Does Starbucks Offer Matcha Cold Foam
Yes, Starbucks offers matcha cold foam at many U.S. locations as of 2024. The drink is part of the chain's cold foam lineup, which also includes vanilla, chai, and cinnamon options. Matcha cold foam is made by blending nonfat milk with matcha powder and a small amount of sweetener, then topping it over iced beverages. Availability can vary by store, and some locations may use a pre-made version from the supply chain. For current official details, see the Starbucks menu page at starbucks.com/menu.
Customers can order matcha cold foam on select iced drinks, including the Iced Matcha Latte and Iced Green Tea. The foam is typically added as a topping rather than blended into the drink. Starbucks baristas can customize the amount of foam and sweetness in most cases. The chain has expanded its cold foam options in recent years to match trends in specialty coffee shops. This aligns with Starbucks' broader strategy to grow its premium beverage offerings and compete with third-wave coffee brands, as noted in recent industry coverage by Forbes.
Matcha Cold Foam Ingredients and Nutrition
The matcha cold foam at Starbucks is made primarily from nonfat milk, matcha powder, and a vanilla-flavored sweetener. The exact formulation can vary slightly by region and drink size. A standard tall serving of matcha cold foam contains around 30 to 45 calories, depending on the base drink and added sugars. The foam is dairy-based, so it is not suitable for vegan diets unless customers request a plant-based milk alternative. Nutritional details for all Starbucks drinks are available on the company's official nutrition page at starbucks.com/menu/nutrition.
Starbucks uses a branded matcha blend that includes sugar and flavoring in its standard preparation. This means the matcha cold foam contains added sugar even before any extra sweetener is added. Customers can ask for less or no sweetener, but the base matcha powder already includes some sweet components. The company has faced public scrutiny over sugar content in its beverages, as reported by health-focused outlets and regulators. For more on Starbucks' ingredient transparency, see the company's official ingredient and allergen information at starbucks.com/help/ingredients.
How to Order Matcha Cold Foam at Starbucks
To order matcha cold foam, ask for a cold foam topping on an iced matcha or green tea drink at the register or in the Starbucks app. The option appears in the app under cold foam customizations for eligible beverages. Prices vary by size and location, with a tall typically costing between $4 and $6 in the U.S. as of 2024. Availability may depend on the store's equipment and staffing, since cold foam requires a specific blender attachment. Starbucks has invested in digital ordering tools to help customers customize drinks like matcha cold foam more easily, as discussed in recent coverage by Forbes Business Council.
Starbucks frequently tests seasonal and limited-time matcha drinks that include cold foam as a standard topping. These test drinks often appear in select markets before rolling out nationwide. The company uses customer feedback and sales data to decide which cold foam options stay on the permanent menu. Matcha cold foam is currently a standard menu item in most company-operated U.S. stores, but availability at licensed locations and grocery partners may differ. For the latest updates, check the official Starbucks website at starbucks.com.