The Primary Green Tea: Teavana
For its traditional brewed green tea, both hot and iced, Starbucks relies on its Teavana brand. The coffee giant acquired Teavana in 2012 and transitioned from its long-standing Tazo tea brand to Teavana in-store offerings in the years following. Two of the most prominent Teavana green teas found at Starbucks are used for their green tea offerings.
Teavana Jade Citrus Mint
This blend is the foundation for Starbucks' popular iced green tea. It features a bright, refreshing mix of green tea with notes of spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass. The flavor is crisp and invigorating, making it a favorite for a cool, unsweetened or lightly sweetened beverage.
Teavana Emperor's Clouds & Mist
For hot green tea, customers typically receive the Teavana Emperor's Clouds & Mist. This classic green tea is named for the high-altitude region in China where it is grown and has a more traditional, slightly sweet, and toasty flavor profile.
The Matcha Story: From Sweet to Unsweetened
The matcha used in Starbucks' matcha lattes and Frappuccinos has undergone a significant transformation. Until recently, Starbucks was known for using a sweetened matcha blend, which contained a large amount of sugar mixed with a culinary-grade matcha powder, primarily sourced from Japan.
The Change to Unsweetened Matcha in 2025
According to reports from early 2025, Starbucks switched to an unsweetened Japanese matcha powder. This change was largely driven by customer demand for less sugar and a more authentic matcha flavor. The new unsweetened base gives customers and baristas more control over the level of sweetness in their drinks. This update allows the earthy, distinct flavor of the matcha to come through more prominently.
Sourcing the Matcha
While the previous sweetened blend was often attributed to a supplier like AJINOMOTO, the sourcing for the newest unsweetened version is more specific. The new product is simply described as unsweetened Japanese matcha. This shift represents a move towards higher quality and a more customizable experience for matcha connoisseurs.
Comparing Starbucks Green Teas
To better understand the differences, here is a comparison of the key green tea products offered at Starbucks.
| Feature | Teavana Brewed Green Tea | Starbucks Matcha Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Tea Type | Loose-leaf blend, brewed fresh | Finely ground powder |
| Primary Varieties | Jade Citrus Mint (iced), Emperor's Clouds & Mist (hot) | Unsweetened Japanese matcha (as of 2025) |
| Flavor Profile | Crisp, citrusy, and minty (Jade Citrus); classic, toasty (Emperor's) | Earthy, vibrant, and slightly vegetal |
| Preparation | Tea bags steeped in water | Powder whisked with milk or water |
| Sweetness | Depends on added syrup; tea itself is unsweetened | Unsweetened base, allows for custom sweetness level |
| Primary Use | Hot or iced brewed tea | Lattes, Frappuccinos, and blended drinks |
How to Replicate Starbucks Green Tea at Home
If you enjoy Starbucks' green tea beverages, you can easily create similar versions at home. Here is a simple guide:
- For Teavana Iced Green Tea: Purchase Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea bags or a comparable blend like Tazo Zen Green Tea, which was the previous Starbucks standard. Brew a strong batch and cool it over ice. You can then add liquid cane sugar or a flavor syrup to taste, just like a barista would.
- For Matcha Lattes: Since Starbucks has transitioned to an unsweetened powder, you can source high-quality unsweetened Japanese culinary-grade matcha powder. Whisk the powder with a small amount of hot water to create a smooth paste, then add your preferred steamed or cold milk and sweeten it with a simple syrup if desired.
The Evolving Tea Offerings at Starbucks
Starbucks' green tea selection has not remained static. The company continuously evolves its menu based on consumer trends and feedback. The move from Tazo to Teavana and, more recently, the change in the matcha formula highlight this adaptive approach. For example, the availability of specific Teavana blends can vary by region and season. The introduction of new innovations, such as the Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha in September 2025, shows that Starbucks continues to experiment and expand its tea-based beverage menu. By paying attention to these changes, customers can stay informed about the ingredients in their favorite green tea drinks.
Conclusion
To answer the question, "what brand does Starbucks use for their green tea?" there are two clear answers: Teavana for brewed teas and a dedicated unsweetened Japanese matcha blend for specialty lattes and Frappuccinos. Starbucks' history with green tea is marked by shifts, including moving away from Tazo and more recently improving the quality and customizability of its matcha. For green tea enthusiasts, this means a more sophisticated and less sugary matcha base is now available, alongside the reliable and familiar Teavana brewed teas. Understanding these brand specifics can enhance your appreciation for Starbucks' evolving tea program and help you find or even replicate your perfect green tea beverage. For more information on their current tea selections, you can visit the official Starbucks website Starbucks Teavana Teas.
