Starbucks matcha has quietly become one of the most loved green tea drinks in the U.S. and for good reason. It's warm, comforting, lightly sweet, and delivers a smooth energy boost without the harsh crash of coffee. If you're searching for Starbucks matcha, Starbucks matcha latte calories, or wondering which hot matcha drink fits your lifestyle, you're in the right place.
This blog covers hot Starbucks matcha drinks available in the U.S., including classic options and newer protein-packed matcha lattes. I'll break down ingredients, calories, sugar, protein, caffeine and who each drink is best for so you can order with confidence.
Prefer your matcha cold? Don't worry, we'll cover iced Starbucks matcha drinks in a separate, detailed guide coming soon.
What Is Starbucks Matcha Powder?
Many first-timers assume Starbucks matcha is naturally sweet. In reality, the sweetness comes from syrups and milk Starbucks matcha powder itself is unsweetened containing no added sugar, though the high-quality tea leaves provide a subtle natural sweetness and rich umami flavor.
Before diving into each drink, it helps to understand what Starbucks uses behind the counter.
Starbucks matcha powder is finely ground green tea. When combined with milk and syrup, it creates a creamy latte that's less bitter than traditional ceremonial matcha making it more approachable for everyday drinkers.
Most hot matcha drinks include:
- Unsweetened matcha powder
- Milk (2% or protein-boosted milk)
- Syrup (classic, caramel, or sugar-free options)
- Foam and steamed milk texture
Knowing this helps you decide how much syrup or milk you want for the perfect hot matcha latte.
Starbucks Matcha Latte Calories (Grande)
Here's a look at the official Starbucks US nutrition data for Grande hot matcha drinks:
| Drink | Calories | Sugar | Fat | Protein | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matcha Tea Latte | 220 | 29 g | 6 g | 11 g | 65 mg |
| Protein Matcha | 300 | 30 g | 7 g | 28 g | 75 mg |
| Caramel Protein Matcha | 310 | 32 g | 7 g | 28 g | 65 mg |
| Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha | 240 | 16 g | 7 g | 28 g | 75 mg |
| Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha | 250 | 16 g | 7 g | 28 g | 60 mg |
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Tips:
- Calories and sugar increase with syrups and milk type.
- Protein options use protein-boosted milk.
- Sugar-free syrups reduce sugar significantly while maintaining flavor.
Hot Starbucks Matcha Drinks & Variations
Starbucks keeps its hot matcha menu simple but flexible. Here's a breakdown of each drink:
1. Starbucks Matcha Tea Latte
The classic Starbucks matcha latte is smooth, creamy, and lightly sweet. Perfect if you're new to matcha or just want a comforting warm drink.
Ingredients:
- 3 scoops matcha powder
- 2% milk
- 3 pumps classic syrup
- Steamed hot with foam
If you're new to matcha or want a warm, slightly sweet green tea latte, this is your safest choice. It's smooth, creamy, and customizable less syrup or a different milk can quickly change the nutrition profile.
2. Protein Matcha
Protein Matcha uses protein-boosted milk, giving 28g of protein per Grande. It's thicker and more filling than the classic latte and still lightly sweet.
Ingredients:
- 3 scoops matcha powder
- Protein-boosted milk
- 3 pumps classic syrup
- Steamed hot with foam
This drink sits right in the middle less dessert-like than caramel, but still smooth and slightly sweet. It's great if you want a high-protein Starbucks matcha latte without strong added flavors. People can use this in breakfast, post-workout drinks, or anyone wanting a filling of hot matcha.
3. Caramel Protein Matcha (New – Released Jan 6, 2026)
This brand-new Starbucks matcha drink adds caramel syrup to protein matcha. Richer and more dessert-like, but still high in protein.
Ingredients:
- Matcha powder (3 scoops)
- Protein-boosted milk
- Caramel syrup (3 pumps)
- Steamed hot with foam
This drink is ideal if you want energy + fulfillment in one cup. With 28g of protein, it works well as a light breakfast replacement or post-workout warm drink.
If you like sweet, dessert-style lattes but still want nutritional value, caramel and matcha pair surprisingly well.
4. Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha
This low-sugar version uses sugar-free vanilla syrup to cut calories and sugar while keeping protein high.
Ingredients:
- Matcha powder (3 scoops)
- Protein-boosted milk
- Sugar-free vanilla syrup
- Steamed hot with foam
This is arguably the best overall hot Starbucks matcha drink for health-focused customers.
5. Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha (New – Released Jan 6, 2026)
Starbucks just introduced the new Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha, featuring their newly launched sugar-free caramel syrup. Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha swaps regular caramel syrup for a sugar-free version, reducing sugar while keeping protein intact.
What's in it?
- Matcha powder (3 scoops)
- Protein-boosted milk
- Sugar-free caramel syrup
- Steamed hot with foam
This is perfect for: Low-sugar diets, Macro-tracking and People who want protein without sweetness overload.
Compared to the regular Caramel Protein Matcha, this version cuts sugar nearly in half while keeping protein the same.
Does Starbucks Matcha Have Caffeine?
Yes. A Grande hot matcha drink contains 60 to 75 mg of caffeine. That's less than a cup of coffee but more than regular brewed green tea. Many people prefer matcha for a smoother, longer lasting energy boost.
Can I Customize Starbucks Matcha Lattes?
One of the best things about Starbucks matcha lattes is how easy they are to make your own. Whether you're watching calories, managing sugar, or just want a stronger matcha flavor, you can adjust your drink exactly how you like it.
Here are some of the most popular customizations:
- Fewer syrup pumps Cut down on sugar and sweetness without losing flavor.
- Non-dairy milk Swap 2% milk for oat, almond, or soy milk for a dairy-free latte.
- Extra matcha scoop Boost the green tea flavor and caffeine for a more energizing drink.
- No foam Skip the foam if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Sugar-free syrups Maintain sweetness without the extra sugar; perfect if you're calorie-conscious.
Even small tweaks can dramatically change the nutrition profile and taste of your latte, making it uniquely yours.
Tip: Pair fewer syrup pumps with a scoop of extra matcha for a strong, bold green tea flavor with lower sugar.
Which Hot Starbucks Matcha Drink Is Best for You?
With multiple hot Starbucks matcha options now available, choosing the right one depends on what you want from your drink. Some are made for classic flavor, while others focus on protein or lower sugar. This quick comparison makes it easier to decide based on your goal.
| Your Goal | Best Hot Starbucks Matcha Option |
|---|---|
| Classic, creamy matcha taste | Matcha Tea Latte |
| High-protein boost | Protein Matcha |
| Lower sugar with high protein | Sugar-Free Vanilla or Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha |
| More filling, meal-style option | Caramel Protein Matcha |
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If you're ordering Starbucks matcha for comfort and tradition, the Matcha Tea Latte delivers a smooth, lightly sweet green tea experience. For those treating matcha as a functional drink whether post-workout or as a breakfast replacement the protein-based matcha options offer significantly more staying power.
This comparison helps you align your taste preference, nutrition goals, and daily routine with the right hot Starbucks matcha drink without guesswork at the counter.
Hot Starbucks matcha drinks are versatile, flavorful, and easy to customize. From the classic Starbucks matcha latte to protein-packed and sugar-free options, there's something for every taste and lifestyle.
If you're craving a warm, slightly sweet green tea drink, hot matcha is worth a try.
