
Beverages are packed with Uji matcha and other tempting stars of Japanese dessert world.
Back in the summer, McDonald’s Japan promised to punch us all in the face with the spiciness of limited-time extra-fiery McNuggets. But with the weather starting to cool, it’s time for less violent, more relaxing fare.
So instead of setting your stomach ablaze, McDonald’s is ready to soothe your green tea-loving heart with a new lineup of mouth-watering matcha dessert drinks, all of which go on sale this week. Starting things off is the decadently delicious, amply annotated Kuromitsu Kinako Matcha Frappe (490 yen [US$4.40]).
Running through the Japanese-language marque ingredients, the slushy green tea beverage is made with green tea matcha powder from the Kyoto town of Uji, Japan’s most highly respected matcha producer. It’s then topped with a swirl of whipped cream dusted with kinako, a sweet roasted soybean powder that’s a little like cinnamon, and drizzled with sticky kuromitsu syrup made with Okinawan brown sugar. There’s also a trio of shiratama dumplings, and for even extra Japanese-ness, the Kuromitsu Kinako Matcha Frappe (like all of McDonald’s new matcha drinks) is made with milk from Japanese dairies.
If you don’t need quite so many toppings, there’s a de-specced Matcha Latte Frappe (450 yen) which withholds the shiratama, kinako, and kuromitsu, but as a consolation sprinkles extra matcha powder on the whipped cream.
If you want something cold but not necessarily icy, the smooth-textured Matcha Latte (390 yen) is the way to go.
And finally, since it won’t be long until an autumn chill makes itself felt in the air, the Matcha Latte is also available in an elegant hot version, which looks like just the thing to sip on as you relax and peruse some stimulating reading material while occasionally glancing out the window to admire the changing color of the autumn foliage.
While this isn’t McDonald’s first time to offer matcha beverages, the company says that this time it’s significantly upped the quantity of green tea powder for a richer taste and deeper color. The new lineup goes on sale September 12 at McDonald’s Japan branches with the McCafé by Barista cafe menu (location list here), and while trying all four dessert drinks will require multiple visits, the Matcha Frappes will be available until mid-October, and the Lattes until late November.
Source, images: Press release
Follow Casey on Twitter as he continues to consume as much matcha as possible.





New Kyoto green tea dessert drinks join McDonald’s Japan menu with ichigo and shiratama assists
McDonald’s Japan is bringing back their matcha treats again this year with a new twist
McDonald’s Japan’s matcha dessert family grows with the new strawberry green tea Frappe
McDonald’s Japan unveils new Oreo and matcha green tea frappe
McDonald’s Japan releases matcha green tea cake, frappes and lattes for a limited time
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
What do you eat when you catch a cold? We asked 11 of our Japanese reporters
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Utada Hikaru explains “why getting over someone is so painful”
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Tokyo sex industry worker arrested for saying she needed tuition money, spending it on hosts
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
This amazing bowl of meaty ramen? Made entirely with Japanese convenience store stuff
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
New luxury kuromitsu matcha frappe hits McDonald’s Japan’s McCafé for a limited time
McDonald’s sells Japanese red bean and matcha drinks with a zany sakura tea ceremony commercial
McDonald’s Japan teams up with Godiva for the first time to create delicious new dessert drink
“Glossy green tea donuts” sound weird, look amazing in Mr. Donut team-up with Kyoto matcha master
Matcha Oreo McFlurries tempting us to forgive McDonald’s Japan’s lack of originality
McDonald’s Japan goes high-class with new line of crème brûlée dessert beverages
McDonald’s Japan’s new apple caramel black tea and Kyoho frappes are creatively cool autumn treats
McDonald’s Japan’s newest east-meets-west dessert, the Shingen Mochi Pie is here, but is it good?
Mister Donut Glossy Green Tea shows true beauty is on the inside, even for desserts【Taste test】
McDonald’s Japan releases first-ever matcha pie, perfectly timed for sakura season
Does McDonald’s Japan’s first-ever matcha pie live up to the hype?
McDonald’s Japan releases brand new Matcha McFlurry for a limited time
Even Denny’s is awesome in Japan as diner chain rolls out new Kyoto Uji matcha green tea desserts
McDonald’s new mochi shiratama McFlurry’s name is a mouthful, but our taste buds want it anyway
Leave a Reply