What matcha does Starbucks use in their strawberry matcha latte?

Starbucks uses a pre-sweetened matcha blend, not pure ceremonial matcha. The blend contains sugar as an ingredient, which is why the Starbucks version is sweeter and less grassy than homemade versions made with pure matcha.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes. Frozen strawberries work well and are often sweeter and more consistent than fresh. Blend them directly from frozen with sugar and a splash of water, or thaw first and mash. No cooking needed with frozen strawberries.

How do I make the strawberry puree?

Blend 4 to 5 strawberries with 1 tsp sugar and 1 tbsp water until smooth. For a smoother puree, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Alternatively, cook strawberries with sugar and water in a small saucepan for 3 to 5 minutes until broken down.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes -- this recipe is dairy-free by default when made with oat milk. Oat milk is the best choice for this drink because its mild sweetness complements the strawberry. Almond milk and coconut milk also work.

How much caffeine is in a strawberry matcha latte?

A strawberry matcha latte made with 2g (1 tsp) of matcha contains approximately 70mg of caffeine, per USDA FoodData Central data. The strawberry puree and milk add no caffeine.

How do I store leftover strawberry puree?

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months -- pop out one cube per serving as needed.

Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)

Recipe at a Glance

One serving, 7 minutes. The strawberry puree can be made ahead and stored for 5 days.

Detail	Value
Prep time	5 minutes
Total time	7 minutes
Servings	1
Caffeine estimate	~70mg per serving (from 2g matcha)
Calories estimate	~180 kcal with oat milk and strawberry puree
Difficulty	Easy
Recommended matcha type	Ceremonial or premium grade

What You Need

Ingredients for one strawberry matcha latte:

For the strawberry puree: - 4 to 5 fresh or frozen strawberries - 1 tsp sugar or sweetener of choice - 1 tbsp water

For the latte: - 1 tsp (2g) ceremonial or premium grade matcha powder - 2 oz (60ml) hot water at 175F (80C) - 6 oz (180ml) oat milk or milk of choice - 1 cup ice

Equipment: small saucepan or blender, fine mesh sifter, matcha whisk or electric frother, tall glass.

How to Make the Strawberry Puree

The puree is the key component. You can make it two ways:

Blender method (fastest): Blend strawberries, sugar, and water until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you want a smooth puree without seeds.

Saucepan method (better flavor): Combine strawberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring, until strawberries break down. Mash with a fork or blend. Let cool before using.

The puree keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Make a larger batch (double or triple the recipe) to have it ready for the week.

How to Assemble the Latte

1. Make the strawberry puree (see above) and let it cool slightly. 2. Sift 1 tsp (2g) matcha through a fine mesh sifter into a small bowl or cup. 3. Add 2 oz (60ml) of hot water at 175F (80C) and whisk vigorously in a W motion for 20 to 30 seconds. 4. Add 2 tbsp strawberry puree to the bottom of a tall glass. 5. Fill the glass with ice. 6. Pour 6 oz cold oat milk over the ice. 7. Slowly pour the whisked matcha over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. 8. Serve immediately. Stir before drinking to combine the layers.

Starbucks Comparison

The Starbucks Strawberry Matcha Latte uses a sweetened matcha blend (not pure ceremonial matcha) and a strawberry sauce with added sugar and preservatives. The homemade version uses pure matcha and fresh strawberries.

Attribute	Starbucks Version	Homemade Version
Matcha type	Sweetened matcha blend	Pure ceremonial matcha
Strawberry	Strawberry sauce (sugar, preservatives)	Fresh or frozen strawberries
Cost per drink	~$6 to $8	~$1.50 to $2.50
Sugar content	High (pre-sweetened matcha + sauce)	Controlled -- you add your own
Customization	Limited	Full control over sweetness, milk, matcha amount
Caffeine	~70mg (varies by size)	~70mg (from 2g matcha)

Variations

Frozen strawberry version: Use frozen strawberries directly from the freezer. Blend with sugar and a splash of water. No cooking needed.

Sugar-free: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in the puree instead of sugar.

Dairy version: Use whole milk instead of oat milk for a richer, creamier result.

Protein version: Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder to the milk before assembling.

Hot version: Skip the ice, heat the milk, and layer the hot strawberry puree, hot milk, and whisked matcha in a mug.

Storage

Strawberry puree: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Assembled latte: Drink immediately. Ice melts and dilutes the drink within 15 to 20 minutes.

Matcha concentrate (matcha + hot water, no milk): Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition Estimate

Values are estimates based on 2g matcha, 2 tbsp strawberry puree with 1 tsp sugar, and 6 oz oat milk.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~180 kcal
Protein	~3g
Carbohydrates	~28g
Fat	~5g
Caffeine	~70mg
Sugar	~18g (mostly from puree and oat milk)

Best Matcha Powders for This Recipe

The strawberry flavor is strong -- use ceremonial or premium grade matcha to ensure the matcha flavor comes through. Culinary grade matcha can taste flat or bitter against the sweetness of the strawberry.

Browse lab-tested matcha brands at /matcha or see /best-ceremonial-matcha.

Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe