Does the Matcha Lavender Drink at Starbucks Have Caffeine?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Starbucks, a Grande Iced Matcha Latte contains approximately 65 milligrams of caffeine, and adding lavender syrup or foam to this base will maintain a similar caffeine level. This floral and earthy drink provides a distinct and milder buzz compared to a standard espresso shot.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caffeine level in Starbucks' matcha lavender beverage, explaining how matcha's unique properties provide a focused energy boost without the coffee jitters. It also compares the caffeine content to other popular Starbucks drinks.

Key Points

Caffeine Present: Yes, the matcha lavender drink at Starbucks contains caffeine, with the amount determined by the size and matcha content.
Moderate Level: A Grande size typically has about 65 mg of caffeine, which is substantially less than a standard brewed coffee from Starbucks.
Smooth Energy Boost: The caffeine in matcha is moderated by the amino acid L-theanine, leading to a more focused and calm energy rather than a jittery sensation.
Flavor Profile: The drink offers a harmonious balance of earthy matcha and sweet, floral lavender notes.
Dairy in the Foam: The Iced Lavender Cream Cold Foam contains dairy, which is important for vegan customers to note.
Customizable: The base drink is an Iced Matcha Latte, allowing for customization of milk type and sweetness levels.

Yes, the Starbucks Matcha Lavender Drink Contains Caffeine

For those curious about the energy-boosting properties of the popular Starbucks matcha lavender drink, the answer is definitively yes: it does contain caffeine. Matcha, the finely ground powder of specially grown green tea leaves, is the source of this caffeine. The addition of lavender syrup and cream does not alter the inherent caffeine content of the matcha base. While providing a buzz, the energy delivered by matcha is notably different from that of coffee, often described as a more sustained and focused alertness rather than an intense jolt.

The Source: Matcha's Unique Caffeine Profile

The difference in the caffeine experience comes down to the way matcha is produced and consumed. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and then removed, matcha involves consuming the entire ground tea leaf. This consumption method, combined with a shading process used during growth, results in higher concentrations of both caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine. The L-theanine in matcha is known for its calming properties and works with the caffeine to promote a state of relaxed awareness, counteracting the jittery side effects that many people experience with coffee. This synergy is what makes the caffeine experience in a matcha drink so different.

Caffeine Content by Size

The exact caffeine amount in your matcha lavender drink depends on the size you order. As with other matcha-based beverages at Starbucks, the caffeine scales with the amount of matcha powder used. For a standard Iced Matcha Latte (before customizations), the caffeine content is as follows:

Tall (12 ounces): Approximately 40 mg
Grande (16 ounces): Approximately 65 mg
Venti (24 ounces): Approximately 85 mg

How to Order Your Matcha Lavender Drink

If you want to try this drink or customize it to your preference, here is a breakdown of the standard recipe for the Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha. Remember that Starbucks baristas can modify almost any drink to your liking.

Start with an Iced Matcha Latte: This is the base of the drink and contains the caffeine.
Request Oatmilk: The official recipe uses creamy oatmilk for a smooth, dairy-free base.
Add Lavender Powder: A scoop of proprietary lavender powder is the source of the subtle floral flavor.
Top with Lavender Cream Cold Foam: The final touch is a fluffy lavender cream foam, which is what gives the drink its beautiful visual effect and an extra layer of flavor. Note that the foam contains dairy.

Comparison Table: Matcha vs. Other Starbucks Drinks

To put the matcha lavender's caffeine content into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular Starbucks beverages. This will help you understand where the matcha drink stands in terms of energy delivery:


Beverage (Grande, 16 oz)	Approximate Caffeine (mg)	Main Source of Caffeine
Matcha Lavender Drink	65 mg	Matcha Green Tea Powder
Pike Place® Roast Coffee	315–390 mg	Brewed Coffee
Iced Coffee	165 mg	Brewed Coffee
Iced Caffè Latte	150 mg	Espresso Shots
Chai Tea Latte	95 mg	Black Tea Concentrate
Decaf Pike Place® Roast	25 mg	Decaf Coffee
Refreshers	45 mg	Green Coffee Extract

Exploring the Matcha Lavender Experience

Beyond just the caffeine, there are several aspects of the matcha lavender drink that make it a unique and satisfying choice. The flavor profile is a delightful mix of earthy and floral notes. The earthy bitterness of the matcha is balanced by the sweet, subtle flavor of the lavender foam, creating a complex and refreshing beverage.

A Soothing Experience: Many drinkers find the combination of calming lavender and focused matcha caffeine to be particularly relaxing.
Antioxidant Benefits: Matcha is packed with antioxidants, which are compounds that can help protect your cells from damage.
Visually Appealing: The layered green and purple drink is visually stunning and has become a favorite for social media posts.
Lower Acidity: For those with a sensitive stomach, matcha is often a gentler alternative to the higher acidity of coffee.

Conclusion

In summary, the Starbucks matcha lavender drink does contain caffeine, sourced from the matcha green tea powder at its core. A Grande offers a moderate 65 mg of caffeine, significantly less than a standard coffee but more than many expect from tea. The energy boost from matcha is often smoother and more sustained, thanks to the presence of L-theanine. This makes it an ideal option for those seeking a gentle lift in a calming, floral-flavored beverage. For definitive nutritional facts, including current caffeine counts, you can consult the official Starbucks website. Starbucks official website

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the lavender syrup or foam itself is caffeine-free. The caffeine content comes exclusively from the matcha green tea powder used in the base of the drink.

A Grande (16 oz) Iced Matcha Latte, which is the base of this drink, contains approximately 65 mg of caffeine. The addition of lavender does not change this amount.

Yes, matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that works alongside caffeine to provide a smoother, more sustained energy boost and increased focus, without the common jitters associated with coffee.

No, Starbucks does not offer a decaf matcha. Matcha is inherently caffeinated. For a caffeine-free floral drink, you would need to order something without matcha or espresso, like a Lavender Crème Frappuccino.

A Grande matcha lavender drink (65 mg) has slightly more caffeine than a Grande Refresher (around 45 mg). The Refresher's caffeine comes from green coffee extract, not matcha.

Yes. The standard recipe for the Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha uses oatmilk and comes pre-sweetened, but you can request different milk alternatives or less syrup. Many customers ask for less or no classic syrup to control the sugar.

The Lavender Cream Cold Foam does contain a small amount of caffeine because it is made with a base of matcha powder. However, the majority of the drink's caffeine content comes from the main matcha base.