The Shocking Truth About What Matcha Starbucks Uses (Updated 2024)

The question of "what matcha does Starbucks use" has a drastically different answer today, December 12, 2025, than it did just a year ago. For years, the coffee giant used a notorious, pre-sweetened matcha powder blend, which was the source of a massive sugar and calorie count in their popular Green Tea Lattes. The good news is that Starbucks has finally listened to customer demands, but the new standard recipe comes with a hidden twist that most customers are still unaware of.

The definitive, up-to-date answer is that Starbucks now uses a new, unsweetened matcha powder blend sourced from Japan. This is a game-changing move for health-conscious drinkers, but here is the critical caveat: the company simultaneously made Classic Syrup the new standard sweetener for the drink, meaning your Iced Matcha Latte is still loaded with sugar unless you explicitly customize your order. This deep dive will uncover the exact blend they use, expose the nutritional impact of the recipe change, and provide the exact instructions for ordering a truly pure, healthy matcha drink.

The Complete Breakdown of Starbucks' Matcha Powder Blend

Starbucks does not use a single, commercially available brand of matcha that you can buy in a grocery store. Instead, they use a proprietary blend that is specifically designed for their large-scale operations. Understanding this blend is key to knowing what you are actually drinking.

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It's a Proprietary Japanese-Sourced Blend

The powder used across Starbucks' U.S. stores is a proprietary mix. While the company does not disclose the specific supplier, the matcha is sourced from Japan, the traditional home of the finest green tea powder. This sourcing is important, as Japanese matcha is known for its quality, vibrant green color, and L-Theanine content, which provides the calm, focused energy matcha is famous for.

• Sourcing: Primarily from Japan.
• Type: A culinary-grade blend, which is lower quality than ceremonial-grade matcha, but suitable for mixing with milk and sweeteners.
• The Brand: It is simply a "blend made by Starbucks" and not a third-party brand.

The Shocking 2024 Ingredient Change (Sweetened to Unsweetened)

For years, the biggest controversy surrounding the Starbucks Matcha Latte was the powder's ingredients. The old powder was a pre-mixed blend of matcha powder and a significant amount of sugar—making it impossible to order an unsweetened matcha latte.

The Major Update: Starting around January 2, 2024, Starbucks officially rolled out a new unsweetened matcha powder in the US. This new powder's only ingredient is pure green tea. This change is a massive win for customers who want to control their sugar intake.

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However, the new standard recipe for the Green Tea Latte (hot or iced) now includes Classic Syrup by default. This means the sugar is no longer *in* the powder, but it is now *added* to the drink automatically by the barista. If you order a standard Iced Matcha Latte, you are still getting a heavily sweetened beverage.

Why the New Unsweetened Matcha is a Game Changer for Your Health

The switch to an unsweetened base is the most significant health-focused change to the drink in its history. This is how the new recipe impacts your nutrition and why it is a huge opportunity for customization.

The Sugar and Calorie Controversy Solved

The old recipe was a sugar bomb. A Grande Iced Matcha Latte with 2% milk contained approximately 32 grams of sugar—most of which came directly from the pre-sweetened powder.

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With the new unsweetened powder, the base ingredient is now incredibly healthy:

• Matcha Powder Calories: The new unsweetened powder contains only about 3–5 calories per scoop.
• Sugar Content: Zero grams of sugar from the powder itself.

The high sugar content now comes entirely from the Classic Syrup and the type of milk you choose. This is where the power of customization comes in. By removing the Classic Syrup, you eliminate the single largest source of added sugar in the drink.

Unlocking the True Health Benefits of Matcha

When you order the drink unsweetened, you unlock the genuine health benefits associated with pure matcha, which is a finely ground whole leaf green tea. These benefits include:

• Antioxidants: Matcha is packed with powerful antioxidants, most notably Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), which is linked to metabolism support and cellular health.
• L-Theanine: This amino acid promotes a state of "calm alertness." It works with the caffeine in the matcha to provide sustained energy without the jitters or crash associated with coffee.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Since you consume the whole leaf, you get a higher concentration of nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and chlorophyll.

To truly capitalize on these benefits, you must ensure your drink is made with the unsweetened powder and no Classic Syrup.

The Definitive Guide: How to Order a Truly Unsweetened Starbucks Matcha

The key to a healthy, low-sugar, and low-calorie Starbucks Matcha Latte is in your ordering language. You must be specific to override the new standard recipe that includes Classic Syrup.

1. Use the Magic Words: "No Classic Syrup"

When you order your drink, whether through the app or at the counter, your request should always include this customization. The barista will automatically add Classic Syrup unless you specify otherwise.

The Perfect Order (Unsweetened): "Can I please get a Grande Iced Matcha Latte with [Your Milk Choice], and NO Classic Syrup."

2. Customize Your Milk Base

The default milk is 2% dairy milk, but choosing a plant-based alternative can dramatically change the flavor profile and calorie count. Many customers find that the rich flavor of Oat Milk or the lightness of Almond Milk pairs perfectly with the slightly grassy notes of pure matcha.

• Oat Milk: Creamy and rich, but higher in calories and sugar than almond milk.
• Almond Milk: The lowest calorie option, providing a lighter texture.
• Coconut Milk: Used in the new Coco Matcha test drinks, it adds a subtle tropical sweetness.

3. The "Real Matcha" Pro Tip: Double the Scoops

Because the new unsweetened powder is pure matcha, some customers find the standard number of scoops (3 for a Grande) to be too mild, especially without the sugar to mask the green tea flavor. A common customization among matcha enthusiasts is to ask for extra powder.

Pro Tip: Ask for Double Scoops of the matcha powder (e.g., "Grande Iced Matcha Latte with Oat Milk, No Classic Syrup, and an extra scoop of matcha"). This will give you a bolder, more authentic green tea flavor and a higher dose of caffeine and L-Theanine.

4. The Low-Sugar Sweetener Alternative

If you want some sweetness without the 20 grams of sugar from the Classic Syrup, you have better options:

• Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup: This is a zero-calorie, zero-sugar alternative that can provide the sweetness you crave.
• Stevia/Raw Sugar: Ask for a packet of Stevia or raw sugar to add yourself, allowing you to control the exact amount.
• Syrup Substitutes: Try a single pump of a different, non-Classic flavored syrup like Sugar Cookie Syrup or White Mocha for a unique, lower-sugar flavor boost.

By understanding that Starbucks now uses a pure, unsweetened matcha base, you have the power to transform the standard sugary beverage into a healthy, customized, and high-quality green tea experience.