Starbucks Switches to Unsweetened Matcha Powder
In a major beverage overhaul that began in January 2025, Starbucks officially removed sugar from its base matcha powder. Previously, the matcha powder used was a pre-sweetened blend, meaning that all matcha beverages came with a significant, and fixed, amount of added sugar. This change was a direct response to customer feedback and a growing trend toward health-conscious and customized beverage options. The new unsweetened powder means that the sweetness level of a matcha drink is no longer determined by the powder itself but by separately added syrups.
How the New Matcha Recipe Works
The new system provides much more control and transparency for customers. When you order a standard hot or iced matcha latte, the barista will now use the unsweetened matcha powder combined with milk and the standard number of pumps of Classic Syrup, a simple syrup made from sugar and water. For example, a Grande iced matcha will come with the new unsweetened powder and four pumps of Classic Syrup by default. If you prefer a less-sweet or completely unsweetened drink, you must explicitly ask for fewer pumps or no Classic Syrup at all. This customization is a key benefit of the new formula.
Customizing Your New Starbucks Matcha Drink
With the shift to an unsweetened powder base, customers now have unprecedented control over their matcha beverages. The old recipe made a truly sugar-free matcha latte impossible, but the new one opens up numerous possibilities for personalization.
To order a truly sugar-free matcha latte:
- Order your preferred matcha drink (e.g., Iced Matcha Latte).
- Specify a sugar-free syrup, such as Sugar-Free Vanilla syrup, or no syrup at all.
- Combine with a milk of your choice; note that some milks, like oat milk, contain natural sugars.
For a lightly sweetened matcha:
- Request fewer pumps of Classic Syrup than the standard recipe includes. For a Grande, you might ask for just two pumps instead of four.
- Ask to substitute the Classic Syrup with a different sweetener, such as honey or a different flavored syrup like vanilla.
The Taste Difference: Old vs. New
The flavor profile of the new matcha is distinctly different from its predecessor. With the pre-sweetened powder, many found Starbucks' matcha beverages to be overly sugary and milkshake-like. Without the added Classic Syrup, the new version delivers a more authentic, earthy, and slightly grassy green tea taste. Customers who found the old recipe too sweet are now able to enjoy a balanced, less sugary drink. For those who prefer the familiar sweetness, ordering with Classic Syrup mimics the flavor of the old drink, although the separate syrup may slightly alter the overall texture compared to the old, pre-mixed powder.
Comparing the Old vs. New Starbucks Matcha
| Feature | Old Matcha (Pre-2025) | New Matcha (2025 Onward) |
|---|---|---|
| Powder Sweetness | Pre-sweetened, with sugar mixed directly into the powder. | Unsweetened, consisting only of ground green tea. |
| Standard Sweetening | Sugar was inseparable from the matcha powder itself. | Default drinks are sweetened with separately added Classic Syrup. |
| Customization | Very limited; a truly unsweetened matcha was not possible. | Highly customizable; customers can easily adjust or remove sweetness. |
| Iced Preparation | The powder was shaken with ice, which could lead to clumps. | Now blended with a Cold Foam Pitcher to ensure a smoother texture. |
| Taste Profile | Very sweet and milky, resembling a green tea milkshake. | Earthy and grassy when unsweetened, or customizable to desired sweetness. |
Additional Recipe and Process Changes
Beyond the sugar removal, Starbucks also updated the preparation method for its iced matcha drinks in early 2025. Previously, baristas shook the iced matcha powder with milk and ice, which often resulted in clumps in the final drink. The new procedure involves using a Cold Foam Pitcher to blend the ingredients, creating a smoother and silkier beverage. This improvement, along with the option for sugar-free alternatives like the Protein Matcha line, demonstrates Starbucks' commitment to evolving its menu based on customer preferences. For customers craving the old, sweeter taste, replicating it is as simple as requesting the standard pumps of Classic Syrup. The change ultimately prioritizes flexibility and customer choice over a one-size-fits-all approach.
Conclusion
Yes, Starbucks did remove sugar from its base matcha powder, implementing this significant recipe change in early 2025. This move gives customers much more control over the sugar content of their drinks by separating the sweetener, Classic Syrup, from the unsweetened powder. Customers can now order a truly unsweetened matcha or customize the level of sweetness to their liking. This update not only caters to those seeking healthier options but also improves the overall quality and texture of the popular green tea beverage.
What to Know About Starbucks' Matcha Change
- Unsweetened Powder: In early 2025, Starbucks replaced its pre-sweetened matcha powder with a new, unsweetened version.
- Classic Syrup Default: Standard matcha lattes now receive Classic Syrup for sweetness by default, which can be customized or omitted entirely.
- Customization is Key: Customers can specify “no Classic Syrup” for a sugar-free drink or request a different sugar-free syrup.
- Improved Texture: Iced matcha drinks are now blended instead of shaken, reducing clumps and resulting in a smoother texture.
- Authentic Flavor: Without added syrup, the new matcha offers a more authentic, earthy, and less sugary green tea flavor.
