Matcha Smoothie

This matcha smoothie is energizing, delicious, and high in antioxidants. Learn how to make it in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients!

Recipe Highlights

• This tasty matcha smoothie is a caffeinated and healthy drink that’s easy to make in a blender with just 5 ingredients.
• The bright green color comes from matcha powder (finely ground green tea) and baby spinach.
• Frozen bananas and date syrup give this smoothie a naturally sweet taste.
• Sip on a matcha smoothie whenever you need a boost of energy or satisfying treat.

RELATED: Banana Smoothie

Matcha Smoothie Health Benefits

Provides Antioxidants

Matcha is so healthy because it’s high in antioxidants. This includes vitamin C and polyphenols.

The baby spinach and bananas are high in antioxidants too.

Antioxidants are good for you because they reduce the risk of chronic disease, such as cancer and heart disease.

Increases Energy

If you’re feeling tired or sleepy, this matcha smoothie can help you feel more awake. Matcha tea contains caffeine, which has a stimulating effect on the body.

Unlike coffee, matcha is less likely to cause a caffeine crash. That’s because it contains a molecule called L-theanine, which balances the effect of caffeine.

Promotes Relaxation

The L-theanine found in matcha relaxes the nervous system. This may help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

Supports Digestion

The bananas in this smoothie are great for your digestion. They’re rich in fiber, a nutrient that’s necessary for regular bowel movements.

Protects the Heart

Green tea, such as matcha, is a heart-healthy ingredient. It works by lowering high blood cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease.

RELATED: Spinach Smoothie

Ingredient Notes

• Oat milk
  Oat milk is great with matcha but you can use any kind of milk you like.
• Date syrup
  Made from Medjool dates, date syrup adds natural sweetness to the recipe.
• Matcha
  The highest quality matcha isn’t needed for this drink, but make sure the matcha is from Japan.
• Baby spinach
  Full of vitamins and antioxidants, baby spinach makes this smoothie even healthier. It also deepens the green color of the drink.
• Frozen banana
  Frozen banana is a popular smoothie ingredient because it adds creaminess and thickness. Avoid using fresh bananas, as this will make the drink too watery.

Step-by-Step Instructions

For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.

1. Pour oat milk and date syrup into the blender.
   Always load the liquids first.
2. Add matcha.
3. Add baby spinach.
4. Add frozen banana.

5. Blend until smooth.
   Begin on low speed, then increase to high.
6. Pour into a cup. Serve immediately.

Optional Add-Ins

Protein powder

To make your smoothie extra filling, add whey or vegan protein powder. This ingredient is helpful if you’re recovering from a workout.

Another option is powdered collagen, which is good for skin and joint health.

For this recipe, unflavored or vanilla protein powder will taste best. Use ½ to 1 scoop per smoothie.

Seeds

Seeds are great for adding healthy fats and vitamins to your drink. Try flax seed, chia seeds, or hemp seeds.

Stick to 1-2 tablespoons to avoid overwhelming the smoothie.

Extracts

This matcha smoothie works well with vanilla extract or almond extract.

Use ½ teaspoon and add it after the oat milk.

Blender Tips

Load ingredients in the right order.
The secret to a good smoothie is to add the ingredients from lightest to heaviest. This will reduce air pockets and ensure a smooth blend. Start with liquids, including syrups, then follow with any powders or seeds. Finally, add leafy greens, fresh fruits, and heavier items like ice or frozen fruits.

Push ingredients with a tamper.
A blender tamper is a tool that lets you move ingredients toward the blades as they move. As long as the lid is on the blender, the tamper won’t touch the blades.

Increase the speed gradually.
It’s not recommended to blend on low for too long. This can overheat the motor and damage the blender. Instead, start on low speed, then quickly increase to high.

Expert Tips

• When freezing bananas, be sure to slice them into coins. This will make it easier for your blender to break the banana down.
• Avoid using green bananas, which are unripe and bitter. Choose yellow bananas with some brown spots for the sweetest and freshest flavor.
• The more vibrant the green color of matcha, the higher the quality (and more expensive). Expensive matcha isn’t necessary for this drink since it’s going to be blended with other ingredients so go with one that’s about $20-$30 for a tin or pouch.
• Omit the date syrup for a less sweet smoothie.
• If the smoothie is too thick, add some oat milk and blend for 10 seconds to combine.
• Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately or within 24 hours. If you need to store leftovers, use an airtight container, like a jar. Store it in the refrigerator and drink within 1-2 days.

Questions You May Have

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• Cucumber Smoothie
• Coconut Milk Smoothie
• Kale Smoothie
• Strawberry Collagen Smoothie

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