Matcha time at Starbucks with the limited December products

Starbucks Japan is pretty well known for their changing Frappuccinos and other drinks all over the year. Especially now, with the beginning of winter and shortly before Christmas they brought out a big range of new products. When I was still thinking about buying the super yummy Pistaccio drink one more time, they suddenly announced a new matcha collection which I should give a try, now being so interested in everything related to green tea through the great possibilities given to us as Green Tea Reporters by City-Cost.

The new matcha collection at Starbucks was released this Wednesday, on 6th December 2017. It includes a Matcha White Marble Frappuccino (抹茶ホワイトマーブル フラペチーノ), which looks pretty nice with the mix of green and white. Next to matcha it consists of whipped cream, white mocha syrup and white chocolate to give the rather bitter green tea a sweet taste. It is only available in tall size and cost 540 yen (without tax).

However, it is winter in Japan now and I don't like drinking cold drinks when it is cold outside. That is why I went with their second new drink: the Matcha White Latte (抹茶ホワイト ラテ). If you drink it in the shop, you can get it in a pottery mug, which looks really nice with the pattern of the the syrup on the top of the green colored foam. Because I was busy, I got it to go in a Christmas-style paper cup. This one is available in four sizes, starting with 420 yen for the short size up to 540 yen for the Venti size (prices without tax).

But yes, how does it taste like? First it feels very sweet, but then the slightly bitter taste of Matcha comes through and stays in your mouth. I also liked the creamy foam on top. For me, the warm combination of matcha, milk and white chocolate is definitely a go, especially now when it is getting cold outside.

For sure, drinks are not all they have at Starbucks. Next to the Matcha White Latte I also got the Matcha Creamy Pudding (抹茶クリームプリン) which costs 320 yen (without tax). When opening it, the pudding has a nice matcha smell even so the taste of matcha is not as strong as I expected it. The pudding is slightly sweet and has a nice creamy texture. On the ground of the small cup you even find some matcha sauce. All in all it makes a nice dessert or a snack for in between.  

The Matcha White Marble Frappuccino and the Matcha White late are only on sale for 20 days, until 25th December. So, if you want to give it a try, don’t miss your chance. And even if you can’t make it in time for these limited products, Starbucks has a few other matcha related drinks in the regular menu. Maybe you can try it out someday.

This post is a special tea blog report, part of our Shizuoka Green Tea Guide, and a chance through City-Cost for bloggers in Japan to engage in new “Japan” experiences about which to create posts.