Starbucks Matcha Latte (grande) vs matcha: which has more caffeine?

Starbucks Matcha Latte (grande) vs matcha: which has more caffeine?

Starbucks Matcha Latte (grande) carries more total caffeine per serving (90mg per 16 oz grande vs 60mg per 8 oz cup (1 tsp, ~2g)), but ounce for ounce matcha is actually the stronger drink at about 8mg per fluid ounce against 6. Which one "has more caffeine" depends on whether you measure the container or the concentration.

Starbucks Matcha Latte (grande) vs matcha: the numbers

Starbucks Matcha Latte (grande) matcha
Caffeine per serving 90mg per 16 oz grande 60mg per 8 oz cup (1 tsp, ~2g)
Caffeine per fl oz 5.6mg 7.5mg
Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) 4.4 6.7

Sources: Starbucks Matcha Latte (grande)'s figure is verified in our Starbucks Matcha Latte (grande) caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer Starbucks guide (source); matcha's figure is verified in our matcha guide against USDA FoodData Central (per-gram) / compiled (source).

Which one should you pick?

Pick matcha when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Starbucks Matcha Latte (grande) when you actually need the bigger hit and know your tolerance. If you are stacking either with other caffeinated drinks through the day, run the math against the 400mg reference rather than guessing.

For context, the FDA cites 400mg of caffeine a day as an amount generally not associated with negative effects in healthy adults. Tolerance and health vary, so treat these numbers as information, not advice.

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Gear from this guide

FAQ

Does Starbucks Matcha Latte (grande) or matcha have more caffeine? Starbucks Matcha Latte (grande): 90mg per 16 oz grande versus 60mg per 8 oz cup (1 tsp, ~2g) for matcha.

Which is stronger per ounce? matcha, at about 7.5mg per fluid ounce versus 5.6mg for Starbucks Matcha Latte (grande).

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