Matcha Protein Smoothie

Breakfast at a Glance

• Prep Time: < 5 minutes
• Planning Ahead: None
• Morning Effort: 5 minutes
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 10g

Nessy's Note

It took me a while to get into matcha but now that I like it, I love it.

While I usually make it plain when I'm at home, a matcha latte is the first thing I look for on any coffee shop menu.

So I channeled those same cozy, creamy flavors into this matcha protein smoothie (as I did for this matcha yogurt).

Naturally sweetened with dates, it has a caramel-matcha latte vibe that also sneaks in some veggies and packs a generous helping of protein (without needing protein powder) plus fiber to keep you full as any good breakfast smoothie should (this strawberry banana protein smoothie also does!).

• Matcha- For the signature flavor of this smoothie, use a quality powder that you like the taste of.
• Greek Yogurt- This adds most of the protein (like in Greek yogurt overnight oats) to make the smoothie filling.
  • Substitution: Any plain yogurt should work but the protein content will vary.
• Dates- These naturally sweeten the smoothie and add a bit of fiber. I used 5 Noor dates but if you have Medjool dates, you can use about 2 of those instead. Add more or fewer to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
  • Substitution: You can try something like honey or maple syrup to sweeten it. I haven't tested it but would start with about a tablespoon and then adjust. If you prefer to sweeten with banana, check out my banana matcha smoothie.
• Chia Seeds- These thicken the smoothie and add extra fiber and omega-3s.
  • Substitution: Flaxseeds work well too or you can try adding a couple of tablespoons of rolled oats to help thicken it.
• Spinach- I try to incorporate some vegetables in at breakfast and spinach is great for this smoothie because it amplifies the green from the matcha powder without changing the flavor much. I used frozen spinach but fresh works too or you can leave it out.
• Frozen Cauliflower- This is another one of my go-to vegetables in smoothies (like this chocolate protein smoothie) because you can't taste it and it helps to thicken the smoothie.
  • Substitution: Ice cubes can be used instead to help thicken it or it can be left out.
• Vanilla Extract- Like in my matcha yogurt bowl, I like to add a bit of vanilla as I find it nicely complements the matcha flavor and gives this smoothie an almost matcha latte vibe.
• Salt- A pinch helps to bring the flavors together. Sea salt, table or kosher all will work.

Notes for the Best Matcha Protein Smoothie

• Layer for Proper Blending. You can help your smoothie blend more efficiently by adding the ingredients in the right order.
  • If using a blender cup with the blade on top, add frozen and hard ingredients first (like frozen cauliflower and spinach), then seeds, dates and matcha and finish with the yogurt and liquid on top.
  • If using a standard blender with the blade on the bottom, the order is the opposite: Liquids and yogurt, then seeds and finally frozen or heavy items.
• Soak Hard Dates. If your dates are hard, for smoother blending, place them in a cup of hot water for a couple of minutes (while you measure out the other ingredients).
• Check Your Dates. Occasionally dates can have mold inside so ensure that you look at the inside before adding them to your smoothie.

More Breakfast Smoothie Recipes...

• Banana Matcha Smoothie
• Mango Protein Smoothie
• Blueberry Banana Smoothie
• Mango Spinach Smoothie