21 Tea-rrific Starbucks Green Tea Drinks To Try

Starbucks green tea drinks are all the rage right now. Who knew that good old green tea could be enjoyed in so many delicious ways? With its delicate and refreshing flavor, the popularity of green tea has proven to be more than just a wellness craze – it has become a worldwide taste sensation.

Whether you’re a green tea fan or a matcha lover (like me!), Starbucks has a diversity of delightful options for you to enjoy. I’m proud to say that I’ve tried all the Starbucks tea drinks from the menu, and I can’t wait to share my favorite green tea and matcha drinks with you, including secret menu item recommendations that are sure to lift your mood and satisfy your cravings!

Green Tea and Matcha: Why the Craze?

You can find green tea, particularly matcha, in just about everything today – in lattes, brownies, cookies, chocolates, ice cream, and even in skincare products. But why the craze? 

Health and wellness awareness has risen significantly over the last few years, driving the demand for superfoods like green tea. More and more people are recognizing the numerous health benefits of green tea and matcha, and the endless ways they can be enjoyed.

Of course, the unique flavors of green tea and matcha have played a big role in sparking the craze. Green tea has a delicate taste with earthy undertones that is very refreshing. On the other hand, matcha has a rich, umami flavor profile that is very relaxing. Their versatility in culinary creations further adds to their appeal, as their flavors are easy to incorporate into various drinks and dishes, whether sweet or savory.

On top of that, tea expert Kathy YL Chan says, “In this world of Instagram, Twitter, social media, blogs and everything, visuals are such a huge part of the appeal and matcha just happens to be prettier than most tea.”

Health Benefits of Green Tea and Matcha

Both green tea and matcha come from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant where other types of teas like black, white, and oolong tea come from. The main difference between green tea and matcha is their cultivation, processing, and preparation methods. 

Green tea is cultivated under the sun, withered, cooked, rolled, and dried, producing a dull green color with a brownish tone. Matcha is a type of green tea grown in the shade, hand-picked, steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder, resulting in a vibrant, bright green color. 

Both teas have delicious flavors and are believed to provide amazing health benefits. The choice depends on personal preference, as people may prefer the flavor or properties of one over the other. Here are the top health benefits of green tea and matcha as per Healthline:

Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most well-loved teas in the world, and its popularity stems from its distinct flavor, versatility, and cultural significance. According to Kathy Warwick, RD, CDE, this refreshing beverage potentially does wonders for the mind and body, such as:

• Improved brain function
• Enhanced mental alertness 
• Better metabolism
• Lowered LDL cholesterol levels
• Digestive problems relief
• Reduced risk of certain cancers such as breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer
• Weight loss support
• Heart health support

Matcha

Matcha shares many of the benefits of green tea, but the way it is prepared results in more concentrated amounts of healthy compounds like antioxidants, chlorophyll, caffeine, and theanine.

Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD notes that the ever-popular matcha green tea provides numerous potential health and wellness benefits, such as:

• Liver protection
• Improved memory and cognitive function
• Cancer prevention
• Improved heart health
• Weight loss support
• Inflammation relief
• Reduced oxidative stress
• Detoxification support

Starbucks Green Tea Drinks: An Overview

If you’ve ever had coffee at Starbucks, then you know that the chain has mastered the delightful fusion of flavor and innovation. The green tea and matcha craze began around 2013, but Starbucks was way ahead in trends when they launched their famous Green Tea Latte in 2006. They added delectable green tea drinks to their menu over the years – a mixture of hot teas, iced teas, and blended beverages.

Today, their diverse green tea and matcha selection appeals to both green tea enthusiasts and casual drinkers. From the classic iced green tea to the well-loved Matcha Crème Frappuccino, Starbucks provides green tea drinks that transcend the ordinary.

21 Delicious Starbucks Green Tea Drinks To Try

If you’re looking for a change up to your usual Iced Americano or your favorite affordable Starbucks coffee options, why not try any of the delicious Starbucks green tea drinks? They offer both non-caffeinated and caffeinated tea at Starbucks.

Their green tea and matcha selection currently includes three hot drinks, seven iced drinks, and one frappuccino. Of course, we can’t forget the most popular custom green tea drinks and secret menu items that are definitely a must-try!

Hot Selections

If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, try any of Starbucks’s three green tea and matcha options. Soothe your senses with a cup of Emperor’s Cloud and Mist, Honey Citrus Mint Tea, or Matcha Tea Latte.

Emperor’s Cloud and Mist

Starbucks says Emperor’s Clouds and Mist is cultivated at 3,500 feet amidst clouds and mist. It is purely green tea, and I love its smoky, subtly sweet flavor. This drink also contains zero calories, perfect for those who want to indulge without the guilt.

Honey Citrus Mint Tea

Did you know that Honey Citrus Mint Tea was actually created by a customer? It became so popular that Starbucks adapted it into its menu. 

This comforting green tea drink is a mixture of various flavors including lemon, pineapple, and chamomile blossom, and is served with steamed lemonade with a touch of honey. Also known for its secret menu names like Coldbuster and Medicine bomb, Honey Citrus Mint brewed tea is famously known to customers as a “tea for colds”.

Matcha Tea Latte

Made with 2% milk and a blend of sugar and ground Japanese green tea, this smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet drink is perfect if you’re in the matcha mood. This is one of my personal favorites because I like how the perfect balance of matcha and milk creates a rich, velvety texture that I enjoy.

Iced Selections

Need a refresher? Order from the iced green tea and matcha selections from your local Starbucks. From cool lemonades to flavorful iced lattes, you’re sure to find something to uplift your mood and quench your thirst!

Iced Green Tea

If you love iced tea, you’ll find the Starbucks Iced Green Tea as the ultimate refresher. Made only with green tea, ice, water, and liquid cane sugar, it is the lowest-calorie iced green tea on the menu. 

Iced Peach Green Tea

This invigorating drink is a mixture of Jade Citrus Mint tea, peach-flavored juice, and liquid cane sugar. You can taste hints of spearmint, lemon, and lemongrass which makes it an instant mood booster. Sometimes, I ask to substitute guava juice for peach just to change it up!

Iced Green Tea Lemonade

This lightly flavored, oh-so-cooling drink is made with Jade Citrus Mint green tea, lemonade, liquid cane sugar, and ice, which is great when the weather is warm. If you’re trying to lessen your sugar intake, you can remove the liquid cane sugar, because the lemonade concentrate already comes pre-sweetened.

Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade

The Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade is the perfect choice when you need something energizing. It combines Jade Citrus Mint tea, a peach-flavored fruit juice blend, and lemonade, with a hint of spearmint, lemon, and lemongrass – yum!

Iced Matcha Tea Latte

If you love Starbucks Matcha Tea Latte, you can also enjoy it iced! The perfect blend of milk, sugar, and ground Japanese green tea makes a smooth and creamy matcha drink that is perfectly sweetened!

Iced Matcha Lemonade

Matcha and lemon? Yes, please! The Starbucks Iced Matcha Lemonade is both grounding and revitalizing with its unique combination of matcha tea blend and lemonade. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tangy any time of the day!

Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink

Pineapple and Matcha? You’ll be surprised at how well this works! The Starbucks Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink is a unique combination of matcha green tea, pineapple, ginger, and coconut milk. It’s definitely a must-try.

Blended

Lately, I often find myself in a frappuccino mood. They’re perfect for cooling off and satisfying my sweet tooth!

Matcha Crème Frappuccino

If you’ve always wondered what makes the Starbucks Matcha Crème Frappuccino so delicious, it’s the unique mix of matcha tea blend, whole milk, crème frappuccino syrup, and classic syrup. Top it off with the Starbucks signature whipped cream and you get a perfectly sweetened drink that can satisfy any matcha cravings!

Popular Custom Green Tea Drinks and Secret Menu Items

Combine the wild popularity of green tea and matcha with the creativity of Starbucks customers, and you get a wide array of unique and adventurous beverages. These are my favorite custom green tea drinks, including a few Starbucks secret menu items, that I’m sure you’ll love as well.

The Green Drink

If you’re a green tea fan, the Green Drink is a classic secret menu item you should try. Just order an iced black tea, request to put coconut milk instead of water, then add two scoops of matcha powder. Easy peasy!

Dirty Matcha Latte

Can’t decide between coffee or matcha? Why not get the best of both worlds and order a Dirty Matcha Latte? Get a grande Matcha Latte and just add a shot or two of espresso, depending on your preference.

You can get more than a latte dirty. My dirty chai cookies also carry a touch of espresso.

Strawberry Matcha Drink

Starbucks offers a refreshing pink drink, which is a delicious mix of their Strawberry Açaí Refreshers beverage and creamy coconut milk. To get the Matcha Pink Drink, or more commonly called Strawberry Matcha Drink, order a grande Pink Drink, request to put strawberry puree at the bottom of the cup, then top your drink with a vanilla cold foam with a scoop of matcha powder blended into it.

Honey Green Tea Frappucino

If you often order the Matcha Crème Frappuccino, replace the classic syrup with honey for a healthier, more delicious drink! You can request two honey packets for tall size, three for grande, and four for venti. Ask the barista to double blend so that the honey is mixed in better. Top it off with whipped cream and honey drizzle!

Cha Cha Latte

Feeling adventurous? Try the Cha Cha Latte. Just order a grande Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte and request to add two pumps of chai syrup. You’ll get a mildly sweet drink with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves from the chai. Delicious!

Clover Cold Brew

Another must-try green tea treat from the Starbucks secret menu is the Clover Cold Brew. Just order a Venti Cold Brew, request four pumps of white mocha and two pumps of vanilla syrup, then ask for a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam with one pump of white mocha. Doesn’t that make your mouth water?

Baby Yoda Frappucino

Calling all Star Wars fans! To get the Baby Yoda Frappucino, order a grande Matcha Crème Frappuccino with caramel drizzle around the cup then top it off with whipped cream with caramel drizzle and caramel ribbon crunch topping.

Liquid Luck

If you need a quick refresher, try the delicious concoction called Liquid Luck. Just get a venti Iced Green Tea Lemonade, ask to add seven pumps of classic syrup, seven pumps of honey, and a splash of coconut milk.

Shamrock Tea

Another popular green tea secret menu item at Starbucks is a refreshing cooler called Shamrock Tea, which is perfect for hot weather. Just order a venti Iced Matcha Tea Latte with coconut milk, add two scoops of vanilla bean powder, and request a splash of lemonade.

Mermaid Frappuccino

The Mermaid Frappuccino is perhaps the most Instagrammable drink out of all the drinks on this list because of its beautiful mix of pink and green. This frappuccino doesn’t only photograph beautifully, it’s delicious, too!

First, order a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino. Ask to line the cup with the special drizzle (three scoops of matcha powder, three pumps of coconut syrup, and eight pumps of mocha sauce). Add freeze-dried whole blackberries, then top with whipped cream with additional matcha powder

Note: The drizzle takes time to prepare, and not all locations will make it for you. If they don’t allow it at your location, ask the barista what they can suggest as a substitute.

Wrapping Up

You won’t run out of options when it comes to Starbucks green tea drinks. Whether you want a refresher on a hot day, a warming drink to soothe your senses, or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, Starbucks has a green tea or matcha beverage to satisfy your cravings. 

Have you tried a Starbucks green tea or matcha secret menu item that isn’t on this list? Please do share it with me! And if you’re ready to go on a green tea drinking spree, bookmark this post and share it with your fellow matcha lovers!