Is Starbucks' Matcha Considered High-Grade?
No, Starbucks does not use high-grade, ceremonial matcha in its beverages. Instead, the company uses culinary-grade matcha, which is produced with a different process and for a different purpose than the premium version. Historically, Starbucks' matcha powder was also pre-sweetened, with sugar being the primary ingredient, which further reduced its quality in the eyes of matcha purists.
Starting in 2025, Starbucks began using an unsweetened matcha powder in U.S. locations, though sweetening is still the default for many lattes through the addition of classic syrup. This change offers customers more control over sugar content but does not elevate the matcha's quality to ceremonial grade.
The Difference Between Culinary and Ceremonial Grade Matcha
To understand why Starbucks' matcha isn't considered high-grade, it's essential to know the difference between the two main types of matcha powder:
- Ceremonial Grade: This is the highest quality matcha. It's made from the first harvest's youngest, most tender tea leaves, which are shade-grown to maximize chlorophyll and L-theanine content. The result is a vibrant, bright green powder with a smooth, sweet flavor and a rich umami taste. It is intended to be whisked with hot water and enjoyed plain.
- Culinary Grade: This is a lower grade of matcha, made from slightly older leaves from later harvests. It has a more robust, sometimes more astringent or bitter flavor profile that is better suited for mixing with other ingredients in lattes, smoothies, or baked goods. It is less vibrant in color and typically more affordable to produce in large quantities.
Factors Affecting Starbucks Matcha Quality
Several factors contribute to the difference in quality between Starbucks' matcha and true high-grade matcha:
- Sourcing: Starbucks sources its matcha from various locations, including Japan, Korea, and China, rather than exclusively from premium regions like Uji in Japan. High-grade ceremonial matcha is almost always sourced from specific regions known for quality.
- Processing: The culinary-grade matcha used by Starbucks is processed for consistency and bulk production, which contrasts with the small-batch, stone-milled process often used for premium matcha.
- Added Ingredients: Even with the switch to unsweetened powder, Starbucks' standard recipe adds classic syrup, moving the focus away from the delicate tea flavor and towards a sweeter profile. The past use of pre-sweetened powder with sugar as the first ingredient is a major reason it was not considered high-grade.
A Comparative Look: Starbucks Matcha vs. High-Grade Matcha
| Feature | Starbucks Matcha | High-Grade Ceremonial Matcha |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | Culinary Grade | Ceremonial Grade (Highest) |
| Leaf Harvest | Older, later-harvested leaves | Younger, first-harvest leaves |
| Color | Muted, duller green | Vibrant, bright green |
| Flavor Profile | Robust, often overshadowed by sweetness | Smooth, sweet, rich umami flavor |
| Sourcing | Multiple regions (Japan, Korea, China) | Primarily from specific, high-quality Japanese regions like Uji |
| Intended Use | For lattes, Frappuccinos, and mixed beverages | For traditional tea ceremonies, enjoyed pure with water |
| Added Sweetener | Classically pre-sweetened; now adds classic syrup by default | None, enjoyed for its natural flavor |
| Price Point | Mass-market, affordable for large chains | Higher cost due to careful harvesting and processing |
The Impact of Added Sugar and Additives
For years, the defining characteristic of Starbucks' matcha drinks was the high sugar content derived from its pre-sweetened powder. A Grande Matcha Green Tea Latte previously contained up to 32 grams of sugar. While the move to unsweetened powder and added classic syrup offers customization, the default settings still lean heavily toward sweetness.
This high sugar content fundamentally alters the beverage. Authentic matcha, rich in antioxidants and L-theanine, offers a calm, sustained energy boost. When diluted with significant amounts of sugar, the drink becomes more of a sweet treat than a health-boosting, antioxidant-rich beverage. For this reason, many health-conscious consumers and matcha aficionados choose to make their lattes at home using pure, high-grade matcha.
Can You Replicate High-Grade Matcha at Starbucks?
While you can customize your order to reduce the sugar, you cannot transform the base matcha into a high-grade equivalent. To achieve a flavor closer to authentic matcha, you can request an Iced Matcha Latte with the following modifications:
- Order with no classic syrup to eliminate the default added sweetness.
- Choose a milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk, for a different flavor profile.
- Request fewer scoops of matcha powder if you prefer a milder taste, though this may not be recommended for a rich flavor.
Ultimately, the only way to experience genuine high-grade matcha is to purchase a pure, ceremonial-grade powder from a specialized retailer and prepare it yourself at home. This allows for complete control over ingredients, ensuring you get the full flavor and health benefits without excess sugar.
Conclusion
While Starbucks has made a positive change by switching to an unsweetened matcha powder in 2025, it is important to clarify that this does not mean the company uses high grade matcha. Their culinary-grade product, produced for mass consumption and often served with added syrup, is fundamentally different from the premium, ceremonial-grade matcha revered for its pure flavor and rich nutritional profile. For those seeking an authentic and high-quality matcha experience, opting for a product from a specialized vendor and preparing it at home is the best approach.
What Matcha Does Starbucks Use? A Deeper Look
Starbucks' matcha powder is a blend of green tea sourced from multiple countries and processed for mass market application. Its characteristics are chosen to create a consistent, approachable flavor that appeals to a wide consumer base, especially when combined with other ingredients. The mass production and sourcing of this lower-grade tea are key to keeping the cost low enough for large-scale operations like Starbucks. While the drinks are popular and offer a pleasant flavor for many, they are not the same as a genuine, high-quality matcha beverage. True matcha enthusiasts appreciate the nuanced, complex flavor of ceremonial-grade powder, which is a stark contrast to the often overwhelmingly sweet taste found in many mainstream coffee shops.
Ultimately, the choice of where to get your matcha depends on your priorities. For a convenient, sweet, and affordable green tea flavored beverage, Starbucks can be a fine option. However, for an authentic, pure, and truly high-grade matcha experience, you'll need to look elsewhere and likely pay a higher price for the quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starbucks matcha healthy?
Starbucks matcha can be made healthier by requesting no classic syrup, but the standard preparation and the lower-quality powder make it more of a sugary treat than a true health drink.
What grade matcha does Starbucks use?
Starbucks uses culinary-grade matcha, not ceremonial grade, which is intended for blending with other ingredients rather than being enjoyed on its own.
Can you order unsweetened matcha at Starbucks?
Yes, as of 2025 in the U.S., you can order an unsweetened matcha latte by specifically asking for "no classic syrup". The matcha powder itself is now unsweetened, but the standard build still includes syrup.
Why is Starbucks matcha so sweet?
Historically, Starbucks' matcha powder was pre-sweetened with sugar. Since 2025, the standard recipe for a matcha latte automatically includes classic syrup, contributing to the sweet flavor.
Is Starbucks matcha from Japan?
Starbucks sources its matcha from multiple regions, including Japan, Korea, and China, rather than exclusively from high-quality Japanese farms.
Is Starbucks matcha ceremonial grade?
No, Starbucks does not use ceremonial grade matcha. Their powder is a culinary grade product designed for bulk beverage preparation.
Does Starbucks' matcha have the same health benefits as high-grade matcha?
While all matcha contains some antioxidants, the high sugar content often added to Starbucks drinks dilutes the overall health benefits compared to a pure, unsweetened, high-grade matcha.
