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Sometimes I need more than coffee to keep me from face-planting into my couch by 3 p.m. That’s where my green tea smoothie comes in. It’s got that natural caffeine kick, but it feels cleaner, lighter, and refreshing.
When I was in college and my dad was going through chemo, he always had a pot of green tea brewing on the stove. He swore by it, and honestly, he might’ve been onto something, he outlived a cancer diagnosis by more than a decade, and I can’t help but think his tea habit played a role. Every time I make this energizing green tea smoothie, I think of my dad and send some love up to Heaven.
Table of contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
This green tea smoothie is simple, clean, and full of fresh produce you can grab at almost any grocery store. Here’s what goes in the blender:
- Fresh spinach: Adds phytonutrients, calcium and fiber— along with that gorgeous green color. You can find it in the produce section, usually in big clamshells or bags.
- Green tea: The star of this smoothie! I usually brew a bag of green tea at home (any grocery store will have boxes of it in the tea aisle). You can also buy pre-made green tea, just make sure it’s unsweetened.
- Frozen mango: Adds natural sweetness and creaminess without needing yogurt. You can find it in the frozen fruit section at most grocery stores. If you’re using fresh, check out my how to cut a mango guide for easy prep.
- Green grapes: Adds juicy sweetness and a fresh, crisp flavor that balances the earthy spinach and tangy apple. Pick a firm, seedless bunch from the produce section.
- Green apple: Crisp, tangy, and perfect for balancing the sweetness and increasing the fiber (helps keep you full). Look for Granny Smith or another tart variety in the produce section of any grocery store.
How to Make a Green Tea Smoothie
If you can make tea and toss fruit in a blender, you’ve got this recipe nailed. It’s quick, refreshing, and comes together in just 5 minutes. Here’s how to do it:
- Pour 1 cup of unsweetened, chilled green tea straight in the blender. If you’re brewing your own green tea, once it’s done, toss in a few ice cubes to speed chill.
- Toss in the spinach and blend with the green tea until smooth. Stop and scrape down the blender as needed to get all the leafy chunks.
- Add frozen mango, green grapes, and a chopped green apple.
- Blend until smooth and vibrant green, then pour into your favorite glass.
Recipe Tips
Always let your brewed green tea cool completely before blending. Warm tea will wilt your spinach and make the smoothie less refreshing.
If you love your smoothies on the creamier side, try swapping half of the green tea for coconut water or almond milk. Coconut water keeps this smoothie light and hydrating, while almond milk adds a silky finish. Check out my guide to the best almond milk brands to buy for your next blend.
Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which support metabolism, brain function, and natural energy without the crash you get from coffee.
Its gentle caffeine boost pairs perfectly with hydrating fruits, giving you steady, focused energy to power through your morning.
Smoothie Swaps and Add-Ins
This isn’t your average fruit smoothie. Green tea gives it an energizing twist and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet fruit. You can keep it light and simple or mix things up with your favorite add-ins for even more flavor, texture, or energy:
- Tea Base: Brew your own from tea bags, or swap in matcha powder whisked into cold water for an earthy twist.
- Greens: Spinach blends super smooth, but kale, romaine, or even a handful of fresh mint can add some flavor variety.
- Fruit: Frozen mango makes it creamy, but pineapple, pear, or banana are delicious swaps.
- Protein Boost: Add a spoonful of chia seeds and a dollop of Greek yogurt. You can also try adding my very own homemade protein powder.
Serving Suggestion
This recipe makes one large, energizing smoothie, perfect as a light breakfast or pre-workout snack. Double it if you’re blending for two or want to stash an extra serving in the freezer for tomorrow.
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More Caffeinated Smoothie Recipes
Caffeine definitely has its place to give us an energy boost when we need it, as well as help wake our brains up for focused productivity. You don’t have to be a coffee or tea drinker to get it! Here are a few of my favorite smoothies that are naturally caffeinated, naturally sweetened and just the boost you need today:
- Mocha Coffee Smoothie is sometimes what gets me up in the morning. It’s super smooth and tasty.
- Vanilla Matcha Smoothie: My afternoon pick-me-up.
- Fat Burning Smoothie: Another great way to start the day and wake up your metabolism.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie: I love blending this smoothie and then going for a run, knowing it’s waiting for me to gulp right when I get home.
- Brain Fog Smoothie: Drink this first thing in the morning or in the afternoon to give you focused energy!
If you make this green tea smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Green Tea Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach fresh
- 1 cup green tea unsweetened, brewed and cooled
- ½ cup mango frozen
- ½ cup green grapes
- 1 green apple
Instructions
- Blend spinach and green tea until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend again until smooth.
Helpful Tools
Notes
- Cooling tip: Always let brewed green tea cool completely before blending—warm tea will wilt your spinach and make the smoothie less refreshing.
- Matcha option: Swap the brewed tea for 1 teaspoon of matcha whisked into cold water for a stronger green tea flavor and added antioxidants.
- Make ahead: Brew a big batch of green tea and keep it chilled in the fridge, so you’re ready to blend smoothies all week long.
- Serving ideas: Pour into a tall glass with ice, or take it on the go in a mason jar or insulated tumbler.
- Texture boost: For a creamier sip, replace half the green tea with almond milk or coconut water.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review for a chance to win signed copies of my cookbooks!Common Questions
Yes! A green tea smoothie is packed with antioxidants (especially EGCG from the tea), fiber from fruit, and nutrients from leafy greens. It’s a powerhouse drink that can support energy, digestion, and even healthy aging, without the crash you might get from coffee.
Absolutely. Just brew green tea, let it cool, and blend it right in with your fruits and greens. You can also use store-bought unsweetened green tea or even a teaspoon of matcha whisked with water if you want a bolder flavor.
Green tea pairs beautifully with tropical and tart fruits. Mango, pineapple, peach, apple, and even grapes bring natural sweetness that balances the earthy, slightly bitter notes of the tea. Citrus fruits like lemon or orange can also brighten it up.
Green tea can taste slightly bitter if it’s brewed too long or blended while still warm. To avoid that, steep your tea for just 2–3 minutes, let it cool completely, and balance it with naturally sweet fruits like mango, banana, or pineapple.
Wow what a refreshing smoothie! I used herbal tea to keep it caffeine free and swapped green grapes with purple since that’s what I had on hand.
Hi Erin! Such a great idea to swap with herbal tea, a great way to keep it caffeine free yet still get the tea in there!