Does Starbucks Still Have Lavender Matcha? The Definitive Guide

The buzz is real, and you’re probably here because you’re craving that floral, earthy goodness. So, let’s cut to the chase: As of today, Starbucks no longer offers the Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha as a standard menu item. It was a limited-time offering that debuted in Spring 2024 and, sadly, has officially left the stage. But don’t despair! This article will dive deep into why it disappeared, how to potentially recreate it, and answer all your burning questions about the delightful, fleeting lavender matcha experience.

The Rise and Fall of Lavender Matcha

The Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha Latte was a smashing success, blending the vibrant, grassy notes of Starbucks’ matcha powder with the creamy sweetness of oat milk and a unique lavender-infused cold foam. It was an Instagram dream, a flavor explosion, and, ultimately, a limited-time promotion. Starbucks frequently introduces such seasonal items to generate excitement and attract customers with novel offerings. The lavender matcha, with its unexpected combination of flavors and attractive aesthetic, certainly accomplished that goal. But as with all limited-time offers, its time in the spotlight eventually came to an end.

The beverage’s appeal stemmed from a few key factors:

• Novelty: Lavender in coffee and matcha drinks was (and arguably still is) relatively uncommon, making it an adventurous choice for curious consumers.
• Aesthetics: The vibrant green of the matcha contrasted beautifully with the pastel purple of the lavender cold foam, making it incredibly photogenic.
• Flavor Profile: The combination of earthy matcha, floral lavender, and creamy oat milk provided a balanced and surprisingly harmonious taste.

However, maintaining ingredients for niche offerings can be costly and complex for a massive chain like Starbucks. Streamlining the menu is a constant process, and sadly, sometimes fan favorites get cut.

Keeping the Lavender Dream Alive: How to Recreate It

While you can’t order the exact Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha Latte from the menu anymore, all hope is not lost! Here’s a breakdown of how you can attempt to recreate it at Starbucks, or even better, at home:

Starbucks Hack:

1. Order an Iced or Hot Oatmilk Matcha Latte: This is your base.
2. Ask for Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam: This mimics the texture and sweetness of the original cold foam.
3. Add Lavender Syrup: This is the tricky part. Starbucks does not carry a lavender syrup. However, if you have your own lavender syrup (easily found online or at specialty stores), you can politely ask the barista to add a pump or two to your cold foam. Some baristas may be willing to do this, but it depends on the store’s policy.
4. Adjust to Taste: Experiment with the amount of syrup to achieve your desired level of lavender flavor.

DIY Lavender Matcha at Home:

This is where you have full control!

1. Gather Your Ingredients: High-quality matcha powder, oat milk (or your preferred milk), lavender syrup (Monin and Torani are popular brands), sweetener (optional, such as honey or agave).
2. Prepare the Matcha: Whisk the matcha powder with a small amount of hot (but not boiling) water until smooth and frothy.
3. Combine: Pour the matcha mixture over ice (for an iced latte) or into a mug (for a hot latte). Add oat milk.
4. Sweeten and Lavenderize: Add lavender syrup and sweetener to taste.
5. Optional: Create Lavender Cold Foam: Whisk heavy cream (or a non-dairy alternative) with lavender syrup until it forms soft peaks. Top your latte with the cold foam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did Starbucks discontinue the Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha?

The Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha was a limited-time promotional item intended to generate excitement during the Spring 2024 season. Starbucks regularly rotates its menu with seasonal offerings.

2. Will Starbucks ever bring back the Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha?

While there’s no guarantee, Starbucks sometimes brings back popular limited-time items due to high demand. Keep an eye on their announcements and social media for potential future promotions. Expressing your interest to Starbucks directly can also help!

3. Does Starbucks have any other lavender-flavored drinks?

Currently, Starbucks does not have any other drinks on their standard menu that specifically feature lavender. However, they may offer other seasonal or limited-time lavender-flavored beverages in the future.

4. Can I still order a custom lavender matcha at Starbucks?

You can try to order a custom matcha by ordering a matcha latte with your milk of choice and adding your own lavender syrup (if you bring it). Barista willingness to add customer-provided syrups varies by location and policy.

5. Where can I buy lavender syrup for making my own lavender matcha?

Lavender syrup is readily available at many online retailers such as Amazon, specialty food stores, and some gourmet grocery stores. Brands like Monin and Torani are popular choices.

6. Is matcha healthy?

Matcha is generally considered to be a healthy beverage. It’s rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which have been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and brain function. However, be mindful of the added sugar content in some matcha lattes.

7. What is the difference between matcha and regular green tea?

Matcha is made from ground-up green tea leaves, which are consumed whole, providing a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants compared to regular green tea, where only the brewed water is consumed.

8. What kind of matcha does Starbucks use?

Starbucks uses a blend of pre-sweetened matcha powder that includes sugar. This is important to consider when trying to recreate the flavor at home, as you may need to adjust the sweetness.

9. Is the oat milk at Starbucks vegan?

Yes, the oat milk offered at Starbucks is vegan. This makes it a suitable option for those following a vegan diet or those with dairy sensitivities.

10. How much caffeine is in a Starbucks matcha latte?

The caffeine content in a Starbucks matcha latte can vary depending on the size. A grande (16 oz) typically contains around 80mg of caffeine, which is less than a comparable cup of coffee.

11. Are there any sugar-free alternatives to lavender syrup?

Yes, some brands offer sugar-free lavender syrup alternatives sweetened with artificial sweeteners or natural alternatives like stevia or monk fruit. Look for these options online or at specialty stores.

12. Can I make a lavender matcha with almond milk or soy milk instead of oat milk?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute almond milk or soy milk in your lavender matcha recipe. The choice of milk is entirely based on your personal preference and dietary needs. Experiment to find your favorite combination!

While the official Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha is gone (for now!), the spirit of innovation and delicious flavor lives on. Whether you’re hacking the menu at Starbucks or crafting your own perfect blend at home, you can still enjoy the delightful combination of lavender and matcha. So go forth, experiment, and create your own lavender matcha masterpiece!