Starbucks Copycat Matcha Latte | Cheaper & Healthier Recipe

Name: Starbucks Copycat Matcha Latte Recipe:
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 9 min

Contents

Why Make a Copycat Starbucks Matcha Latte at Home?

We all love creamy Starbucks copycat matcha latte.
But let’s be honest… paying $6–$7 for a cup of sweetened milk and tea powder adds up fast.

If you have the ingredients and can make a more delicious matcha latte at home, try my Starbucks Copycat Matcha Latte recipe.

Here’s the secret: you can make the same drink at home for under $2.
Not only is it cheaper, but you also get control over sugar, calories, and matcha quality.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make a Starbucks matcha latte that tastes just as good—without the extra sugar crash.

Think of it as a “barista-approved hack” from your own kitchen.

What’s Really in a Starbucks Copycat Matcha Latte?

Here’s where things get interesting.

Starbucks uses a sweetened matcha powder (a blend of green tea powder + sugar).
That means your “healthy green tea latte” actually has a lot more sugar than you think.

👉 A Starbucks Grande (16 oz) Matcha Latte has:

240 calories
32 grams of sugar
70 mg of caffeine

Now compare that with my homemade:

80–120 calories (depends on milk + sweetener)
5–10 grams of sugar (if you sweeten lightly)
70 mg of caffeine (same matcha benefits, smoother energy).

So yes, it’s healthier to DIY. You’ll also use real ceremonial-grade matcha instead of a sugar-heavy premix.

📖 Want to go deeper on matcha’s energy vs coffee? Check out my guide: Matcha Caffeine vs Coffee: What You Need to Know Before Switching.

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Smarter Swaps)

Matcha powder → ceremonial grade is best for lattes. Try Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial Matcha (smooth, vibrant, affordable).
Milk of choice → oat milk (creamy), almond milk (nutty), dairy (classic café vibe).
Sweetener (optional) → honey, maple syrup, agave, or sugar-free options.
Hot water → never boiling, always around 175°F (to avoid bitterness).
Ice cubes → if making it iced.

Chef’s tip: sift your matcha before whisking—it prevents clumps and gives that café-smooth texture.

How to Make a Starbucks Copycat Matcha Latte at Home

Step 1: Prep the Matcha

Sift 1–2 tsp matcha powder into a bowl.
Add 2–3 tbsp hot (not boiling) water.
Whisk in a quick “W” motion until smooth and frothy.

Step 2: Build the Latte

Heat (or froth) 1 cup of your favorite milk.
Stir in the matcha mixture.
Sweeten to taste (or leave unsweetened for a clean, earthy sip).

Step 3: Customize Your Style

For iced matcha latte → add ice to a tall glass, pour in milk, then matcha on top for that layered café look.
For hot matcha latte → serve straight in a mug with extra froth.

👉 Related recipe: If you love layering, check out my Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe for a fruity pink-green twist.

Nutrition & Calorie Breakdown: Starbucks vs DIY

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:


Drink	Calories	Sugar	Caffeine	Cost
Starbucks Grande Matcha Latte	~240	32g	70mg	$6–$7
Homemade Matcha Latte (almond milk + honey)	~90	8g	70mg	$1.50
Homemade Matcha Latte (unsweetened oat milk)	~120	5g	70mg	$2

👉 Big win: less sugar, fewer calories, more savings.

📖 For coffee lovers curious about the caffeine difference, read: Matcha Coffee Latte Recipe: Creamy Café-Style at Home.

Strawberry Matcha Latte In 5 Min — Strawberry Matcha Latte

Matcha Coffee Latte Recipe At Home — Strawberry Matcha Latte

Tips for the Perfect Copycat Starbucks Matcha Latte

Froth matters → use a bamboo whisk or a handheld frother for that café foam.
Ice hack → fill glass to the top for a layered look.
Sweeter? Add a drizzle of vanilla syrup for Starbucks-style flavor.
Busy mornings? Premix matcha + sweetener in a jar → just add milk + shake.

Variations You Can Try (Better Than Starbucks Hacks)

Vanilla Matcha Latte → add a splash of vanilla extract.
Dirty Matcha Latte → add 1 shot of espresso (like the Matcha Coffee Latte recipe).
Strawberry Matcha Latte → swirl strawberry purée for color + sweetness.
Coconut Cream Matcha Latte → use coconut milk for tropical vibes.

👉 External resource: Curious about other Starbucks hacks? Check Starbucks’ nutrition page to see how your DIY compares.

FAQs About Starbucks Copycat Matcha Latte

Matcha Coffee Latte Recipe

Matcha Coffee Latte is a perfect blend of earthy green matcha, strong coffee flavor, and creamy milk.

The best part is, you don’t have to travel far to a fancy cafe, nor do you need barista skills to make this dish at home. You don’t have to spend $7 at Starbucks; all you need are a few simple tools from your kitchen. It can be made in just 10 minutes, and then you can enjoy it!

1. Is Starbucks matcha real matcha?

Yes, but it’s mixed with sugar. That’s why homemade tastes more natural.

2. How many calories are in a Starbucks matcha latte?

A Grande has ~240 calories with 32g sugar.

3. Can I make a matcha latte without sweetener?

Definitely. The flavor will be more earthy, but still smooth.

4. What’s the best matcha powder for lattes?

I recommend Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial Matcha for beginners. Affordable, vibrant green, and smooth.

5. How much caffeine does a matcha latte have?

About 70 mg per serving—gentler than coffee but steady for focus.

Final Thoughts

Skip the Line, Keep the Flavor

You don’t need a Starbucks run to enjoy a creamy green latte.
With real matcha powder, your favorite milk, and 5 minutes, you’ll have a latte that’s cheaper, cleaner, and way more customizable.

Next time you’re tempted to pay $7 for sugar-heavy matcha, try this Starbucks copycat matcha latte version.
Trust me, your wallet and your body will thank you.

Tag us on Instagram @thenextpulse25 and on Pinterest also @thenextpulse by using #pulsematchacoffee.

Starbucks Copycat Matcha Latte Recipe:

Mona Ijaz

We all love creamy Starbucks copycat matcha latte. But let’s be honest… paying $6–$7 for a cup of sweetened milk and tea powder adds up fast. If you have the ingredients and can make a more delicious matcha latte at home, try my Starbucks Copycat Matcha Latte recipe.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Wisk Time 5

Total Time 9

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1 cup

Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients

Matcha powder → ceremonial grade is best for lattes. Try Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial Matcha (smooth, vibrant, affordable).

Milk of choice → oat milk (creamy), almond milk (nutty), dairy (classic café vibe).

Sweetener (optional) → honey, maple syrup, agave, or sugar-free options.

Hot water → never boiling, always around 175°F (to avoid bitterness).

Ice cubes → if making it iced.