Matcha Smoothie

4.84 from 121 votes
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This green matcha smoothie recipe will energize you in an instant! It’s a healthy blend of green tea, yogurt, almonds, banana, spinach, and kale in one tasty sip.

Matcha smoothie recipe in a clear glass cup.

Recipe Science

  • Matcha powder in a smoothie provides a concentrated source of antioxidants, particularly catechins.
  • The fine particles of matcha powder evenly disperse throughout the smoothie, creating a smooth texture and a robust, earthy flavor.
  • Combining matcha with ingredients like milk and yogurt adds creaminess and balances the matcha’s natural bitterness.

Why It Works

This refreshing matcha smoothie will give you the energy boost you need to kick-start your mornings. By making some simple, wholesome swaps, you can easily add protein, fiber, fruit, vegetables, and antioxidants to your glass without compromising on flavor. Let’s put that blender to work!

I love the challenge of developing better-for-you recipes that you will enjoy! To balance the bitter taste of green tea powder, kale, and spinach, add a bit of sweetness and fat. I use bananas and some sweetener paired with yogurt to mask any astringent notes. In less than 5 minutes, you have a cold, creamy, and delicious smoothie ready to drink at home or on the go!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make a matcha smoothie.
  • Matcha: There are numerous nutritional benefits of matcha. The ground green tea leaves can contain up to 10 to 15 times more overall nutrients than traditional green tea. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, about 100 times more. The antioxidants from different catechins help protect against free radicals and strengthen the immune system.
  • Milk: Unsweetened almond milk adds a light creaminess and helps to process the frozen ingredients.
  • Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a boost of protein, so you stay satiated until the next meal. Yogurt also contains probiotics which daily consumption has been shown to help to increase the immune system and promote a healthy digestive tract.
  • Greens: Baby kale and spinach are delicate and tender. The earthy and bitter notes are not as strong in the smoothie, especially when paired with the green tea powder. Kale provides protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, K, folate, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytonutrients, while spinach is rich in iron and vitamins K, A, C, and folic acid.
  • Fruit: Fresh fruit like bananas add a natural sweetness and creamy texture to the green smoothie. It’s also a good source of potassium and electrolytes and contains prebiotic fibers that aid in digestion.
  • Sweetener: To balance the bitterness of the greens and tea, a small amount of sweetener is added to the matcha green tea smoothie recipe. I use a zero-calorie, stevia-based sweetener like Truvia.
  • Nuts: Sliced almonds add extra protein and interesting texture to the smoothie.
  • Ice: Ice cubes add a chilly thickness to the beverage.

See the recipe card below for all ingredients and measurements (US and metric).

Ingredient Substitutions

This green tea matcha smoothie is made with simple ingredients so it’s easy to customize! Try these delicious options:

  • Milk Options: For the creamiest texture, use cow’s milk. Try other plant-based options like soy, cashew, hemp, or coconut milk.
  • Yogurt Swaps: Use plain or flavored Greek or regular yogurt. Dairy-free cashew, coconut, or almond yogurt also works well.
  • Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup are good choices. You can also use Stevia or Erythritol for a natural, low-calorie sweetener.
  • Add Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder or a tablespoon of homemade almond butter to the smoothie.
  • Nuts: Replace the almonds with various types of nuts, like walnuts, cashews, or peanuts. Add coconut flakes for a tropical flavor. Nuts can also be omitted altogether if desired.
  • Frozen Fruits: Add frozen bananas to make the smoothie stay cooler for longer and not dilute the flavor. Pineapples, mango, peach, or strawberry would also pair nicely with the matcha.

How to Make a Matcha Smoothie

Vitamix container of bananas and spinach for a green tea matcha smoothie.

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

Learning how to make a smoothie the right way will ensure consistent textures and ensure all of the ingredients are optimally processed together. Start by adding the ice and milk. This will help the solids break down faster.

Next, add the soft ingredients like yogurt, spinach, kale, bananas, and apples to break down the fibrous skin. Lastly, add the sliced almonds, matcha powder, and sweetener.

Green blended liquid inside a blender cup.

Step 2: Cover and Blend

Process the smoothie ingredients over medium speed for about 30 seconds. Use a tamper to push the ice and greens down into the blades of the high-speed blender. Increase the speed to high, processing until smooth, about 60 seconds more.

Glass of green smoothie with a paper straw.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is matcha powder?

Matcha powder is finely ground whole green tea leaves that provide a mild tea flavor with a hint of sweetness and creamy texture. Ceremonial-grade matcha has a more delicate flavor but a higher price than culinary-grade matcha. That’s because it’s used for the highest quality drinking tea.

How do you use matcha green tea in recipes?

For culinary purposes, matcha powder can be used in beverages like smoothies and matcha lattes, desserts like ice cream, puddings, baked goods or snack bars. I recommend starting with one teaspoon and then gradually increasing until you reach the desired amount of green tea flavor.

Is matcha good in smoothies?

In powdered form, incorporating matcha into beverages is simple, as it readily dissolves. Blending further incorporates the tea ingredient effortlessly. Adding matcha to smoothies imparts a distinctive bitter and earthy taste. Its blend of caffeine and L-theanine enhances energy levels. Pair it with a naturally sweetened fruit like banana, pineapple, or mango to balance the astringent taste.

More Smoothie Recipes

If you tried this Matcha Smoothie Recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below!

Green Tea Matcha Smoothie

This easy to make super green smoothie recipe will energize you in an instant! A healthy blend of matcha tea, yogurt, almonds, banana, spinach and kale all in one delicious sip.
4.84 from 121 votes
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Course Breakfast, Drink
Cuisine Japanese

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt, or dairy free
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 cup baby kale
  • 1 sliced banana
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
  • 2 teaspoons Truvia® Natural Sweetener, honey, or maple syrup

Instructions 

  • Layer the Ingredients – To a blender, add ice cubes, almond milk, yogurt, spinach, kale, banana, almonds, matcha powder, and sweetener.
  • Cover and Blend – Cover and process on medium speed for about 30 seconds, using the tamper as needed. Increase to high speed for 30 to 60 seconds until thick and smooth. Adjust with more almond milk or ice to reach the desired consistency. Add more sweetener to taste.

Notes

  • Milk Options: Unsweetened cashew, soy, rice, coconut, or dairy milk can be used instead of almond milk.
  • Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, add protein powder. I usually use 1 scoop to 8 ounces of liquid. Alternatively, add a tablespoon of nut butter.

Nutrition Facts

Serves: 2 servings
Calories 168kcal (8%)Carbohydrates 31g (10%)Protein 8g (16%)Fat 4g (6%)Saturated Fat 0.3g (2%)Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 2mg (1%)Sodium 140mg (6%)Potassium 442mg (13%)Fiber 7g (28%)Sugar 17g (19%)Vitamin A 2950IU (59%)Vitamin C 23.1mg (28%)Calcium 330mg (33%)Iron 1.4mg (8%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.

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Jessica Gavin

I'm a culinary school graduate, cookbook author, and a mom who loves croissants! My passion is creating recipes and sharing the science behind cooking to help you gain confidence in the kitchen.

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Recipe Rating




38 Comments Leave a comment or review

    • Jessica Gavin says

      There are a lot of matcha tea powder options. I like Navitas organic matcha powder; I seem to find that easily at most large grocery stores.

  1. Anthea says

    Hi there. Used yr recipe and made a basic matcha smoothie. Only good matcha tea, spinach, banana, oat milk. That’s it. Easy to prepare in morning on the run.
    So thanks for the inspiration. It’s delicious!!!!

  2. sandra sydnor says

    The best place to get high quality premium grade match is Nature’s Blueprint…just ask for Val. I’ve been buying my match there for 3 years. Always quality.

  3. Eula Hobock says

    It is very easy to go wrong while brewing green tea. It needs to be brewed at the right temperature, for the right amount of time. For that perfect cup of tea, the optimal temperature is 80 degree Celsius. Anything over this temperature and you risk your tea turning bitter. Green tea has a lot of elements in it that contribute to its complex flavor.

  4. Serena Lofton says

    This smoothie is amazing. You had me at matcha so this was easy for me to love. So refreshing and looking forward to drinking it all the time.

    Instead of almond milk I use a vanilla protein shake. The shake and the banana add the perfect amount of sweetness and the protein keeps me full. Also use hemp seeds instead of almonds. ?

    Great recipe! Thanks for sharing!!

  5. AB says

    Hi ! Great recipe, I really loved the taste of this smoothie 🙂

    This might be a strange question, but where did you get this glass ? I love it !! Thanks !!

    • Jessica Gavin says

      Great to hear that you enjoyed the smoothie! I actually got the glass from crate and barrel. It’s called a beer can glass because of the appearance. 🙂

  6. Alice Schoo-Jerger says

    Leaving out the ice cubes (or frozen fruit) I make it a week in advance storing in frig in 6 pint Mason jars for 2 servings each. The morning of, dump in the blender with the ice cubes (or frozen fruit). Blend & serve. If you like to add oats or flaxseed to your smoothies, these are also items that should be added in the morning of. They stick like crazy to the Mason jar otherwise.

  7. Mogan says

    Is this recipe make-ahead friendly? Could I make a larger batch for maybe 3-4 smoothies and then keep them in the fridge (in airtight containers) to drink throughout the week?

    • B says

      I’ve heard the “daily matcha” is great. You can get it from amazon and it’s 100% Japanese matcha powder from premium Japanese Tencha leaves.

    • Becca says

      I get mine from Sipology. They have lots of great flavors too! I love the strawberry matcha in milk, the peppermint in white hot chocolate, and the vanilla in orange juice! I’m excited to try some in a smoothie though!

  8. Sophia says

    Jessica I love this smoothie its my new go to breakfast smoothie! I love the energy boost I get from the matcha. One question I have is how you get the smoothie so smooth? When I do green smoothies with leafy greens like kale or spinach I end up chewing them because its not shredded finely enough. I’m using a ninja blender right now but I’ve been looking into getting a refurbished vitamix or blendtec. What blender are you currently using and what would you recommend?

    • Jessica Gavin says

      Hi Sophia! I just published an article on blenders, perfect timing! I have tried a ninja blender and although it breaks down tougher ingredients really well, I had the same experience as you that it never became a really superfine and creamy smoothie. I always had green chunks in my teeth, haha. I believe it’s the gravity feeding and super sharp small blades of the Vitamix that gives the extremely smooth texture. I have two Vitamix blenders, a new A3500 ascent series that have a bunch of pre-programmed settings and a digital touchscreen. It’s got all the bells and whistles and can even make soups. I also have a more basic Vitamix CIA professional blender that I started with and still love. I think you should get a 64 ounce size and just make sure it has a variable speed dial. Other than that, the other features are just a bonus. I’m having a vitammix giveaway contest that’s ending soon for my cookbook launch, you should sign up!

  9. Emily says

    Is matcha the dominant flavor in this smoothie?

    I’m 11 weeks pregnant and having trouble getting adequate nutrition these days as all I want to eat is cold cereal, bananas, crackers/cheese, and potatoes. I’ve never been a fan of green smoothies (I like salads, but don’t like drinking them…) – I usually use frozen berries or mango, but I love matcha lattes and have been drinking them (made with almond milk) in lieu of coffee, which I suddenly find is too acidic!

  10. James Ludwig says

    Hey there! Thanks for the awesome recipe, I am excited to try it!:) If you don’t mind me asking, where does one normally go about purchasing matcha?:)

    • Jessica Gavin says

      Hi James! Do you have a whole foods or sprouts new you? That’s where I usually get mine or search on amazon for matcha green tea powder.

  11. Lily says

    I just tried this smoothie this morning. So delicious! This will be one of my favorite smoothies from now on, that’s for sure! Thank you for the recipe.

    • Jessica Gavin says

      Yay Kevin! Thank you for trying the recipe and letting me know what you thought 🙂 I love green tea flavor too!

  12. Gabriella says

    This matcha green smoothie looks SO good! I’m actually drinking my favorite tropical green smoothie as I write this, but I have to give yours a go. I love matcha and I love smoothies, but I’ve never had a matcha smoothie. Thanks for the inspiration!

    • Jessica Gavin says

      Thank you so much Gabriella! The combination is addicting, I have it every morning! I LOVE a good tropical smoothie 🙂 What do you add to yours?

  13. Mitja says

    The pictures look spectacular, really crisp and sharp. I see matcha is quite popular lately, have to try it out 🙂