What is Matcha?
Matcha green tea has been a staple of Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, with its origins tracing back to imperial Japan. Made from the camellia sinensis leaves, matcha is stone-ground into a vibrant, nutrient-rich fine powder. Use the Japanese green tea powder to make traditional tea, a matcha latte, or incorporate it into matcha overnight oats, smoothies, baked goods, and ice cream.
A few years ago, I started an elimination diet to help with my chronic illness and inflammation. With so many foods off-limits, breakfast quickly became the most challenging meal. This matcha protein shake recipe solved both problems—it gave me a healthy breakfast option and took care of my caffeine fix since matcha has a higher caffeine content than regular green tea [1].
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Liquid: Use a liquid of your choice— water, oat, soy, coconut, or unsweetened almond milk. After trying several options, the creaminess of oat milk tastes the best with matcha, but water works just as well.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Adding your favorite protein powder to the shake creates a perfect base for the matcha and helps it become extra frothy once you shake it; I use Truvani vanilla protein powder for dietary purposes.
- Matcha: When purchasing matcha powder, look for organic culinary-grade matcha.
- Cinnamon: Balance the flavor of the protein shake with a pinch of ground cinnamon.
- Honey: I recommend tasting the matcha protein shake and adding honey as needed. It is a great way to naturally sweeten the drink and balance the earthy flavor of the matcha powder.
Additions and Substitutions
- Choose a protein. Sometimes, I replace protein powder with a ready-made protein drink such as vanilla Premiere Protein or Fairlife when I am in a pinch.
- Sneak in veggies and fruit. Include berries, frozen banana, avocados, or a handful of fresh greens like baby spinach leaves, kale, or beet greens.
- Boost the shake. Consider adding chia seeds, hemp hearts, flax seeds, or nut butter (almond butter or peanut butter) to make the shake more filling.
- Sweeten things up. I prefer using honey to sweeten the protein shake (depending on the protein powder you use), but you can use dates, maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free option like monk fruit.
How to Make Matcha Protein Shake
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Combine the ingredients in a blender bottle or glass jar with a lid and shake to combine.
Step 2: Pour the matcha drink over ice or enjoy it as is.
Expert Tips
- Choose the best protein. Whether it’s whey, plant-based, or collagen, find a protein powder that fits your dietary needs and preferences.
- Blend thoroughly. Use a shaker bottle with a ball and shake the ingredients to break up the protein powder and matcha powder for the best results. Try a small blender for a smooth and creamy shake. You can even add ice cubes or frozen fruit if you want a thicker consistency.
If you enjoy the green tea protein shake, try one of these tasty drink recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha has a distinct earthy taste. It’s like a bolder green tea—rich in flavor yet mellow, with a pleasant sweetness that rounds out its natural earthiness.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
The protein shake comes together in minutes, so there’s no need for meal prep, but you can if you want to.
Prepare the shake and pour it into an ice cube tray. Then, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. They will freeze for 2-3 months.
When you are ready for the drink, add the cubes to a drinking glass, wait for it to melt, and enjoy!
Matcha Protein Shake
- Blender Bottle or Glass Jar
- 1 cup water or milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon honey, as needed
- Combine the ingredients in a blender bottle or glass jar with a lid and shake to combine.
- Pour the matcha drink over ice or enjoy it as is.
- Choose the best protein. Whether it’s whey, plant-based, or collagen, find a protein powder that fits your dietary needs and preferences.
- Blend thoroughly. Use a shaker bottle with a ball and shake the ingredients to break up the protein powder and matcha powder for the best results. Try a small blender for a smooth and creamy shake. You can even add ice cubes or frozen fruit if you want a thicker consistency.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Sources:
1. Adnan M., Ahmad A., Ahmed D.A., Khalid N., Hayat I., Ahmed I. Chemical Composition and Sensory Evaluation of Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Commercialized in Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot. 2013;45:901–907. [Google Scholar]