Matcha has been around for centuries. It is becoming an increasingly popular drink, not just in Asia but all over the world. And for a good reason – this powdered green tea has various health benefits and a unique flavour that many people are drawn to. Even Starbucks has joined the bandwagon and added matcha to their menu.
So if you’re out and about, check out the matcha drinks at Starbucks. Continue reading to discover if they have the same health advantages as conventional home-brewed beverages and what different types you can order.
The History of Starbucks Drinks
Starbucks is a coffee company founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington and has since spread to locations worldwide. Starbucks is well-known for its wide variety of drinks, including coffee, tea, and frappuccinos.
The first Starbucks location only served coffee. It wasn’t until later that the company began to offer a variety of drinks, including tea and frappuccinos. The company has always been innovative in its drink offerings, and it continues to come up with new and exciting beverages for its customers to enjoy.
Starbucks has risen to become one of the most well-known coffee providers in the world, and millions of customers drink its beverages every day. If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing drink, Starbucks is a great choice.
Matcha drinks at Starbucks
Matcha is a type of green tea that is popular in Japan. It has a distinct flavour that many people enjoy, and it is said to have numerous health benefits. Matcha tea is made by grinding up the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. This powder is then mixed with water and milk to create a drink.
Starbucks offers a variety of matcha drinks, including the Matcha Tea Latte, Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino, and Espresso and Matcha Fusion.
Matcha Latte
Depending on where you are, Starbucks may feature a wide range of matcha on its menu. They differ in the grade of matcha used to make the drink and its sweetness.
The matcha latte is a popular choice among Starbucks customers. It’s a green tea beverage prepared with matcha powder, milk, and water. The latte is then sweetened with syrup and topped with foam.
The matcha latte (Starbucks) calories range between 190-200cal for a tall size. It is a lower-calorie option compared to other frappuccino drinks.
Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino
The matcha green tea frappuccino is a cold, refreshing drink that is perfect for summer. It’s composed of matcha powder, milk, ice, and syrup. The drink is finished with whipped cream and green tea powder.
The tall size of this drink has approximately 300 calories.
How do the matcha drinks compare to home-brewed matcha?
The health benefits of matcha drinks are numerous; however, there are some differences between Starbucks and home-brewed matcha.
Antioxidants
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, which can boost your immune system and protect your body against disease. The quality of the powder determines the efficacy of the benefits of matcha. High-quality matcha powder is costly if sourced from Japan. Lower quality matcha will not offer the same benefits.
Home brewed matcha will usually offer more health benefits than store-bought drinks, as you can control the quality of powder used.
Taste
When brewed correctly, matcha has a rich and distinct flavour many people enjoy. Traditional matcha is usually bitter and often sweetened with sugar or honey.
The sugar may put consumers off in Starbucks’ matcha beverages, frequently sweetened with syrup. When preparing matcha at home, you can adjust your drink’s umami flavour and sweetness.
Nutrition
Starbucks matcha drinks are a convenient way to get your daily dose of matcha. However, they are not necessarily the healthiest choice. The drinks are often sweetened with syrup, and the milk used in the latte version can add extra calories and fat that you don’t need.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider making your matcha at home. This way, you can control the quality of matcha powder used, the type of milk and the amount of sweetness in your drink. The quality of the matcha powder affects the taste, so be sure to buy a good quality powder from a reputable source.
Price
A small matcha latte at Starbucks can cost upwards of $4.00. When brewed at home, a matcha latte can cost less per cup. However, if you indulge and buy high-quality matcha, it can be more expensive than store-bought drinks.
Shop Matcha Source’s entire line of matcha teas today!The Bottom Line
Starbucks matcha drinks are a convenient way to get your fix of this popular beverage. It has numerous health benefits, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a healthier drink than other drinks.
However, they are not necessarily the healthiest choice. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider making your matcha at home. This way, you can control the quality of matcha powder used, the type of milk and the amount of sweetness in your drink. The quality of the matcha powder affects the taste, so be sure to buy a good quality powder from a reputable source.
Whether you choose to Starbucks or make your matcha at home, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious and refreshing drink and reap some of the benefits.
FAQ
What is matcha?
Matcha is a green tea powder made from whole, ground-up tea leaves from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. It originated in China but became popular in Japan during the 12th century when Buddhist monks started consuming it to stay awake during long hours of meditation. Matcha eventually made its way to the West, becoming a popular beverage choice in recent years.
How is matcha different from regular green tea?
Matcha powder is made from whole, ground-up tea leaves while steeping leaves in hot water make regular green tea. This means that matcha contains more caffeine than traditional green tea. Additionally, matcha is a brighter green colour than regular green tea because of the chlorophyll content in the leaves.
What are the benefits of drinking matcha?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants and linked to numerous health benefits, including improved immunity, reduced risk of disease, and increased energy levels. Matcha is a good source of fibre, chlorophyll, and vitamins C and E.
