Dunkin Matcha Latte vs Starbucks: Which One Reigns Supreme?
Matcha has exploded in popularity over the past few years, finding its way into everything from lattes to desserts. Both Dunkin and Starbucks have added matcha to their drink menus, with the Dunkin Matcha Latte gaining buzz for its unique sweetness and vibrant green hue. But how does it stack up against Starbucks’ more established version?
Let’s dig into everything you need to know to find out which one truly reigns supreme.
What Is a Dunkin Matcha Latte?
A Dunkin Matcha Latte is made using a pre-sweetened green tea matcha powder mixed with milk. It’s served hot, iced, or frozen. Unlike traditional matcha, which can be slightly bitter, Dunkin’s version leans heavily on sweetness for a smooth and accessible taste.
What Is Dunkin’s Matcha Made Of?
Dunkin’s matcha powder consists of finely ground green tea leaves blended with sugar. While it isn’t ceremonial grade, the mix is designed to be more approachable for the everyday coffeehouse customer. It offers a mild grassy flavor balanced with sweetness.
What Does a Dunkin Matcha Latte Taste Like?
The flavor profile of a Dunkin Matcha Latte is creamy, sweet, and mellow. The added sugar gives it a vanilla-like undertone, masking the earthiness of traditional matcha. This makes it an excellent option for people who are new to green tea-based beverages.
What Does Iced Matcha Taste Like?
The iced version is refreshing, light, and smooth. It’s a go-to for warm days or those who want something that feels hydrating and less heavy than coffee.
What Does a Frozen Matcha Latte Taste Like?
The frozen variety is thicker and colder—like a green milkshake. It’s almost dessert-like and is popular among customers looking for a sweet, indulgent treat with a twist.
Nutrition Breakdown: Is It Healthy?
While matcha offers health benefits, pre-sweetened versions like those at Dunkin and Starbucks may not be as virtuous as you think.
Are Dunkin Matcha Lattes Healthy?
They can be, depending on how you customize them. The standard recipe includes a substantial amount of sugar, so choosing low-fat or dairy-free milk and avoiding extra syrups can make a difference.
Does Dunkin’s Matcha Have a Lot of Sugar?
Yes, it does. A medium-sized (16 oz) Dunkin Matcha Latte has about 40g of sugar. This comes from both the pre-sweetened powder and the milk.
Is Matcha Latte Full of Sugar?
In general, yes, especially at major chains that use sweetened matcha blends. If you’re watching your sugar intake, customizing your drink is crucial.
Is It OK to Drink a Matcha Latte Every Day?
It’s fine in moderation. Due to the high sugar content, drinking it daily might not be ideal unless you opt for a modified version with less sugar.
Why Are Matcha Lattes So High in Calories?
The main culprits are milk and added sugar. Even plant-based milk options can be calorie-dense depending on the type used.
Are Matcha Lattes Healthier Than Coffee?
Matcha does offer some health advantages. It provides antioxidants, releases caffeine more slowly than coffee (avoiding jitters and crashes), and may support metabolism.
Caffeine Content: How Do They Compare?
Caffeine is a big consideration for many consumers comparing Starbucks and Dunkin matcha lattes.
Does Dunkin’s Matcha Contain Caffeine?
Yes. A medium-sized Dunkin Matcha Latte contains approximately 120mg of caffeine, making it less than coffee but more than regular green tea.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Dunkin Latte or Chai Latte?
- Dunkin Matcha Latte (medium): ~120mg
- Dunkin Espresso Latte (medium): ~166mg
- Dunkin Chai Latte (medium): ~70mg
How Much Caffeine Does Starbucks Matcha Have?
A tall Starbucks Matcha Latte (12 oz) contains about 80mg of caffeine. The content increases with size, but is still typically less than an espresso-based drink.
Customizing Your Dunkin Matcha Latte
If you love the flavor but want to control the sugar or calories, customization is key.
How to Order a Matcha Latte With Less Sugar
- Ask for fewer matcha scoops
- Choose unsweetened almond or oat milk
- Avoid flavor swirls or sweetened syrups
Can You Get Dunkin’s Matcha Without Sugar?
Not completely. The base powder already contains sugar. However, you can reduce total sugar content by choosing lighter milk options and avoiding extras.
How to Make Matcha Lattes With Less Sugar at Home
To control ingredients fully, try making it at home using:
- Pure matcha powder
- Unsweetened milk or milk alternatives
- Natural sweeteners like stevia or honey (in moderation)
Dunkin Matcha Latte vs Starbucks Matcha Latte: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a quick feature breakdown:
| Feature | Dunkin Matcha Latte | Starbucks Matcha Latte |
| Taste | Sweeter, vanilla-like | Earthier, stronger matcha flavor |
| Price | More budget-friendly | Slightly more expensive |
| Caffeine | ~120mg (medium) | ~80mg (tall) |
| Sugar Content | High (40g in medium) | Also high, varies by size |
| Customizability | Limited (due to pre-sweetened mix) | More customizable (milk, shots, syrups) |
Is Starbucks’ Matcha Real Matcha?
Not exactly. Like Dunkin, Starbucks uses a sweetened matcha blend made with Japanese green tea and sugar. It’s not ceremonial grade matcha.
What Is the Healthiest Latte at Dunkin Donuts?
If you want a healthy drink, go for an:
- Unsweetened almond milk latte
- Single or double espresso shot
- Or, a customized matcha latte with low-fat milk and no syrup
Are Dunkin Matcha Lattes Healthy?
They can be—but it depends on how you order them. The standard drink contains quite a bit of sugar, so it’s not the healthiest choice unless customized.
Does Dunkin’s Matcha Have a Lot of Sugar?
Yes. A medium Dunkin Matcha Latte contains about 40g of sugar.
How Much Sugar Is in a DD Matcha Latte?
A medium (16 oz) has roughly 40g of sugar, but this varies depending on milk choice and size.
Is Matcha Latte Full of Sugar?
It often is—especially at chains that use pre-sweetened matcha.
Is It OK to Drink a Matcha Latte Every Day?
In moderation, yes. But the sugar content makes it less ideal as a daily habit unless customized.
Why Are Matcha Lattes So High in Calories?
The sugar and milk are the primary culprits. Dunkin’s pre-sweetened mix adds extra calories.
Is Matcha Latte High in Calories?
Yes, especially when made with whole milk and added flavors.
Are Matcha Lattes Healthier Than Coffee?
In some ways, yes. Matcha has antioxidants and releases caffeine slowly, avoiding the crash.
Are There Matcha Benefits?
Absolutely. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, supports brain function, and boosts metabolism.
Are Matcha Lattes Better Than Coffee?
It depends on your goals. Matcha offers steady energy without jitters, while coffee provides a stronger caffeine kick.
Caffeine Content
Does Dunkin’s Matcha Contain Caffeine?
Yes. A medium contains about 120mg of caffeine.
Does Dunkin’s Matcha Have a Lot of Caffeine?
It’s moderate—less than coffee, but more than a regular cup of green tea.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Dunkin’ Latte?
Depending on the size, a Dunkin’ Latte with Espresso can contain 166 milligrams or more.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Dunkin’ Chai Latte?
Around 70mg in a medium.
How Much Caffeine Does Starbucks Matcha Have?
About 80mg in a tall (12 oz).
Customizing Your Dunkin Matcha Latte
How to Order a Matcha Latte With Less Sugar
Ask for fewer matcha scoops or use non-dairy milk like almond or oat. You can also skip added flavor swirls.
Can You Get Dunkin’s Matcha Without Sugar?
Unfortunately, no. The matcha powder already contains sugar.
Can You Get a Matcha Latte Without Sugar?
At Dunkin, not completely. But you can reduce sugar by modifying the drink.
How to Make Matcha Lattes With Less Sugar
Make it at home using pure matcha powder and unsweetened milk alternatives.
Dunkin Matcha Latte vs Starbucks: Which One Reigns Supreme?
| Feature | Dunkin Matcha Latte | Starbucks Matcha Latte |
| Taste | Sweeter, vanilla-like | Earthier, stronger matcha |
| Price | More budget-friendly | Slightly more expensive |
| Caffeine | ~120mg (medium) | ~80mg (tall) |
| Sugar Content | High (40g medium) | Also high, varies by size |
| Customizability | Limited due to pre-sweetened powder | More customizable |
Is Starbucks’ Matcha Real Matcha?
Starbucks also uses a sweetened matcha blend, not pure ceremonial-grade matcha.
What Kind of Matcha Does Starbucks Use in 2025?
They use a sweetened blend of Japanese green tea and sugar.
What Is the Healthiest Latte at Dunkin Donuts?
An unsweetened almond milk latte with a single espresso shot is one of the lightest options. Matcha can be healthy if customized with low-fat or non-dairy milk and reduced sweetness.
Conclusion
The Dunkin’ Matcha Latte offers a visually appealing beverage experience that satisfies both devotees of matcha and non-drinkers alike. The basic drink has a lot of sugar and calories, but customers can eat it in a healthy ways by following certain steps. When compared to Starbucks, the Dunkin’ idea offers a matcha latte that is less customized, more affordable, and sweetened. This green beverage should be on your daily beverage list, but you should keep an eye on how much you add for health benefits.
Taste the Dunkin Matcha Latte either to experience the current trend or change your routine from your typical coffee choice. Your health aspirations will determine the best drinks, while personal taste will guide your choice.
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