Matcha Strawberry Protein Smoothie

This matcha strawberry protein smoothie is a beautiful breakfast drink packed with protective antioxidants, 27 grams of protein and juicy strawberry flavour! It’s easy to make in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients. Vegan, gluten free, nut free and soy free.

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie

• Antioxidant-rich
• Has 27 grams of protein
• Promotes healthy skin

Matcha and strawberry make a delightful combo in this matcha strawberry protein smoothie. It’s the perfect drink to energize your day and even has 27 grams of plant protein! Matcha is a great alternative to coffee because it provides a boost of energy without a crash later in the day. This smoothie is extremely easy to make, even with the swirled effect in the glass!

This smoothie has hemp seeds and vegan protein powder for a high protein content. We found that vanilla or plain flavours worked best. Strawberry protein powder is also delicious for a stronger berry taste! Hemp seeds add to the creamy texture and provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These good fats are anti-inflammatory which support clear, well-aging skin.

Strawberries provide plenty of vitamin C, an essential to maintain a strong immune system. Vitamin C also supports skin health like collagen production and wound healing. Strawberries also regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion!

Matcha for Health

Matcha isn’t just an alternative to coffee—it’s full of impressive health benefits as well. Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves. The leaves are grown in the shade which increases chlorophyll. This gives the matcha it’s vibrant shade of green.

There are different grades of matcha available. For smoothies it’s best to use culinary grade. In this recipe it’s also fine to use a matcha latte mix!

Matcha is packed with antioxidants. In particular, a class of antioxidants called catechins. These compounds stabalize free radicals, which cause cellular damage and lead to chronic diseases. Catechins also contains EGCG. This is a powerful type of catechin which may have anti-cancer properties.

Consuming matcha regularly may improve cognitive function and even protect liver and heart health. Adding matcha powder to smoothies is an easy way to include it in your diet (especially if you don’t enjoy drinking it plain).

Ingredients Needed

These are the ingredients you will need to make this matcha strawberry protein smoothie.

Matcha powder: Use culinary grade matcha powder or a matcha latte mix.

Hemp seeds: Adds creaminess and subtle flavour.

Protein powder: Any vanilla or plain vegan protein powder works well. Use a sweetened type if you prefer a sweeter matcha strawberry smoothie.

Agave syrup: Adds sweetness to balance the earthy taste of matcha.

Frozen strawberries: Creates the base of the strawberry half of the smoothie.

Frozen banana: Creates the base of the matcha half of the smoothie and adds natural sweetness.

Oat milk: Brings all the ingredients together for a smooth, creamy blend.

For ingredient amounts and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Benefits

Hydrating

Staying properly hydrated is a basic requirement for optimal health. By incorporating daily smoothies you can maintain your ideal hydration level more easily. Start each morning with a smoothie for easy hydration!

High fibre

Easily get more fibre in your every day diet! In addition to being generally healthy, getting enough fibre can be extremely helpful for weight loss as it helps keep you feeling full for longer, without adding calories. Fibre also helps improve our gut health.

Nutrient dense

Vegan smoothies are a great way to get more nutrient rich foods in each day. By blending them into a single meal, it’s super quick, easy and fun! Choose ingredients like dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds and fruits to make your smoothies nutrient rich.

Garnish & Topping Ideas

Sometimes it’s fun to add a few toppings to the smoothie! Of course, this matcha smoothie looks pretty with a strawberry slice on the rim of the glass. You can also press strawberry slices to the inside of the glass for a unique presentation. Here are some topping ideas:

• Sprinkled matcha powder
• Hemp seeds
• Chopped strawberries
• Freeze dried strawberries
• Cacao nibs
• Banana slices

Variations

Make it without banana

If you don’t like banana it can be swapped out for frozen mango chunks. The smoothie will have a more tropical flavour and it goes nicely with the strawberries.

Try an alternative plant milk

This recipe uses oat milk but you can try using any plant based milk you prefer. Some alternatives include soy, almond or cashew! You can also make your own plant milk from scratch. Just avoid using plain water because it won’t result in a creamy smoothie.

Adjust the consistency

If you prefer a thicker consistency you can try the recipe using a bit less liquid than what is suggested. If you want a thinner consistency, try adding a bit of extra liquid to the recipe.

Instructions

• Add all ingredients for the matcha half of the smoothie to blender.

• Start blending at low speed for 5-10 seconds. Increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes. Use the blender tamper to push ingredients down towards the blades.

• Pour the blended matcha half of the smoothie into a glass container and set aside.

• Add all ingredients for the strawberry half of the smoothie to blender. Blend in the same way as the first half.

• Pour the matcha half into a glass first, then add the strawberry half. Mix it carefully using a spoon or straw until satisfied with the appearance. Serve your matcha strawberry protein smoothie!

Prep & Blending

Add ingredients in the correct order

Always add liquid ingredients to your blender first. Then add powders, nut butters, nuts and seeds. Then add fresh greens and fresh fruit. Finally add your solid ingredients like frozen fruit. If using a small blender container with a twist on lid, reverse the order so that when you turn the container over to blend the frozen ingredients are farthest away from the blades.

Use a tamper

Push ingredients down towards the blades while blending using the tamper that comes with your blender. This helps to avoid thick smoothies from getting stuck, so you don’t have to stop blending and scrape down the sides of the container.

Don’t over blend

Try to blend your smoothie for less than a couple of minutes. If blended for too long, even thick smoothies will become thin. This is because the heat generated by the blades and motor of the blender heat up your ingredients while they are being blended.

Use a high power blender

For smoothies that have a perfectly smooth and creamy texture use a high powered blender such as a Vitamix. It can break down any ingredients to much finer particles than standard blenders, and more nutrients are released. A high speed blender also reduces the time you need to blend your recipe, which helps keep it nice and cold.

Chill your glass

By placing your smoothie glass in the freezer for a few moments you can help your smoothie stay cool for longer. This is especially helpful if you’re in a hot climate. Pop it into the freezer while you are prepping and blending, then take it out when it’s time to pour your finished smoothie!

FAQ’s

Won’t my smoothie go warm while blending the other half?

It only takes a few minutes to blend each half of the smoothie so it shouldn’t go warm in that time. If you are new to blending and it’s taking more time, you can place the first half of the smoothie in the refrigerator while working on the second half.

Can I lose weight with smoothies?

Smoothies are an excellent weight loss food! This is because they are generally lower calorie and higher in fibre and nutrients. Due to high water content, the large volume of a smoothie helps your stomach to feel satiated. And the fibre keeps you feeling full for longer, without feeling weighed down or tired like a huge meal would.

Can smoothies be refrigerated?

Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately after blending, while they are freshest. However you can refrigerate most smoothies for 1-2 days in an airtight container such as a jar. Be aware the consistency won’t be as thick as when it was first blended.

Can I make smoothies without a high speed blender?

Yes, you can still make smoothies with a regular blender. It might take more patience depending on the recipe, but it can work. Turn off the blender to scrape down the sides of the container, and secure the lid before continuing to blend. Repeat as needed. Alternatively you can add a small amount of additional liquid to the recipe, which should help.

Can I add more protein powder?

If you wish for your smoothie to have a higher protein content, you can simply add more protein powder to the recipe. Try adding one extra scoop. Avoid adding too much extra protein powder though. It may cause the overall balance of flavours in this matcha strawberry protein smoothie to taste unpleasant.

Related

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