Vanilla Matcha Smoothie - Beast Designer

Matcha smoothies offer a refreshing twist on the classic protein shake. I enjoy making this smoothie as a post-workout recovery drink.

This vanilla matcha protein shake makes an ideal breakfast or a tasty mid-morning snack. Blending softened cashews, coconut water, cashew milk, matcha powder, frozen banana, and vanilla creates a protein-rich, antioxidant-packed smoothie that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

With a moderate amount of caffeine and the mood-stabilizing effects of L-theanine, matcha provides a steady boost of energy without the jittery feeling that coffee can cause. While I have several Green Tea Smoothie recipes, matcha brings a unique twist that you definitely need to try!

How to Blend a Matcha Smoothie

Making a green tea smoothie is simple:

Start by soaking raw cashews in 1/4 cup of coconut water for 20 minutes to soften—this step can be skipped if you’re short on time, though it does add creaminess to the smoothie. Next, combine the softened cashews and coconut water with cashew milk, matcha powder, banana, ginger, and vanilla in a blender. Blend until smooth.

For the creamiest result, cashew milk is recommended, but you can substitute it with oat milk, almond milk, or any plant milk you prefer. Matcha powder has an earthy flavor, so the banana adds a nice balance. If you want a lower-sugar option, you can swap the banana with cauliflower or avocado, though you’ll lose some sweetness.

Be sure to use unsweetened coconut water and cashew milk for the best flavor.

Beneficial Ingredients

Incorporating matcha powder into this smoothie is a simple way to boost your diet with a variety of health benefits. Matcha is a concentrated form of green tea leaves in powdered form, and just ¼ to ½ teaspoon provides the antioxidant equivalent of 8 to 10 cups of green tea.

Matcha is also rich in L-theanine, a unique amino acid known for promoting relaxation, mental clarity, and focus.

A review of scientific literature revealed that green tea catechins offer numerous health benefits, including protecting against cardiovascular disease, aiding in cancer prevention, and reducing inflammation. And that’s just the beginning!

I carefully selected the ingredients in this smoothie for their unique health-boosting qualities:

Cashews and Cashew Milk: Protein-packed and heart-healthy.
Coconut Water: Hydrating and loaded with electrolytes.
Matcha Powder: A powerful antioxidant boost in every scoop.
Banana: Naturally sweet without spiking blood sugar, bananas also thicken the smoothie with low-glycemic sugars and pectin.
Vanilla: A low-calorie flavor enhancer that adds a touch of magnesium.

Tips for a Creamy Smoothie

This smoothie is incredibly creamy, earning it the title of both matcha smoothie and matcha shake. Its shake-like texture is achieved by soaking the raw cashews before blending. Here are a couple of ways to soak them:

Method #1: Soak the cashews overnight in coconut water for 8 hours. If you choose this method, be sure to refrigerate the mixture.
Method #2: For a quicker option, soak the cashews in boiling water for 10 minutes. Afterward, drain and add them to the blender. While this “flash-boil” method sacrifices some nutrients, you’ll still get that creamy texture. Add the coconut water directly to the blender since it wasn’t used in the soaking process.

Enjoy this delicious, energizing matcha smoothie as a nourishing breakfast or snack packed with health benefits!

FAQs Matcha Smoothie

Does matcha work well in a smoothie?

Absolutely! Matcha in the U.S. is almost always sold as a powder, so the same powder used for tea can be added to your smoothie. Simply scoop it in and enjoy the natural caffeine boost along with the antioxidants.

What fruit goes well with matcha?

Matcha powder has a bold, earthy flavor, so pairing it with naturally sweet fruits helps balance its taste. For my matcha smoothie recipe, I chose bananas for sweetness and added fresh ginger to enhance the overall flavor profile.