Vanilla Matcha Smoothie

This vanilla matcha smoothie is perfect for a satisfying breakfast or a delicious mid-morning snack—and it doubles as a matcha protein shake! Softened cashews, coconut water, cashew milk, matcha powder, frozen banana, and vanilla blend together in this protein-packed, antioxidant-rich recipe.

The moderate level of caffeine along with mood-stabilizing L-theanine in the matcha powder provides sustained energy without any of the anxious jittery sensations you experience from a cup of coffee. While I have my regular Green Tea Smoothie recipe, matcha is a bit different and you def have to give it a try!

Why this Matcha Smoothie Rawks

Matcha powder takes this smoothie to the next level with its incredible health benefits. Just ¼ to ½ teaspoon delivers the same antioxidants as 8 to 10 cups of green tea, helping to protect your body from oxidative stress. Packed with L-theanine, matcha has been found to aid in cancer prevention, protect against cardiovascular disease and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Each ingredient in this smoothie adds its own superpowers. Cashews and cashew milk provide heart-healthy fats and plant-based protein for sustained energy. Coconut water hydrates with natural electrolytes, while banana offers low-glycemic sweetness and pectin for a creamy texture that keeps your blood sugar stable.

The hint of vanilla adds a delicious, low-calorie flavor while also contributing magnesium, a mineral important for muscle and nerve function. Together, these thoughtfully chosen ingredients create a smoothie that’s as nutritious as it is delicious—perfect for starting your day or giving yourself an afternoon boost.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Raw Cashews: These mild, creamy nuts add a subtle nuttiness and silky texture to the smoothie. Soak them beforehand for an ultra-smooth blend or toss them in raw for convenience.
• Coconut Water: Coconut water brings a hint of tropical sweetness to your smoothie. Look for unsweetened varieties in the beverage aisle for the purest flavor.
• Cashew Milk: Creamy and slightly nutty, cashew milk makes the perfect dairy-free base for this smoothie. Opt for unsweetened versions to let the other flavors shine, and give it a shake before using.
• Matcha: Matcha brings a vibrant green color and earthy flavor with a hint of natural sweetness. Adjust the amount to your taste for a subtle lift or a bold, energizing kick.
• Frozen Banana: A frozen banana adds natural sweetness, creaminess, and a perfectly thick texture. Use a ripe banana before freezing to maximize the flavor and sweetness. Read my guide on how to freeze bananas for more tips.
• Vanilla Extract (Optional): A splash of vanilla extract enhances the smoothie with a warm, sweet aroma. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, or skip it if you prefer a more earthy taste.
• Ginger Root (Optional): Fresh ginger adds a zesty, warming note that pairs beautifully with matcha. Use a small piece for a subtle hint or more if you love its bold kick.
• Homemade Protein Powder: A customizable blend of flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp powder, this plant-based protein boosts nutrition without altering the smoothie’s creamy texture. Add a scoop for an extra filling and nourishing drink.

How to Make a Matcha Smoothie

This smoothie is a cream machine, which is why I call it both a matcha smoothie AND a matcha protein shake… it really does have a shake-like texture. Make this incredible matcha smoothie recipe for breakfast or snack and enjoy a delicious and energizing drink full of health benefits!

1. Soften your raw cashews. To achieve a shake-like texture, I take the extra step to soak the raw cashews before blending. Here are a few different ways you can soak your cashews: 
   • Method #1: soak the cashews overnight for 8 hours in the coconut water. If you choose this method, put the cashew/coconut water mixture in the fridge. 
   • Method #2: Soak the cashews in boiling hot water for 10 minutes. This is what I call the “flash-boil” method when there’s no time to waste. Drain and then add to blender. You’ll lose some nutrients, yet you’ll still get the cream factor. Add the coconut water directly to the blender since it wasn’t part of the soaking in this method.
2. Place cashews, cashew milk, matcha powder, banana, ginger, and vanilla in a blender. If you didn’t use method #1 to soften your cashews, add the coconut water directly to the blender since it wasn’t part of the soaking.
3. Blend until smooth and enjoy your matcha smoothie.

Easy Swaps and Add-Ins

Customizing your smoothie is super easy and totally fun! Whether you want to switch up ingredients to fit your diet, cut back on sugar, or pack in more flavor, these swaps and add-ins will help you whip up a matcha smoothie that’s just right for you. Let’s get creative:

• Swap cashew milk: If you don’t like cashew milk as much as I do use oat milk, almond milk, or the plant milk of your choice for a different creamy base. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out my 5 dairy-free milk Recipes and make your own at home.
• Swap raw cashews: Replace with oats for a nut-free option.
• Swap banana: Substitute your banana with cauliflower or avocado for lower sugar, though you’ll lose some of the sweetness.
• Add sweetness: Blend in 2 pitted Medjool dates if you prefer a sweeter matcha smoothie.
• Add frozen fruit: Use at least one frozen fruit to make the smoothie refreshingly cool.
  

More Shake-like Smoothies

Sometimes, you just want your smoothie to feel like a creamy, indulgent shake—without all the weird additives and artificial flavors that come with store-bought options. That’s where these recipes come in! They’re rich, satisfying, and packed with real, wholesome ingredients. Here are some of my favorite shake-like smoothies:

If you make this Vanilla Matcha 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.