More Caffeine Than Coffee? The Truth About Matcha and Milk Tea

Translation result [Herald Economy=Reporter Kim Juri] A consumer agency found that caffeine levels in matcha/green tea lattes and milk teas sold at major franchise cafés can vary by as much as fourfold. The agency also warned that some drinks pack high amounts of sugar and saturated fat, meaning overconsumption could be a real concern.

On the 28th, Yonhap News reported that the Korea Consumer Agency compared quality, safety and price across 12 tea beverages—six matcha/green tea lattes and six milk teas—from six major domestic franchise brands.

The agency measured caffeine at 45–172 mg per serving, showing nearly a fourfold difference between products.

Among the matcha and green tea lattes, Baekdabang’s matcha latte had the highest caffeine at 93 mg, while Mega MGC Coffee’s green tea latte had the lowest at 45 mg.

For milk teas, Starbucks Classic Milk Tea topped the list at 172 mg of caffeine, whereas Mega MGC Coffee’s Royal Milk Tea Latte measured just 57 mg.

Notably, Starbucks Classic Milk Tea and Twosome Place’s Royal Milk Tea contained 172 mg and 148 mg of caffeine, respectively—both higher than a standard Americano (250 mL, 132 mg).

The Korea Consumer Agency cautioned that pregnant women who swap coffee for these drinks and drink two cups a day could approach or exceed recommended caffeine limits.

Sugar and saturated fat levels also showed wide variation across products.

Sugar per serving ranged from 26 to 55 g, equal to 26–55% of the daily reference value (100 g). Ediya Coffee’s matcha latte had the most sugar at 55 g, while Starbucks Jeju Matcha Latte had the least at 26 g.

Saturated fat ranged from 5.0 to 11.9 g, or 33–79% of the daily reference value (15 g). Starbucks Classic Milk Tea had the highest saturated fat at 11.9 g.

The agency also found inconsistencies in portion-size control.

When measuring 16 cups of the same product, actual volumes varied from a minimum difference of 36 mL to a maximum of 119 mL. While some variation is expected with freshly made beverages, the agency urged stronger quality controls so customers receive consistent taste and portion sizes.

Tests for heavy metals, preservatives, tar-based colorants, pesticide residues and metallic foreign objects showed all products met relevant standards.

The Korea Consumer Agency advised consumers to check nutrition labels and caffeine content when choosing drinks and to use available sugar-level options to reduce intake.

Matcha lattes, boosted by wellness-focused young consumers and social platforms like TikTok, rose to global popularity in the mid-2020s. Once a niche green tea option, they’re now a mainstream alternative to coffee.