Make your own sweet and refreshing Green Tea Frappuccino at home! It’s so easy and tastes just like Starbucks’ version.
Have you ever wondered if you can make those tasty Starbucks Green Tea Frappuccinos yourself? I am here to tell you that YOU CAN. It’s really easy, and there are not many ingredients required. Let’s get to it!
Working at Starbucks as a store manager for over 5 years, I have tasted all of their drinks and successfully replicated many recipes, such as Mocha Frappuccino, Caramel Frappuccino, and Caramel Macchiato. Many of you asked about the Green Tea Frappuccino recipe, so I am happy to share it with you.
Green Tea Frappuccino Video Tutorial
Green Tea Frappuccino Ingredients
- Milk. By default, Starbucks uses whole milk to make frappuccinos, for creamier and fuller flavor. You can also use a dairy-free alternative, if preferred. Vanilla Soy Milk works really well.
- Ice. Just don't use old ice, because it may add an unpleasant smell.
- Green Tea Powder. Not all green tea powders are created equally. I have tested many kinds, so I know first hand. For example, Carrington Farms Matcha that is sold in Walmart will not make a good frappuccino. My #1 most favorite is Jade Leaf Matcha. You can shop around, check reviews, but make sure you pick a high-quality product. Otherwise, your frappuccino will not taste right.
- Sugar. Starbucks uses Classic Syrup, which is pretty much sugar in liquid form. You can buy this syrup on Amazon, or use regular sugar instead.
- Xanthan Gum. Xanthan what? Yes, that's right, you'll need some of that to give your green tea frappuccino the right consistency. Starbucks uses Frappuccino Base (made with xanthan gum) for ALL of their frappuccinos. It is possible to buy it from Amazon, but xanthan gum is going to do the trick. You buy it once, and it'll help you make MANY frappuccinos. It has many other uses, too. Bob's Red Mill Xanthan Gum is a great product.
Here is a photo of a Green Tea Frappuccino made with and without Xanthan Gum:
How to Make Green Tea Frappuccino
Once you have all of the ingredients ready to go, making the frappuccino is a breeze!
1. In a small ramekin, mix together the sugar, xanthan gum, and water. Set aside.
2. Add the ice, milk, xanthan gum mixture, and green tea powder to a blender and process until smooth.
3. Pour into a serving glass and top with whipped cream, if desired.
What is Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan Gum is a harmless food additive that is used in many foods, cosmetics, medicines, etc. It is made by fermenting sugar by a bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. When sugar is fermented, it creates a gooey substance, which is made solid by adding an alcohol. It is then dried and ground into a powder. You can read more about Xanthan Gum here:
What Is Xanthan Gum? Is It Healthy?
Where to buy Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum can be found at Walmart (in the baking or gluten-free aisle) and many other big supermarkets. Of course, you can find it on Amazon. I recommend Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Xanthan Gum. The price may seem a bit high, but when you compare the price and the amount used (¼ tsp. per drink) to the price of a Starbucks Frappuccino, you’ll realize that’s not the case.
Can I make a Frappuccino Without Xanthan Gum?
Yes. It will have a different consistency, and won't be as smooth, but you can skip it if you'd like.
Why doesn't my Frappuccino Taste Right?
In 90% of the cases, the problem is in the Matcha Powder. Try using a different Matcha brand. I recommend Jade Leaf Matcha. I found it brings the best results. Other problems may occur from using non-dairy milks, that alter the flavors, or using ice that was sitting in a freezer for too long.
How to Customize Green Tea Frappuccinos
As you start making frappuccinos at home, you can adjust the sugar amount to your liking. I usually put less sugar. You may also add a bit more matcha powder for a stronger green tea taste, or add a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor. I have also tried using Starbucks’ Vanilla and Caramel syrups in place of sugar, and I liked the results.
Is Green Tea Frappuccino Healthy?
While Green Tea Powder is famous for its health benefits, I recommend treating Green Tea Frappuccino as a dessert, since it has added sugar and many calories.
You'll also love:
- Caramel Frappuccino
- Pineapple Matcha Starbucks Copycat
- Mocha Frappuccino
- Iced Caramel Macchiato
- Caramel Latte
- Cold Brew Coffee
Why I share Starbucks recipes? Read my Starbucks Journey. 🙂
Starbucks Green Tea Frappuccino
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup whole milk or dairy free milk of choice
- ¼ tsp. xanthan gum
- 3 tbsp. water
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. premium Japanese matcha-green tea powder
Instructions
- In a small ramekin, mix together the sugar, xanthan gum, and water. Set aside.
- Add the ice, milk, xanthan gum mixture, and green tea powder to a blender and process until smooth.
- Pour into a serving glass and top with whipped cream, if desired.
Scarlett Alexaki says
We love sipping green tea year-round, both chilled or served piping hot. Loaded with powerful antioxidants, essential nutrients, and anti-inflammatory polyphenols, green tea has tons of potent health benefits.
Tania Sheff says
Awesome! I hope you'll try this frappuccino, Scarlett!
Lee Ann says
It came out pretty good! I used Swerve sugar substitute and almond milk in mine. I might use a little less sugar next time - but it was still really good!
Tania Sheff says
That's great, Lee! The beauty of homemade drinks is that you can always tweak them to your personal liking. 🙂