🍵Matcha Reviews: STARBUCKS | Green Tea Latte
Updated: Mar 19, 2022
STARBUCKS actually offers a variety of surprisingly decent matcha drinks (on their menu it's referred to as green tea). There are three different beverages available: the hot green tea latte, the iced green tea latte and the green tea frappuccino. Those who like a slightly milkier blend of matcha flavour in their beverage will enjoy this green tea range at STARBUCKS.
As expected of all big chain coffee houses, the service is variable depending on which STARBUCKS you visit so don't get your hopes up. Provided you don't visit during some sort of happy hour, STARBUCKS is generally an acceptable location for a catchup with friends or a study/work session. However, because of the high amount of traffic coming through during the day, the tables won't always feel the cleanest.
The hot green tea latte ($6 for the tall size) is very well-blended and has a smooth matcha flavour. I find that the tall size is a good portion that can satisfy my craving for a matcha beverage. The texture of the latte is slightly thinner (more liquid-y than foamy) than some of the other matcha lattes I've tried. I personally find that STARBUCKS' hot green tea latte tastes best when you ask the barista to adjust the sugar syrup amount to half a pump instead of the standard two pumps (otherwise the latte is too sweet). Sometimes the sugar syrup taste can overpower the green tea flavour depending on the day. I have also received a few green tea lattes that were way too hot to consume at first and have burnt my tongue one too many times trying to drink these lattes.
The iced green tea latte has also more of a milky balance but the green tea flavour still cuts through clearly. Again, I always order this drink with only half a pump of sugar syrup but sometimes the sweetness can overpower the green tea flavour depending on the barista. Unfortunately, I've also almost always tasted a weird gelatin clump at the end of the drink because the syrup doesn't always blend perfectly with the latte.
Overall, these drinks are a a reliable choice for me if I'm wanting a matcha drink and there aren't many other options available (especially handy to remember if you're travelling). Although honestly, it isn't my first choice when thinking of matcha beverages I'd like to drink, I still give it credit for being a reliable option to keep in mind.
Final verdict: GREAT BACKUP ⭕️
Atmosphere and venue: ⭐️⭐️
Presentation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
#lillyreviewsmatcha #matchalattes