Trader Joe’s sparkling comeback: The coffee shop dupe returns—for less!
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If you’ve ever found yourself wistfully eyeing the Starbucks menu, missing your favorite Iced Matcha Lemonade, you’re not alone.
This beloved drink, with its perfect blend of earthy matcha and zesty lemonade, was a summer staple for many—until Starbucks axed it along with a dozen other drinks in their recent menu shakeup.
But don’t hang up your reusable straw just yet! Trader Joe’s has swooped in to save the day (and your wallet) with their brand-new offering.
A Coffee Shop Copycat—Without the Coffee Shop Price Tag
Let’s face it: coffee shop drinks are a treat, but those prices add up fast.
At Starbucks, a grande Iced Matcha Lemonade could set you back $4 or more.
Trader Joe’s Sparkling Matcha Lemonade? Just $1.99 for a 12-ounce can.
That’s less than half the price, and you don’t even have to wait in line behind a dozen people ordering complicated frappuccinos.
But is it any good? According to early reviews, the answer is a resounding yes.
Fans on social media are raving about the drink’s “perfect blend of matcha and lemonade,” with many noting that the matcha flavor is more pronounced than in typical lattes, where it can get lost in a sea of milk and sugar.
Even those who were skeptical about the drink’s earthy green hue (one social media user joked it “looks like swamp water but is really delicious”) have been won over after the first sip.
Also read: Shoppers shocked as Trader Joe’s mini tote bags were listed for $1 million online
What’s Inside the Can?
Trader Joe’s Sparkling Matcha Lemonade is exactly what it sounds like: a refreshing, lightly carbonated blend of tangy lemonade and earthy matcha green tea.
The result is a drink that’s both energizing and thirst-quenching, with just enough fizz to make it feel festive.
The can itself is a cheerful nod to summer, with a pastel green background, playful bubble lettering, and a bright lemon illustration.
A quick tip: the matcha can settle at the bottom, so give the can a gentle swirl before opening. And for the full café experience, pour it over ice, add a lemon twist or a sprig of mint, and sip with a straw.
Source: @isasfundrinks / Tiktok.
Want to get creative? Some Trader Joe’s employees recommend adding a splash of blueberry or strawberry syrup for a sweeter, fruitier twist.
Why Matcha? A Quick Refresher
If you’re new to matcha, here’s the scoop: matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves.
It’s packed with antioxidants, and unlike regular green tea, you’re consuming the whole leaf—meaning you get a gentle caffeine boost without the jitters.
Combined with lemonade, it’s a match made in summer heaven: the tartness of the citrus balances the earthiness of the tea, and the carbonation adds a playful sparkle.
You might like: Discover Trader Joe’s latest decadent delight for just $4.99—It’s not what you expect!
How Does It Stack Up to Starbucks?
While Starbucks’ Iced Matcha Lemonade was a cult favorite, many fans found it a bit too sweet or lacking in real matcha flavor.
Trader Joe’s version, on the other hand, lets the matcha shine. It’s less sugary, more refreshing, and—thanks to the bubbles—feels like a special treat.
Plus, you can enjoy it at home, at the park, or wherever your summer adventures take you.
Source: @trader_joes_treasure_hunt / Instagram.
Perfect for Every Summer Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, or just need a midday pick-me-up, Trader Joe’s Sparkling Matcha Lemonade fits the bill. It’s portable, affordable, and just the right amount of fancy.
And if you’re looking to impress guests, try serving it in a tall glass with nugget ice and a garnish—no one will guess it came from a can!
A Few Fun Serving Ideas:
Source: @wetriedtraderjoes / Instagram.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype?
Absolutely! Trader Joe’s Sparkling Matcha Lemonade is more than just a copycat—it’s a summer essential in its own right. It’s affordable, delicious, and a fun way to bring a little coffee shop magic home.
And with Starbucks slimming down its menu, it’s nice to know we have options that don’t break the bank.
Read next: This unexpected spring drink has Starbucks fans rethinking their go-to order
Will you try Trader Joe’s Sparkling Matcha Lemonade yet? Are you mourning the loss of your favorite coffee shop drink, or have you found a new summer obsession? Do you have your own creative ways to enjoy matcha at home? Share your thoughts, recipes, and reviews in the comments below!
This beloved drink, with its perfect blend of earthy matcha and zesty lemonade, was a summer staple for many—until Starbucks axed it along with a dozen other drinks in their recent menu shakeup.
But don’t hang up your reusable straw just yet! Trader Joe’s has swooped in to save the day (and your wallet) with their brand-new offering.
A Coffee Shop Copycat—Without the Coffee Shop Price Tag
Let’s face it: coffee shop drinks are a treat, but those prices add up fast.
At Starbucks, a grande Iced Matcha Lemonade could set you back $4 or more.
Trader Joe’s Sparkling Matcha Lemonade? Just $1.99 for a 12-ounce can.
That’s less than half the price, and you don’t even have to wait in line behind a dozen people ordering complicated frappuccinos.
Trader Joe’s has launched a new canned drink called Sparkling Matcha Lemonade, inspired by Starbucks’ discontinued Iced Matcha Lemonade. Image source: Trader Joe’s.
But is it any good? According to early reviews, the answer is a resounding yes.
Fans on social media are raving about the drink’s “perfect blend of matcha and lemonade,” with many noting that the matcha flavor is more pronounced than in typical lattes, where it can get lost in a sea of milk and sugar.
Even those who were skeptical about the drink’s earthy green hue (one social media user joked it “looks like swamp water but is really delicious”) have been won over after the first sip.
Also read: Shoppers shocked as Trader Joe’s mini tote bags were listed for $1 million online
What’s Inside the Can?
Trader Joe’s Sparkling Matcha Lemonade is exactly what it sounds like: a refreshing, lightly carbonated blend of tangy lemonade and earthy matcha green tea.
The result is a drink that’s both energizing and thirst-quenching, with just enough fizz to make it feel festive.
The can itself is a cheerful nod to summer, with a pastel green background, playful bubble lettering, and a bright lemon illustration.
A quick tip: the matcha can settle at the bottom, so give the can a gentle swirl before opening. And for the full café experience, pour it over ice, add a lemon twist or a sprig of mint, and sip with a straw.
Source: @isasfundrinks / Tiktok.
Want to get creative? Some Trader Joe’s employees recommend adding a splash of blueberry or strawberry syrup for a sweeter, fruitier twist.
Why Matcha? A Quick Refresher
If you’re new to matcha, here’s the scoop: matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves.
It’s packed with antioxidants, and unlike regular green tea, you’re consuming the whole leaf—meaning you get a gentle caffeine boost without the jitters.
Combined with lemonade, it’s a match made in summer heaven: the tartness of the citrus balances the earthiness of the tea, and the carbonation adds a playful sparkle.
You might like: Discover Trader Joe’s latest decadent delight for just $4.99—It’s not what you expect!
How Does It Stack Up to Starbucks?
While Starbucks’ Iced Matcha Lemonade was a cult favorite, many fans found it a bit too sweet or lacking in real matcha flavor.
Trader Joe’s version, on the other hand, lets the matcha shine. It’s less sugary, more refreshing, and—thanks to the bubbles—feels like a special treat.
Plus, you can enjoy it at home, at the park, or wherever your summer adventures take you.
Source: @trader_joes_treasure_hunt / Instagram.
Perfect for Every Summer Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, or just need a midday pick-me-up, Trader Joe’s Sparkling Matcha Lemonade fits the bill. It’s portable, affordable, and just the right amount of fancy.
And if you’re looking to impress guests, try serving it in a tall glass with nugget ice and a garnish—no one will guess it came from a can!
A Few Fun Serving Ideas:
- Mocktail Hour: Add a splash of elderflower syrup and garnish with fresh mint for a sophisticated alcohol-free spritz.
- Berry Twist: Muddle a few blueberries or strawberries in your glass before pouring in the lemonade.
- Citrus Cooler: Mix with a little sparkling water and a squeeze of lime for an extra-refreshing drink.
Source: @wetriedtraderjoes / Instagram.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype?
Absolutely! Trader Joe’s Sparkling Matcha Lemonade is more than just a copycat—it’s a summer essential in its own right. It’s affordable, delicious, and a fun way to bring a little coffee shop magic home.
And with Starbucks slimming down its menu, it’s nice to know we have options that don’t break the bank.
Read next: This unexpected spring drink has Starbucks fans rethinking their go-to order
Will you try Trader Joe’s Sparkling Matcha Lemonade yet? Are you mourning the loss of your favorite coffee shop drink, or have you found a new summer obsession? Do you have your own creative ways to enjoy matcha at home? Share your thoughts, recipes, and reviews in the comments below!
