If you're like me and you like getting that green drink from Starbucks and you get confused between the difference between Matcha and Green Tea this post might be for you..
Here's a quick guide I made to make our lives easier! (Tell me if this helped you too!)
On top of what's mentioned above, Matcha also has different grades depending on how they are made and used. Usually also dependent on whether it was grown under shade before harvest, how it was processed and stored, when it is harvested (Matcha is normally harvested in May) and the color. I really find this interesting so I'll add them here:
Ceremonial Grade (Highest Grade and most expensive)- Best used during ceremonial style of drinking Matcha. Most expensive and has a very smooth and delicate grassy taste. Color: Bright Green.
Premium Grade (second highest grade) - Used for lattes and other recipes and has a dull green color.
Culinary Grade (third highest grade)- Slightly more bitter than the ceremonial grade, smells grassy and fresh. Usually used for smoothies, lattes, baking and other recipes. Color: Less vibrant green - yellowish.
Now let's go back to Starbucks! Are you curious to know what's in your Green Tea Latte and Matcha Latte? Is there any difference at all?
Based from the official Starbucks site an Iced Matcha Tea Latte (Grande) uses 3 scoops of Matcha Powder, 2% Milk and Milk Foam this drink is at 200 Calories basing it on standard recipe and no customizations on your drink.
If you do not want the Matcha flavored ones and would just prefer getting the regular seeped/brewed green tea, you can order the Iced Green Tea which is made with a Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea Concentrate, Ice and Water which has 0 calories (this is before any customization)!!
You can also choose between these 2 Green Tea Teavana options: Emperor’s Cloud & Mist and Jade Citrus Mint Teavanas
Let me know if this post helped you too!