range of preferences. For more details on the new product line, you can visit the official Starbucks website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, as of January 2025, Starbucks switched to an unsweetened matcha powder. The sweetness in the standard drink comes from Classic Syrup added during preparation.

To order a sugar-free matcha latte, you must specify "no Classic Syrup" to your barista or set the pump count to zero in the mobile app.

Yes, you can. Options include sugar-free vanilla syrup or Stevia packets. The unsweetened base gives you complete control over your sweetness level.

Yes, the flavor is more authentic, earthy, and slightly bitter than the old, pre-sweetened version. Many appreciate this more traditional green tea taste.

Yes, the unsweetened matcha powder and Classic Syrup customization apply to both hot and iced matcha lattes.

You can choose any standard milk, including dairy options like 2% or whole, and nondairy options such as almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.

This is a specific menu item featuring the unsweetened matcha powder, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and protein-boosted milk, for a vibrant latte with no added sugar.