KEY POINT SUMMARY – Trader Joe’s copies Starbucks
• Trader Joe’s copies Starbucks drink with a $1.99 sparkling can
• Sparkling Matcha Lemonade praised as a dupe of a discontinued favorite
• Starbucks cut Iced Matcha Lemonade in a major 2025 menu overhaul
• Online buzz fuels Trader Joe’s drink popularity this summer
• Coffee giant says cuts will streamline barista service and wait times
Fans Say Trader Joe’s Copies Starbucks Classic
Trader Joe’s copies Starbucks in a bold way this spring. Its new Sparkling Matcha Lemonade, released quietly in late April, quickly drew comparisons to the beloved but discontinued Iced Matcha Lemonade from Starbucks.
Sold for just $1.99 per can, the fizzy drink pairs citrusy lemonade with earthy green tea and sparkling water.
A Sweet Deal That Hits All the Right Notes
Social media erupted with praise. Fans on Reddit and Instagram called it “the perfect match” and even “better than Starbucks.” The lower price point also struck a chord with budget-conscious shoppers.
“I miss the Starbucks matcha lemonade,” one Redditor wrote. “This one hits the spot.”
Starbucks Dropped the Original in 2025 Menu Cuts
Starbucks removed 13 drinks in early 2025, including its popular Iced Matcha Lemonade. CEO Brian Niccol announced a 30% menu reduction to streamline operations and reduce wait times.
The cuts were part of a broader effort to “get back to coffee basics,” the company said.
Trader Joe’s Capitalizes on Customer Cravings
By offering a bubbly alternative just months after Starbucks cut, Trader Joe’s copies Starbucks’ formula for seasonal success. Fans see it as more than a coincidence — and they’re buying cans in bulk.
The drink is seasonal, but if demand holds, it could become a permanent favorite.
Social Buzz Suggests Trader Joe’s Found a Hit
With summer just around the corner, Sparkling Matcha Lemonade is shaping up to be Trader Joe’s breakout beverage of 2025. The fact that Trader Joe’s copies Starbucks on this fan favorite may prove to be a genius move.
Drink by drink, Trader Joe’s shows it’s more than just a grocery store — it’s a tastemaker.
