This Vanilla Mint Matcha Protein Shake is the perfect workout snack. Matcha has numerous health benefits and plant protein helps keep the fat burning effects of matcha while rebuilding muscle.
*April 2018: post and photos updated. Recipe slightly tweaked.*
It’s MATCHA MONDAY everyone!
Have you heard of matcha? If you’re new to the health food world, this might just be your day to learn something new. If you’ve heard of matcha, but not necessarily looked into including it in your diet, you may want to consider changing that!
Matcha is a finely ground tea powder, unique to Japan, made of “shade grown” tea leaves. Growing the tea leaves in the shade enhances the chlorophyll content, making the leaves a vibrant, green color. Chlorophyll acts as a powerful detoxifier, helping to eliminate both chemicals and heavy metals from the body. Matcha also uses the entire tea leaf, which makes this tea powder rich in vitamins and minerals.
What’s So Great About Matcha?
Matcha is great for anyone. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or not, matcha would be a great addition to your diet. I’ve been drinking matcha for a while now, and as with most new healthy foods I add into my diet, I like to do a bit of research first. Here are some of the key benefits matcha has to offer:
1. Cancer Prevention: Matcha contains antioxidants called catechins, which are not found in other foods. The catechin found in green tea, EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) provides cancer-fighting properties. EGCg and other catechins counteract the effects of dangerous free radicals coming from chemicals, radiation, UV rays, which can all lead to cell and DNA damage.
2. Aids* in Weight Loss: I don’t want this benefit to be held with too much high regard, but there is research shown that consuming matcha can help boost metabolism and burn fat.
3. Lowers LDL “Bad” Cholesterol: The catechin found in green tea, EGCg, also aids in lowering cholesterol levels.
4. Boosts Energy Levels: Matcha is a good substitute to coffee, because it helps give you the energy you need, without the side effects that coffee can sometimes give you.
Okay, so on to the recipe…
This Vanilla Mint Matcha Protein Shake is so refreshing
I’ve made this shake several times and find it SO refreshing, especially post-workout. I like to use protein powder for optimal muscle-building, unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as Silk Unsweetened Cashew Milk), a little bit of plain non-dairy yogurt (plant-based for better fat burning effects from matcha) for added thickness, some ice, mint leaves, and of course MATCHA.
The flavor of matcha may be a little strong and “grassy” to some on its own, but a little raw honey or a drop or two of monk fruit extract can help. 🙂 OR, you could always use a vanilla or honey flavored yogurt to help add some more sweetness to this drink, and lessen the “grassy” taste you may come across. Also using a quality matcha powder will help! Ceremonial grade is what I used.
This recipe is listed for one, but can easily be doubled. I also suggest using non-dairy milk to optimize the fat-burning properties of matcha. I read here that casein (a protein found in milk) may bind with the catechins, making them unavailable for absorption in the body, therefore lessening the effects of matcha.
Alright, enough science talk, let’s make this drink.
PrintVanilla Mint Matcha Protein Shake
This Vanilla Mint Matcha Protein Shake is the perfect workout snack. Matcha has numerous health benefits and plant protein helps keep the fat burning effects of matcha while rebuilding muscle.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Protein Shake
- Method: blender
- Cuisine: american
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plant-based yogurt
- 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice
- 1/2 cup ice
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk*
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 serving vanilla plant-based protein powder
- 4–6 mint leaves
- 1 TBS cacao nibs, optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a single-serve blender (such as Nutri-Bullet), and blend until smooth. Adjust liquid for desired consistency.
Notes
*Use coconut milk for extra creamy – adjust liquid to desired consistency. Using non-dairy milk will keep the fat burning effects of matcha.
This recipe can easily be doubled for 2
If looking to boost carb intake post workout, a banana is a great addition to this drink!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 274
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 29
- Cholesterol: 18
Keywords: Vanilla Mint Matcha Protein Shake, Healthy green smoothie shake
Resources
8 Wonders of Matcha Green Tea from Bodybuilding.com
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Courtney Hovey says
Wow! This sounds super tasty! Can’t wait to try it.
Ashley says
Matcha matcha matcha! 🙂
Rachel @ Athletic avocado says
I so need tot try matcha now!!! This looks so refreshing 🙂
Ashley says
You definitely do, Rachel! Sometimes when I am not feeling like coffee in the morning, I’ll make a matcha latte with coconut milk instead, SO good. 🙂
Megan Meade says
This sounds so good. Anything with fresh mint is a must try so I can’t wait to go pick up all the ingredients!
Ashley says
Yes, Megan! The mint adds so much to the refreshing flavor of this drink. Let me know if you try it! 🙂
Lisa @ RunWiki says
Matcha gives me the best energy boost– this would be a great breakfast for this tired mom. Pinned!
Ashley says
Awesome, Lisa! Thanks! 🙂
GiGi Eats says
Vanilla Mint – YESSSSSS! I love this flavor combo so os so much!
★★★★★
Ashley says
Isn’t it so good?! Quite often you see chocolate & mint together, but vanilla & mint is highly underrated! 😉
Georgie says
This sounds fantastic. I don’t know why I’ve never thought to use matcha in a smoothie!
Ashley says
Ya girl! 😉
Les @ The Balanced Berry says
I LOVE matcha, and haven’t had a good matcha smoothie and way too long. Definitely need to give this a try – love the mint and protein boost!
Ashley says
All about the protein boost! 😀 Thanks, Les!
Harriet Emily says
This is such a stunning recipe! The vanilla mint combo sounds amazing, and I love how healthy it is! Delicious!
★★★★★
Ashley says
Aw thanks so much, Harriet Emily! 🙂
Isy says
Hi! What are the nutrition facts for this smoothie
Ashley says
Hi there Isy! Because smoothie ingredients can vary depending on brands and products used, I haven’t calculated the nutrition information for this recipe. You can use an easy tool such as myfitnesspal.com and plug in the brands you use to get a rough idea of what the nutrition information could look like. Hope that helps!
Cassie Thuvan Tran says
Now that I have heard of Matcha Monday, I want to partake in it now! 😀 This vanilla mint matcha protein shake looks great for a post-workout snack! I love the vibrant colors and the garnish of cacao nibs on top. Makes the smoothie a little crunchy if you mix more in, and I LOVE some crunch in my smoothies too!
Ashley says
The texture from the cacao nibs is so great! Thanks, Cassie!