Green tea is a drink that's been around for a while, and it traditionally lives up to the hype. Most people feel healthy when they drink unsweetened green tea, and they should — there are tons of health benefits. However, proceed with caution. At Starbucks, there is actually no such thing as unsweetened Matcha Green Tea.
Benefits of Green Tea
With its many benefits, Green tea is what you can call a super-drink. It has been found to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol. Studies have also shown that green tea can help prevent a range of heart-related issues, from high blood pressure to congestive heart failure.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a fancy word for finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea. It is grown and produced in Japan. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, and and can help you destress naturally.
The Truth Behind Starbucks Matcha
The Green Tea Latte at Starbucks is made with milk and the matcha tea blend. According to the nutrition label on the Starbuck's website, a grande Green Tea Latte has 32g of sugar.
The Tazo Matcha that Starbucks uses has two ingredients: sugar and green tea powder. So if you ask for a Green Tea Latte without sugar, it isn't doing you much good because the mix is pre-sweetened. So, what should you do?
Alternatives to a Green Tea Latte
DIY: There are tons of different green teas that you can brew yourself. Look for matcha mixes that do not have added sugar. Making your own will save your money, time and health.
If you must have your Starbucks run, healthy alternatives to a green tea latte include unsweetened teas such as Mint Majesty Herbal Tea, Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, Royal English Breakfast Tea, and the Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea.
To achieve your health goals and cut out sugar, it is important to go for green teas that have only one ingredient: green tea.