Is Starbucks' Matcha Authentic? The Truth Behind Their Popular Green Tea Drinks

Starbucks has confirmed it uses 100% real matcha sourced from historic tea producers, but customers can only enjoy sweetened versions. While matcha remains a popular choice, Starbucks’ matcha powder arrives pre-sweetened, preventing U.S. locations from offering unsweetened options.

Starbucks Serves 100% Real Matcha, But Why Can’t You Get an Unsweetened Version?

Starbucks is the top coffee shop in the United States based on sales alone. However, Starbucks offers much more than just coffee; it boasts many beverages, including lattes, cold brews, fruit refreshers, and even matcha-based drinks. The company is known for using 100% authentic matcha sourced from some of the oldest tea producers in the world, as confirmed by a Starbucks representative in a statement to The Takeout. Starbucks' matcha is a deep blue-green shade with sweet, floral, and umami notes.

Despite using authentic matcha, customers in the U.S. won’t find a pure matcha option, as the powder is pre-sweetened with sugar before reaching stores. This means an unsweetened matcha drink isn’t available at Starbucks locations nationwide.

Matcha remains a popular choice for customers, offering various options from the classic matcha latte—made with steamed milk or served over ice—to matcha-flavored Frappuccinos. Additionally, customers can personalize their drinks with alternative milk options like coconut, almond, or soy, which are widely available.

Starbucks Unveils Fall Menu with New Apple Crisp Chai and Raccoon Cake Pop to Rival Pumpkin

Last month's report, as Starbucks transitioned to fall, the chain introduced its seasonal menu, featuring two new limited-time items: the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai and the Raccoon Cake Pop. The long-awaited return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte also coincides with these releases, though the new apple-flavored drink may spark competition. Since 2021, Starbucks has introduced apple-themed beverages, such as the Apple Crisp Macchiato, challenging the dominance of pumpkin-flavored drinks. The latest addition, the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai, offers a creamy, sweet flavor with hints of apple brown sugar syrup, blending harmoniously with chai spices.

On the other hand, the Raccoon Cake Pop, while visually appealing, lacks flavor innovation. The vanilla-flavored cake and frosting mirror the taste of Starbucks' Birthday Cake Pop, with the only significant difference being the design. Starbucks has faced criticism for its lack of creativity in seasonal cake pops, with customers pointing out the repetitive animal-shaped molds used for various themed releases.