Here’s a drink that promises summer vibes but delivers a taste of synthetic disappointment: Dutch Bros’ watermelon matcha lemonade. Amid the chain’s growing matcha lineup, this blend stands out not for its harmony but for its alarming reliance on artificial sweetness. Our taster described the watermelon syrup as tasting like cherry cough syrup—sweet, cloying, and entirely unconvincing. Pair that with a matcha concentrate that’s more syrup than powder, and you’ve got a drink that feels like a chemistry experiment gone wrong. The first sip is a shock of bitterness, artificial fruit, and sugary overload, leaving your palate numbed before it even registers the flavors.
The problem isn’t just the ingredients—it’s how they behave. Both syrups sink to the bottom of the lemonade, creating a layered mess that requires stirring and melting ice to even begin tasting decent. By the time the flavors mellow, the drink is half-finished, and the experience feels like a chore. Dutch Bros’ matcha syrup, according to Facebook reviews, is “not real matcha” and “like Kool-aid.” Employees echo this, with one calling it a “disappointment” for fans of the tea. The chain’s matcha is diluted into a sweet, liquid form, stripping away the earthy complexity of traditional matcha powder.
Still, Dutch Bros isn’t without its redeeming matcha options. Passion fruit, peach, and mango lemonades pair better with the tea’s bitterness, offering a balance that feels intentional. These drinks succeed because they let the matcha’s grassy notes linger without being drowned out by artificial sweetness. For purists, though, the real matcha magic lies elsewhere. Starbucks and Peets use powder, delivering a richer, more nuanced profile. Even Dutch Bros’ own iced matcha lemonade—despite its syrupy base—holds its own in the category.
So what’s the takeaway? Avoid the watermelon version at all costs. Seek out the fruit-lemonade hybrids for a better balance, and consider other chains for true matcha authenticity. But here’s the real question: Have you ever tried Dutch Bros’ matcha drinks? What did you think?
Dutch Bros’ matcha syrup lacks the complexity of traditional powder, leaning heavy on sweetness.
Key Points: The watermelon matcha lemonade’s artificial syrup and flavor separation make it a poor choice. Dutch Bros’ matcha syrup lacks the complexity of traditional powder, leaning heavy on sweetness. Passion fruit, peach, and mango lemonades offer a better balance of matcha’s bitterness and fruitiness.
Close: Have you ever tried Dutch Bros’ matcha drinks? What did you think?
Questions & Answers
Does Dutch Bros Matcha Green Tea taste artificial?
Yes, it has a strong artificial flavor, often described as chemically sweet and lacking natural complexity.
What did Tasting Table say about Dutch Bros Matcha?
Tasting Table called it the least favorite Dutch Bros drink, criticizing its artificial taste and poor quality.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
