Iced Matcha Lattes, Ranked: Starbucks, Dunkin', & More
But first, ✨history check✨! Matcha is a type of green tea. It presents as a finely ground powder made from shade-grown tea leaves. Originating in China but now primarily associated with Japan, matcha was originally (and still is!) used ceremonially among Buddhist monks and others to promote mental clarity and meditation, and is believed to help medicinally due to the tea being high in antioxidants. However, matcha has grown outside of its spiritual and ceremonial role in recent years as it surged in popularity across the world, particularly captivating younger coffee and tea enthusiasts (me).
Now, you can find matcha incorporated into things like donuts, breads, ice cream, cakes — and lattes. So, without further ado, let's get into our taste test, which I'm calling Matcha Madness™️. I went to five coffee chains: Dutch Bros, Dunkin', Better Buzz, Peet's Coffee, and Starbucks.
Let's start!
5. STARBUCKS — Made with 2% milk and an unsweetened matcha powder, Starbucks puts the matcha powder and milk into a cold foam blender to gently incorporate the two together. If you do want your matcha sweetened, though, you can ask for some pumps of classic syrup or vanilla!
OK, though the internet is telling me that Starbucks's matcha latte recipe is supposed to come with classic syrup, the one I got surely didn't. And even if it did, I honestly don't think it would've made a difference in the ranking.As I mentioned before, I used to be a Starbucks barista, so I was around when the matcha powder WAS sweetened, and I thought it was pretty decent back then and didn't need any other added sweetener. So color me surprised when I took a sip of the ~updated~ matcha latte and found that not only was it unsweetened, but extremely bitter and watery!?Listen, I understand that matcha isn't naturally the sweetest thing in the world, but this was...to put it plainly, not good. It was thin-bodied and tart, and almost just tasted like watered-down milk. Again, even if the drink was sweetened, you shouldn't need to rely on syrups to have a good matcha latte!• Price: $5.25• Rating: 2/10 🍵
Literally, here is the surprise coloring my face:
4. DUTCH BROS — Dutch Bros recently came out with a whole new matcha menu featuring several different flavors, but this is just a regular ole iced matcha latte featuring 2% milk. I'm going to assume that the matcha powder is sweetened because when I asked the baristas, they weren't sure (but I'm 95% sure it is).
First of all, I didn't take a picture of what the latte looked like on the inside because there were so many people at the location I went to that I got stressed out, navigated my way out, went to a plaza across the way to park, and ultimately forgot. However, I will say that the consistency of the drink appeared less creamy and cloud-like than Starbucks's, but thin-bodied as well. Unfortunately, Dutch Bros didn't meet my expectations!The vegetal, grassy flavor from the matcha peeked through a little bit, but it was overshadowed by this strange apple-like flavor? It caught me off-guard — it almost tasted like a sour apple? I'm still unsure what I was tasting, TBH, but all I know is I didn't like it all that much. I'm sure that if I tried another specialty matcha drink that Dutch Bros offers, I would like it a whole lot more, but their regular matcha latte? Not the biggest fan.• Price: $5.65• Rating: 4/10 🍵
3. DUNKIN' — Honestly, I underestimate Dunkin' Donuts, because they ranked higher during my Pumpkin Patrol™️ taste test, too! Dunkin's iced matcha latte is made with, by default, a sweetened matcha blend and skim milk.
Without a doubt, Dunkin's matcha latte is sweetened to the heavens. There's barely any dimension to the matcha because it's quite sweet, yet it's still a better drink compared to the last two, in my opinion.The drink is more full-bodied, and judging by the foam on top, it appears the matcha was shaken in with the milk (like how Starbucks used to do it), which I like a lot more.If I were in a rush and had to go through a drive-thru for a matcha fix, I honestly wouldn't shy away from pulling up to Dunkin'! And for a small being $4.99, it doesn't seem like too bad of a deal. Dunkin' Donuts, you have truly bewitched me, body and soul.• Price: $4.99• Rating: 6/10 🍵
2. BETTER BUZZ — Made with whole milk, Better Buzz's matcha latte comes with matcha sweetened and mixed with their Vanilla Buzz mix!
Simply put, this was a good matcha latte. Despite it being sweetened, I didn't think the sweetness overpowered the matcha at all, and it was still able to shine. The matcha was incorporated with the milk seamlessly, creating a silky mouthfeel, and had a grassy yet sweet flavor, without it being too bitter.There was depth to the flavor of this drink that I didn't taste in the previous chains I went to, but I do wonder how the drink would stand without the vanilla mix, which is why I put it at number 2! Also, additional points for the cutest brand theme.• Price: $5.49• Rating: 8.5/10 🍵
Well, look at that! We've reached the end of our matcha-tasting journey! Now, for the best iced matcha latte that I tasted. Drumroll, please 🥁🥁🥁...
1. PEET'S COFFEE — The undefeated champion, it appears! Made with whole milk, Peet's uses organic ceremonial-grade matcha, and it certainly tastes like it.
No offense, but this matcha latte won by a LANDSLIDE. Not only does Peet's win based on using a higher-quality matcha, but the preparation of the drink really makes a difference in the taste.I was watching the barista making it (if you're reading this, you slayed so hard), and the matcha is made traditionally, which includes sifting the matcha and whisking it with hot water. The matcha was then mixed with milk, then topped with ice and a nice, creamy cold foam.As the youngins say, that thing was bussin'. The drink was subtly sweet and earthy, with almost a nutty flavor to it. The vegetal, grassy flavor came through, but without ever being overly bitter. The foam was an awesome touch and was creamy and silky, creating a really pleasant sipping experience. Peet, whoever you are, I love you.• Price: $5.35• Rating: 10/10 🍵
Whew, trying five matcha lattes in one day is surely not for those with a complicated relationship with dairy (me). Let's just say that, yes, I probably consumed a lot of sugar, and, no, I didn't end up sleeping well that night. Even so, I had so much fun on this matcha adventure! Of course, everyone has different preferences and taste buds, so feel free to make your own judgment and do your own Matcha Madness (just bring water and maybe take a nap in between). And remember, you can always ask your barista to modify your drink as needed!
And that's a wrap! Where's your favorite place to get a matcha latte? Do you like to make yours at home, or do you go to a specialty place? Let me know in the comments, and we can talk all things MATCHA!
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