Calories in a Matcha Latte: Full Nutrition Breakdown

A matcha latte made with whole milk contains approximately 190 calories per 16 oz serving, pairing finely ground green tea powder with steamed milk. Matcha is prized for its high antioxidant content, particularly catechins like EGCG, and provides a steady caffeine boost of around 80 mg per serving along with the calming amino acid L-theanine. Calorie counts vary widely depending on whether the drink is sweetened and which type of milk is used.

Calories by serving size:

The calorie difference between homemade and coffee shop matcha lattes is largely due to added sweetener. Starbucks, for example, uses a pre-sweetened matcha powder blend that contains sugar as the first ingredient, which accounts for a large share of the total carbohydrates. Making a matcha latte at home with pure matcha powder and your choice of milk allows you to control the sweetness and keep calories significantly lower.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does a matcha latte compare to green tea?

A plain cup of brewed green tea has virtually zero calories and about 30 mg of caffeine, while a 16 oz matcha latte with whole milk contains around 190 calories and 80 mg of caffeine. Matcha itself is more concentrated than steeped green tea because you consume the entire ground leaf, providing more caffeine and antioxidants per gram. The added milk and sweetener in a latte are what drive the calorie count up significantly.

How much sugar is in a Starbucks matcha latte?

A Starbucks Grande (16 oz) matcha latte contains approximately 32 grams of sugar. The majority of this sugar comes from the matcha powder blend Starbucks uses, which lists sugar as its primary ingredient before the actual matcha. Requesting fewer scoops of the matcha blend is the most effective way to lower the sugar content.

Is matcha healthy?

Matcha is considered one of the most nutrient-dense teas available, offering high levels of antioxidants called catechins — particularly EGCG, which has been linked to improved metabolism and reduced inflammation. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus and helps smooth out the stimulant effects of caffeine. However, the health benefits can be offset if the matcha latte is loaded with sugar and high-calorie milk.

How does matcha compare to coffee for caffeine?

A 16 oz matcha latte contains about 80 mg of caffeine, while a similar-sized brewed coffee provides roughly 190 mg. Matcha delivers caffeine more gradually due to the presence of L-theanine, which tends to produce sustained alertness without the jitters or crash commonly associated with coffee. This makes matcha a popular alternative for people who are sensitive to the effects of high caffeine intake.

How do homemade matcha lattes compare to store-bought?

A homemade unsweetened matcha latte made with 8 oz of whole milk has about 80 calories, compared to 190 calories for a Starbucks Grande made with the same milk. The primary difference is that most coffee shops use sweetened matcha blends and larger serving sizes. By using pure ceremonial-grade matcha powder at home, you get more authentic flavor and significantly fewer calories, with the option to sweeten to taste.