Fuel up with a nutritious and delicious matcha protein shake! Packed with the health benefits of matcha tea and protein powder, you'll be reaching for this after a long workout or to stay energized throughout the day. Oh, and it's super easy to make — less than 5 ingredients!
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As a runner, I'm always looking for ways to make post-workout recovery more exciting and delicious. Over the years, I've experimented with adding protein to my drinks and treats to keep me fueled for longer. This has resulted in some of my favorite recipes: iced protein coffee (proffee!), protein popsicles, chocolate overnight oats, and high-protein Kodiak mug cakes.
But I can say with confidence that my latest protein concoction is my current favorite: a creamy, delicious vanilla matcha protein shake!
Matcha has completely won me over — I absolutely love it! Iced or hot, morning or afternoon, you can find me sipping on this herbaceous green tea in all its forms at all times. So, making this protein matcha shake was inevitable. Packed with vanilla protein and vitamins and minerals from the matcha tea, it's become my go-to for refueling my body after a long run.
But, runner or not, I'm positive you'll love how this matcha protein drink keeps you energized and satisfied for hours. Read on to learn more about what matcha can do for our overall health, and for the full protein shake recipe!
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a high-grade Japanese green tea powder. It was originally developed in China but has deep roots in Japanese culture. In the 12th century, a Japanese Buddhist monk brought the tea leaves to Japan to be used in traditional tea ceremonies for meditation and spiritual practices. Beyond its ceremonial purposes, matcha became a cornerstone in Japanese cuisine. Its grassy and slightly bitter taste is used to flavor many Japanese dishes, desserts, and drinks, and its bright green color is often used as a natural dye, found in everything from noodles to ice cream.
But for many, matcha's crowning glory lies in the health benefits it boasts. Seriously, matcha deserves some praise as a nutritional powerhouse. From boosting immunity and metabolism, protecting the liver, and improving brain health (just to list a few benefits — source), it's no wonder that matcha is often referred to as a superfood!
This powdered green tea is packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that fight free radicals. While matcha contains more caffeine than regular green teas, it's a gentle, sustained buzz as opposed to the jolt and jitters we get from too much coffee. You know, that feeling of being sent into orbit after crossing the threshold of a third espresso drink...
If it seems like matcha has an extensive job description, it's because it does — and it certainly has earned a spot in your kitchen.
Why Matcha Protein Shakes?
It's simple: matcha shakes are delicious, easy to make, and are next-level healthy!
The balanced energy from the matcha combined with protein powders – key for muscle recovery and repair – makes this matcha protein shake recipe the ideal post-workout snack, or simply a healthy and delicious treat that'll keep you full and satisfied throughout a busy day.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Matcha Powder - With its earthy and subtly sweet taste, matcha powder gives this smoothie its unique flavor AND signature green color. Combine with 2 tablespoons of warm water to make a thin consistency before blending.
Milk - Milk serves as the liquid base, giving the shake a creamy texture. If you're lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, use a non-dairy milk such as soy, almond, or oat milk.
Vanilla Protein Powder - It's not a protein shake without protein! A vanilla-flavored protein will balance the grassy, bitter taste of the matcha while adding a touch of sweetness.
Sweetener - For additional sweetness, use maple syrup, honey, or a sweetener of your choice. Maple syrup is my favorite because it is natural and contains little refined sugar.
Ice - Matcha vanilla protein shakes are best served over ice. After being blended, pour it over a handful of ice in a glass (a clear glass will show off the vibrant green color!).
How to Make a Matcha Protein Shake
For the complete recipe and measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: In a small cup, combine the warm water and matcha powder. Whisk or froth together until combined.
Step 2: Add the matcha mixture to a protein shaker with the milk, protein powder, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice.
Step 3: Top the shaker and shake well until combined. Add more maple syrup or sweetener to taste.
Step 4: Pour the protein shake over a tall glass of ice. If desired, sprinkle the drink with coarse cane sugar and enjoy!
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Use a high-quality matcha. Not all matcha powder is created equal. Ceremonial-grade matcha has the best flavor, but tends to be on the pricier side. Culinary-grade matcha is budget-friendlier and works just fine in this shake — just make sure it's bright green, which indicates freshness and quality. Matcha latte powder can also be used in a pinch, but it won't be as bright or taste as strong, so you may need to add extra.
- Whisk or blend the matcha with warm water. This step is necessary to smooth the matcha powder out, making it blend easily with the other ingredients. Otherwise, it will get chunky when shaken in the blender. Bleh!
- Sweeten to taste. For modest sweetness, omit the sweetener or use less. Matcha already has a very light, natural sweetness that pairs well with the vanilla protein, so you can stick to your preference here.
Recipe Variations
- High Protein: Make your matcha smoothie work even harder for you with dairy or soy milk, adding 8 extra grams of protein.
- Extra-High Protein: If 8 extra grams is not enough protein, get a few extra with filtered dairy milk (extra 13 grams of protein!).
- Honey: Create your own sweetener with one part honey and one part hot water.
- Very Vanilla: If you love vanilla and the vanilla protein powder just isn't enough, add ½ tsp vanilla extract for an extra kick.
- Greens: Get your greens by adding a scoop of a greens powder (such as Athletic Greens).
- Non-Dairy: Substitute the milk base with your favorite plant-based option, such as unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Tip: Oat milk will make the smoothie extra creamy!
Serving Suggestions
Matcha protein smoothies are best enjoyed in the morning for breakfast, as a midday pick-me-up, or as a post-workout snack.
Pour over ice, and serve with a straw. If you're feeling extra fancy, finish it off with a garnish — a sprinkle of chia seeds or coarse cane sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. This recipe makes one serving. Double it if you're making for two.
For more healthy breakfast and snack recipes, check out my coconut date energy balls, creamy peach smoothie, and protein oatmeal breakfast cookies.
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Recipe Card
Matcha Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 ½ teaspoons matcha powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- Ice
- coarse cane sugar such as Sugar in the Raw, optional
Instructions
- In a small cup, combine the warm water and matcha powder. Whisk or froth together until combined.
- Add the matcha mixture to a protein shaker with the milk, protein powder, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice.
- Top the shaker and shake well until combined. Add more maple syrup or sweetener to taste.
- Pour the protein shake over a tall glass of ice. If desired, sprinkle the drink with coarse cane sugar and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a high-quality matcha. Not all matcha powder is created equal. Ceremonial-grade matcha has the best flavor, but tends to be on the pricier side. Culinary-grade matcha is budget-friendlier and works just fine in this smoothie — just make sure it's bright green, which indicates freshness and quality. Matcha latte powder can also be used, but it won't be as bright or taste as strong.
- Whisk or blend the matcha with warm water. This step is necessary to smooth the matcha powder out, making it blend easily with the other ingredients. Otherwise, it will get chunky when shaken in the blender. Bleh!
- Sweeten to taste. For modest sweetness, omit the sweetener or use less. Matcha already has a very light, natural sweetness that pairs well with the sweetness and flavor from the vanilla protein, so stick to your preference here.
