Is a Matcha Latte at Dunkin' Good? An In-Depth Review

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to industry data, the global matcha market is projected to reach $4.24 billion by 2025. Amid this trend, many are wondering: is the matcha latte at Dunkin' good, and does it truly live up to the hype?

Quick Summary

This article evaluates the flavor, sweetness, and customization options of the Dunkin' matcha latte. It compares the drink to alternatives, offering an honest assessment to help you decide if it's the right choice for your next beverage run.

Key Points

Pre-Sweetened Base: Dunkin's matcha latte uses a pre-sweetened blend, making it a sweet, dessert-like drink that is not for those seeking an authentic, traditional matcha flavor.
High Sugar Content: A medium matcha latte contains a significant amount of sugar, diminishing the health benefits of the matcha powder and making it an indulgence rather than a healthy daily drink.
Iced is Better: The iced version is often considered superior to the hot version, offering a more balanced sweetness and less aggressive grassy flavor.
Customization is Key: Adding different milk alternatives, such as oat milk, and flavor swirls like blueberry or vanilla can significantly improve the taste and texture.
Affordable & Convenient: Compared to many specialty coffee shops, Dunkin' offers a more budget-friendly and accessible option for a matcha fix.
Not for Purists: If you're a connoisseur of high-quality, ceremonial grade matcha, Dunkin's sweetened version is likely not the right fit for your palate.

What to Expect from the Dunkin' Matcha Latte

Dunkin's foray into the matcha market arrived in 2020, offering a vibrant alternative to its traditional coffee lineup. The appeal for many customers lies in the drink's potential for balanced energy without the jitters associated with coffee, thanks to matcha's L-theanine content. However, the experience largely depends on personal preference for sweetness and authenticity. Unlike high-end matcha houses, Dunkin' utilizes a pre-sweetened matcha powder blend, which inherently impacts the final flavor profile.

Flavor Profile and Sweetness

The most important detail for first-time drinkers is that Dunkin's matcha blend is pre-sweetened, and the sweetness cannot be adjusted. This creates a dessert-like, sugary flavor profile that can either delight those with a sweet tooth or disappoint matcha purists seeking a more traditional, earthy taste. Reviews suggest the iced version provides a more balanced sweetness, while the hot version can be overwhelmingly sweet and grassy.

Ingredient Quality and Nutritional Considerations

The pre-sweetened blend used by Dunkin' means the final product has significant added sugar and fewer antioxidants compared to a homemade latte using ceremonial-grade matcha. A medium size can contain over 30 grams of sugar, exceeding the recommended daily intake for women. While the drink offers a caffeine boost, its health benefits are diminished by the high sugar content.

Customization Options for the Best Experience

Customizing your Dunkin' matcha latte is the key to creating a truly enjoyable drink. Since the base is sweetened, modifications focus on adjusting the overall flavor and texture.

Milk Alternatives: Switching from dairy to oat milk provides a creamy, rich texture that pairs excellently with matcha's earthy notes. Almond milk offers a nutty flavor profile.
Flavor Swirls: While the matcha itself is sweetened, you can add extra flavor. Popular choices include French vanilla, caramel, or the more adventurous blueberry.
Cold Foam: Adding sweet cold foam on top enhances the creamy texture and provides an extra layer of sweetness, perfect for a treat.

Dunkin's Matcha vs. Competitors: A Comparison

Many coffee shop chains offer matcha, but their approaches differ significantly. Below is a comparison to help you weigh your options.


Feature	Dunkin' Matcha Latte	Starbucks Matcha Latte	At-Home Matcha Latte
Flavor Profile	Sweeter and more accessible; dessert-like.	Richer, more tea-forward, and slightly less sweet.	Adjustable to personal preference; can be earthy or sweet.
Matcha Quality	Pre-sweetened blend, lower quality; not true ceremonial grade.	Pre-sweetened blend, but often perceived as higher quality and smoother.	High quality, ceremonial grade matcha powder can be used.
Customization	Excellent for adjusting milk and adding flavor swirls/cold foam.	Good customization options, especially with sweetness level and foam.	Unlimited control over all ingredients and ratios.
Sweetness Level	Standard, pre-sweetened; cannot be reduced.	Standard, but less sweet than Dunkin's; can be made sweeter.	Fully adjustable; can be unsweetened or sweetened naturally.
Price	Generally more budget-friendly.	Higher price point, premium experience.	Most affordable per serving with bulk purchases.
Health	High in added sugar; diminishes matcha's benefits.	High in added sugar.	Can be very healthy by controlling sugar content.

The Verdict: Is the Matcha Latte at Dunkin' Right for You?

Whether the matcha latte at Dunkin' is 'good' is subjective and depends on what you seek in a beverage. For those new to matcha or who enjoy a sweet, milky, dessert-like drink, Dunkin's version is an accessible and affordable option, especially when iced. The customization potential with different milks and flavor shots also makes it a versatile choice. It offers a milder caffeine boost than coffee, which can be a plus for many.

However, for traditional matcha purists who appreciate the nuanced, earthy bitterness of high-quality green tea, Dunkin's overly sweet, pre-blended powder will likely be a disappointment. It's a sweet, fast-food interpretation of a traditional drink, not a genuine matcha experience. For those mindful of sugar intake, the high sugar content is a significant drawback.

In conclusion, the Dunkin' matcha latte is a good choice for what it is: a quick, convenient, and sweet treat. It's a great entry point for those curious about matcha's flavor profile. But for an authentic, healthier, or less sweet version, you would be better off visiting a specialty tea shop or making your own at home. For further exploration of matcha's health benefits versus chain lattes, check out this comparison: Is Starbucks Matcha Latte, Dunkin' Matcha Latte, or Making Matcha Latte at Home Healthier?.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Dunkin's matcha powder is a pre-sweetened blend, which means the drink will have a noticeable sweetness from the start. This cannot be adjusted or removed.

The amount of sugar varies by size and milk choice, but a medium contains approximately 32-33g of sugar. This is a significant amount that should be considered if you are watching your sugar intake.

Yes, you can make the latte vegan by choosing a plant-based milk alternative. Dunkin' offers options like oat, almond, and coconut milk.

Yes, the Dunkin' matcha latte contains caffeine, but less than a comparable coffee. A medium has between 70-100mg of caffeine, providing a milder, more sustained energy boost.

The flavor is generally sweet, milky, and earthy, with a noticeable grassy note. Many find the hot version to be too intensely grassy and sweet, while the iced version is often more balanced and refreshing.

While matcha itself has health benefits like antioxidants and L-theanine, Dunkin's version has significant added sugar. A plain matcha tea might be healthier, but the latte's high sugar content compromises its health-food status compared to a simple black coffee.

You can customize it by adding different flavors, such as French vanilla or blueberry swirls, or by choosing a creamy milk alternative like oat milk. Adding cold foam can also improve the texture.