Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino

This Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino is the perfect drink for matcha lovers! Quick and easy to do, you can choose between adding sugar or your favorite sweetener losing no flavor. Have the best green tea frappuccino in the comfort of your home!

Yes, I know: sugar makes everything better. But I made this recipe for you to choose between using sugar or sweetener. That way, sugar-eaters and everyone looking for a version without the extra calories can enjoy this delicious matcha frappe.

Why this recipe works

• You can use sugar or cut some calories using a sweetener;
• It’s as good as the one you order at Starbucks, but costs less than half the price;
• You probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen.

What are the ingredients of this frappuccino?

Let’s look at all the ingredients you’ll need to make this matcha green tea frappuccino.

• Ice. Prefer making it with chlorine-free water, to avoid any unpleasant aftertaste.

• Milk. If you can, use whole milk. Starbucks uses whole milk for their drinks, so if you want your matcha frappuccino just like Starbucks, prefer whole. If you want to cut some extra calories, use skimmed milk.

• Sugar or sweetener. If using sugar, 2 tablespoons will make your frappuccino lightly sweet, 3 tablespoons will make it Starbucks sweet. I use Swerve or erythritol when substituting sugar, same amount as above.

• Matcha powder. Make sure you’re using matcha powder. The finer, the better it will blend. Also, a premium matcha will make your frappuccino tastes less bitter.

• Whipped cream. It’s optional, but makes your drink taste like Starbucks frappuccinos. Wanna make whipped cream just like the one at Starbucks? Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of sugar to every 1 cup of heavy cream.

• Vanilla extract. Makes the flavor of the ingredients pop more. Try to not skip this ingredient.

Difference between matcha powder and green tea

Can I use green tea leaves for this recipe?

You can’t use the whole leaf for this recipe, no. It also won’t be the same as trying this recipe using brewed green tea. You need to use matcha powder, or it just won’t work.

But what is matcha powder?

Matcha is nothing more than green tea leaves processed into a very fine powder that can be mixed with milk or water. When you drink it, you’re actually consuming green tea leaves.

Matcha powder doesn’t dissolve totally in water like sugar does. That’s because, as said above, matcha powder is tiny bits of green tea leaf. When you blend the ingredients for this frappuccino, you’re creating the suspension of the matcha powder into the milk and water, instead of dissolving it.

When you whisk the matcha, you create a suspension of the tea leaf powder in the water, instead of dissolving it. So if you’ll leave your green tea frappuccino sitting for too long, it’s normal to find matcha powder on the bottom of the cup.

Does green tea have caffeine?

Yes, green tea has caffeine on it, and so does this matcha green tea frappuccino.

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Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can!

Substitute milk for almond, soy or oat milk. Leave the whipped cream out, or substitute for a vegan alternative. Prefer using an aquafaba version. Don’t forget to add vanilla extract!

How to make this recipe

I promised quick and easy, and quick and easy is what I’m delivering here!

Step one: Mix the ingredients. Add ice, milk, sugar or sweetener, matcha powder and vanilla extract to your blender’s cup.

Step two: Blend it. Make sure to blend it for at least 30 seconds. I always keep it for an entire minute.

Step three: Serve immediately. This recipe is best to be consumed as soon as it’s made.

Serve in a tall cup, top with whipped cream and stick a reusable straw to enjoy fully your green tea frappuccino!

Tips for the best matcha frappuccino

• Remember to sift your matcha powder before blending, to avoid it forming lumps.
• The better the matcha, the better the taste and the brighter it will look;
• Blend your green tea frappuccino for 30 seconds or longer, so the ice will be fully crushed and the matcha powder well mixed;
• This recipe works best if using a blender that can handle ice.

Should I add xanthan gum to my frappuccino?

You can use it if you have in your pantry, as it will alter the consistency and leave it more ‘creamy’. Want to try this recipe with this ingredient? Add 1/8 teaspoon of xanthan gum to this frappuccino, before blending.

I always skip xanthan gum and still get a delicious result every time. If you have a blender that can handle ice, this ingredient is skippable.

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Why my frappuccino is tasting funny?

In most of the cases, it’s because you’re using a matcha that’s not good. Try changing the brand of your matcha powder. Also, check if the only ingredient of your matcha is green tea leaves. Don’t use one with other ingredients for this recipe.

If you’re using a good matcha brand, check if you’re not using ice that’s been siting on your fridge for too long. Old ice can alter the taste of this recipe.

Last, if substituting milk for a non-dairy version, prefer to use soy, almond or oat milk, and don’t forget to add vanilla extract.

Ready to get good green vibes?

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