Starbucks’ 2026 Winter Menu’s Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha is shown. Social Media Coordinator Edie Ash tried the new-addition drink as part of its Winter Menu and enjoyed the matcha elements, but acknowledged that it may not be for everyone. “The drink is topped with chocolate cold foam, replicating the distinctive taste of Dubai chocolate,” Ash wrote. “Despite the chocolate elements, the drink is centered on the unique bitterness of matcha, which may be unpleasant for customers who aren’t fans of the flavor.” Photo fair use of Starbucks
Starbucks’ Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha, released Jan. 6, has strong appetizing elements and a cleverly curated contrast of flavors, but some might dislike its unique flavors.
Starbucks released the Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha on Jan. 6 as an item on its annual Winter Menu to its stores. The drink’s appetizing elements and aesthetically pleasing look make it a strong new addition to the menu, but some might find its price and strong flavors that can be overwhelming.
The drink is made with a base of matcha topped with chocolate cold foam. Offered in tall, grande and venti sizes, the drink is on the expensive side, priced between $5.95 and $9.00 depending on the size.
The chocolatey cold foam adds a pleasant sweetness that complements the Dubai chocolate flavor and offers contrast to the drinks earthy matcha base.
At first glance, the drink is easy to write off as another brand riding the wave of the viral Dubai chocolate TikTok trend that started in 2023. However, the drink proves that beneath the trend-inspired name, it’s a carefully constructed beverage that delivers on taste.
The drink is topped with chocolate cold foam, replicating the distinctive taste of Dubai chocolate. Despite the chocolate elements, the drink is centered on the unique bitterness of matcha, which may be unpleasant for customers who aren’t fans of the flavor.
A video shows the Starbucks Iced Dubia Chocolate Matcha, the company’s latest addition to their 2026 Winter Menu. While the drink seemed to merely be following the 2023 Dubai chocolate trend on TikTok, its strong flavors set it apart. “At first glance, Starbucks’ Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha is easy to write off as another brand riding the wave of a viral trend,” Social Media Coordinator Edie Ash wrote. “However, the drink proves that beneath the trend driven name is a carefully constructed beverage that delivers on taste.” Video fair use of Starbucks
The chocolatey cold foam adds a pleasant sweetness that complements the Dubai chocolate flavor and offers contrast to the drinks earthy matcha base. However, its serving feels disproportionate to the amount of matcha, as the foam is quickly consumed within the first few sips.
Furthermore, while the Winter Menu offers heated beverages, the Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha only comes iced, which may leave customers who prefer hot beverages looking for a different option.
The Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha stands out through its strong contrast in flavor, embodying its inspiration of Dubai chocolate. Though the bitterness of the matcha, lack of cold foam and price may leave some unsatisfied, overall the drink is a strong addition to the Winter Menu and worth trying.
