Start your morning with this delicious and refreshing green tea smoothie made with banana, almond milk, and matcha powder.
Today I’m sharing one of my favorite smoothies and it’s Matcha Green Tea Smoothie (抹茶スムージー). Summer is just around the corner and I thought some of you may be interested in healthier food and drink menus. If you’ve been reading Just One Cookbook for a while, you know how much I love matcha (green tea powder) and it seems right to start sharing smoothie recipes using matcha.
Watch How to Make Green Tea Smoothie 抹茶スムージーの作り方
Delicious and refreshing matcha green tea smoothie made with banana, almond milk, and matcha powder.
Difference between matcha (green tea powder) & regular green tea leaves
Before I start, I want to mention once again that matcha (or green tea powder) is NOT something you can make by grinding green tea leaves that you normally drink at home or restaurant. I receive this question all the time, so please make sure that you don’t grind green tea leaves to make matcha. What’s matcha then? You can read from this post where I explain a little bit more about matcha.
As my work requires me to spend a lot of time testing recipes which comes with a lot of eating, and sitting in front of computer which means staying glued to my chair and not moving enough, I noticed I had involuntary put my health in negligence. I knew it was time to do something about it. So back in October last year I made a resolution to take a better care of myself. What that means is I make sure to 1) make time to go to the gym 5 days a week and exercise for at least one hour, 2) sleep by 1 am, not 2 am anymore, and 3) eat smaller portion (and less carbohydrate). They seem ambitious, but I am determined to carry them out.
One of the new habits that I incorporated into my daily routine is drinking smoothies. Smoothies are simple, delicious, and exciting, but they are not a replacement for a meal in my case. Instead they are more like a healthier “snack” between meals to fill me up, so I don’t gorged on a big portion during meal times. I make healthy smoothies for Mr. JOC and myself every morning, and another round of smoothies for my kids and myself everyday after school.
Of all the smoothie recipes I’ve experimented with so far, my favorite is matcha green tea smoothie. The taste of banana mixed with matcha green tea complements each other well and you get a creamy consistency. What I love most is the power duo also gives you an energizing boost and the natural sweetness helps stave off cravings for sugary snacks.
You can use any blender to make smoothies, but I bought a Nutribullet from Costco a while back when it was discounted. It’s so easy to use! You can make as many servings as you like, but what I like most about this Nutribullet is that it’s easy to make ONE serving. And the blender container can turn into a cup so you don’t need to pour the smoothie into a glass (one less thing to wash!). You can even take it on the go with a special lid. How awesome is that? (I am not being paid or compensated by Nutribullet for singing praises here. I just truly enjoy the product).
If you are looking for a power morning drink or an afternoon pick-me-up, I hope you enjoy this matcha green tea smoothie. It makes a delicious refreshing treat especially on a sticky summer day. Cheers to a healthier daily routine!
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- 1 Banana
- 5 ice cubes
- ¾-1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or cow's milk, coconut milk, etc)
- 1 tsp matcha (green tea powder)
Gather all the ingredients.
- Put banana and ice cubes in an electric blender/mixer or Nutribullet.
- Pour almond milk and add matcha green tea powder on top.
- Blend until all the ingredients are combined and smooth. Pour into a glass/glasses.
I use NutriBullet to make smoothies.
Recipe by Namiko Chen of Just One Cookbook. All images and content on this site are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without my permission. If you’d like to share this recipe on your site, please re-write the recipe and link to this post as the original source. Thank you.
I actually make these all the time, instead of going to starbucks for the green tea frappuccino! But I never thought of adding bananas. I’ll try that next time! Bullets are great at making smoothies!
Hi Theresa! I hope you enjoy green tea smoothies with banana in it. It’s a wonderful natural sweetness and goes well with matcha. 🙂
I tried it, and it was amazing! I love the hint of banana 🙂 It makes the smoothie thicker too! Thanks for the great idea 😀
So glad to hear you enjoyed it already! Thank you so much for your kind feedback! xo 🙂
Nami! Have a great trip to Japan! I can’t wait to read about all the food you eat and all the places you go. Are the kids doing some school in Japan again? Take care and bon voyage!
Thanks Vivi! I can’t wait to eat there too! 😀 This time we’re hoping to travel more within Japan. Thanks again!
This sounds delicious! My husband and I have been looking for something like this for our hectic mornings! Have a great time in Japan…I’m SO jealous!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Kathleen! 🙂
I am all about some matcha smoothies. I’ll do it with carrot and ginger! Will def throw a banana in there soon!
http://thatumamilife.wordpress.com – a clean eating bento blog. Japanese or Asian-inspired!
I am drooling over these pictures! I love putting matcha powder in everything. But the weird thing is, I’m the only one I know who likes it. This smoothie is so happening soon!
Great video and step-by-steps for this green tea smoothie! I’m making this for my breakfast tomorrow with my vanilla Almond Breeze milk! Thanks, Nami – I think you started me on a Green Tea Smoothie addiction. 🙂
I would really be pleased if I could havea glass of this right now for my breakfast. The weather is terribly hot here and have gone up to 38C.
I’ve never tried almond milk but I think I should attempt it at least once especially since I still have matcha powder in my pantry and a banana in my freezer.
WOW, this is such an easy and tasty recipe! What a good idea to have that as a quick snack or even breakfast smoothie! Yum!
You are the master in using matcha in your recipes, you are great
Thanks for posting this. I’ve been having smoothies for breakfast daily now and it’s been great. Very filling and at the same time, I’m having my daily portions of vegetable without having to chew anything… I usually use spinach or kale for my green smoothies.
Hi Vee! My kids definitely prefer baby kale in the smoothies than eating it as a meal. It’s a great way to squeeze in extra nutrition! 🙂
I never thought of how green tea powder is made but that’s really interesting. And good on you for keeping up your fitness regimen. It’s one of the curses of this blessed life isn’t it? 🙂
Wow, do you really manage to go to the gym 5 times per week? Good on you, I manage zero times!! Too busy!
Love the green tea smoothie, sounds delicious!
Ciao
Alessandra
How do you get up in the morning when you go to bed so late? I try to put exercise into my week as well because of all the time spent on the computer! I always feel so much better after a workout. I won’t ask you if I can make matcha powder by grinding green tea leaves! That’s a beautiful looking smoothie xx
This smoothie looks fantastic! I need more green tea in my life!
Yum! I have never had green tea smoothie…I will try this as soon as I get some matcha…looks good and packed with caffeine.
Thanks for the recipe Nami…hope you are having a wonderful week 😀
This looks super delicious and healthy, Nami! I know what you mean about sitting too much in front of the computer ;)! I should give this smoothie a try, especially because I love almond milk – I have stopped drinking cow’s milk for more than a month now and changed to unsweetened almond milk due to its low carb content. I look forward to seeing your other healthy smoothie videos :).
This smoothie has such a lovely color! Must have been delicious..
i like matcha powder in smoothies too but i always get it from a nearby store..i need to try this at home…
I love matcha and to make it into a smoothie is such a great idea! It looks fantastic Nami, thanks for sharing another great recipe and I can’t wait to try this 🙂
Wow this matcha smoothie is great! I just tried the recipe and i made it with rice milk, it was yummy 😉
I like your blog, I found it browsing the net to look for japanese recipes and informations about the lifestyle ´cause am starting a blog (www.1countryaweek.wordpress.com) on which I present one country a week with
it´s food and culture; I cook and try to live that country´s life during the week. I probably use Japan as the first country and your blog is a wonderful inspiration!
Selma
Great smoothie! I agree with you on drinking smoothies as a snack rather than as a meal — works much better for me that way (I want to actually chew when I have a meal!). And cutting portions and watching carbs (in addition to exercising) is totally the best way to control one’s weight. Not that I do it, mind you, but it is the best! 😉
YES, taste testing means eating too much and unhealthy! I feel you. My husband and I have also decided to go to the gym late last year. It is not easy, but we are happy. Banana and green tea sounds very interesting together. But I know it must be delicious! I will try this for sure!
Your green tea smoothie looks so good and I can’t wait to try it. I’m trying to make healthy choices too.
Oh, Nami! As I’m typing this I’m sipping my matcha smoothie and it is my NEW FAVORITE MID MORNING SNACK!
I know my family will love it, too because it will satisfy their sweet tooth! Thank you, thank you, for sharing this and I hope you have more smoothie recipes!
Hi Donna! Thank you for posting the picture on your instagram! So happy you enjoyed it! I’ll include more smoothie recipes this season. 🙂
I am actually going to make this when I get home after work today…if I find a ripe banana! By the way not sure you can buy green tea syrup from my post but I included the recipe…super easy.
Nami, you make a green smoothie look good. Honestly, this is something I would enjoy. Plus, I agree with you about needing to focus on eating healthy. I make room for treats (and chocolate!) but also try to eat more whole foods and fruits/vegetables these days. This smoothie sounds filling and a great mid-morning snack. I love bananas and eat one pretty much everyday as it is.
Looks refreshing! I think banana goes well with green tea and the addition of almond milk is a nice touch. I really love the wiggly wooden spoon in the photo. Cute!
Wow! This is a must try! :_)
I love how simple, yet so delicious your recipe sounds! I do love matcha green tea, so I need to start using it more! Yum, Hugs, Terra
Love the idea of green tea in smoothies! Beautiful color Nami!
Smoothies are excellent thirst quenchers during summer. I’ll take this one down and plan for blendin’. Thanks!
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
Banana adds such wonderful natural sweetness to smoothies, and I love your easy smoothie recipe here with them! Thanks for sharing, Nami. Have a great weekend!
Such a simple yet tasty recipe! I love matcha green powder. Like you, I don’t really like to substitute a meal with smoothies. I’m such a texture person that I’d rather consume my calories through chewing ;). However, this would make for a perfect snack!
You cease to amaze me Nami! How you find time to go to the gym for an hour five days a week and have the energy to stay awake that late! Wow. I try to get to the gym four to five times. Some weeks it’s a real struggle. There’s no way I could stay up that late though. I used to be such a night owl, but that’s back when I got to sleep past 8 a.m. 😉 This smoothie sounds great. It’s the perfect thing for warm weather. I’m going to have to get some matcha!
Matcha smoothie sounds delicious. Happy planning for your trip to Japan. I know how much preparation it takes to travel with kids.
Happy Mother’s Day, Nami.
I finally bought some matcha yay! My heart wants to make a pound cake with it and my thighs say the smoothie would be better!!! Thanks for the video also.
This smoothie looks amazing! I love green tea!
Dear Nami,
Love your video on this delicious smoothie – simple, delicious and healthy too!
I love Matcha too! It calms me down really!
Exquisite! A lovely idea.
Cheers,
Rosa
What a beautiful smoothie. I love matcha and would love to make this…
Wow Nami,
You are incredibly disciplined. I find every excuse under the book to skip the gym. So motivated and inspired after reading this post.
Loving this drink. Love the idea of having it as a snack in between meals. It s so good for you too.
I’ve never tried Matcha Green Tea, but I love regular green tea and I looooove bananas. Smoothies are one of my favorite snacks as well, so I really must try this!
I love getting matcha smoothies and frappicinos! But, the idea of making them at home never occurred to me even though I have matcha powder! Haha!! Thanks for this, Nami!!!
なるほど。抹茶とバナナを合わせると素敵な砂糖とお茶の味が表すことですね。是非試したいです。
追記：なみさんの体操スケジュールはすごい！おめでとうございます＝）来年ミセズ日本のページェントに参加する予定ですか。きっと優勝できるでしょう
Looks nice, this might be the best way I introduce Japanese green tea to my daughter
I saw some ppl already tried your recipe and loving it…I can’t wait to try it! I think SWS’s matcha is amazing!
Thank you for sharing this healthy smoothie, and I applaud for sticking to your goals! Well done, Nami you are truly amazing!
Nami, it’s been so hot here (and they say it will only get hotter) that I would love to drink your smoothie instead of coffee in the morning. I haven’t found Matcha yet but will keep looking so I can make your smoothie. Thanks for sharing!:)
Oh goodie goodie – I have everything I need to make these smoothies!!! I’m a matcha lover too as you know so I always love seeing your new creative matcha recipes. Yes, you are the Matcha Queen my dear! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this. I will be making it!
Had this for breakfast this morning. YUM! I will be making it again and again and again. 🙂
You’re such a sweetheart, MJ! Thank you so much for your kind feedback! I’m drinking this every afternoon… 😀
Dear Nami, I do think I would like anything better right now than to share a refreshing and healthy green tea smoothie with you! Goodness, you are so disciplined – fives times a week at the gym…respect! I love Matcha by the way!
Two of my favorite things: matcha tea and smoothies!
I would have never thought of combining banana with green tea. What a creative idea! I must test it very soon because this smoothie looks fabulous.
I LOVE this smoothie! I’ve been on a smoothie kick for the past 6 months and I’m always looking for new things to try. I’m so glad you mentioned the NutriBullet. My poor, weak, blender kicked the bucket recently. It just can’t handle the frozen fruit. I’ll take a look at this the next time I’m at Costco. Do you think the NutriBullet is powerful enough to deal with frozen fruit?
Thank you Valerie! I have a blender too, but Nutribullet works perfectly that I don’t even use a blender anymore. It is easy to clean, too. Oh yes, I only use frozen fruit (sometimes ice cubes) and it works great! I’m using twice a day and I love it! 🙂 Costco or Bed Bath and Beyond with Coupon deal is good!
Thanks for the response! I’m definitely going to look for it. I’ll let you know if I get one 🙂
I did it, Nami! I bought the NutriBlend and we LOVE it! It is very powerful and so easy to clean. Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
You’re welcome! I got a pingback from your site, too! Thank you so much for linking back to this post – I’m going to check your post now. 🙂 Yaaaaay! 🙂
Hi! I love your website and your recipes and I wanted to give this green tea smoothie a try. It looks yummy!
However, I do have a question before I make this smoothie. Now, I have matcha at home but I can’t eat bananas because I have a banana-intolerance. Can I use silken tofu as an alternative or are there other alternatives?
Hi Charysma! I hope you enjoy this smoothie! 🙂 I add banana for the texture and sweetness. If you want your smoothie to be a little bit sweet (like the one I made), you need to add some sweet component such as honey or sugar. I’ve never tried tofu in my smoothie (that sounds fun!). But I would add yogurt etc to make it little more creamy. 🙂
Have you heard of this organic matcha tea powder by Kiss Me Organics?
A few recommended this product for matcha-based recipes and smoothies,
and I thought you can give it a try! I feel you, I also gain a bit of weight in testing and developing recipes and blogging, haha, so it’s nice to create healthy and summery dishes right now. Have you tried frozen banana? You can use that instead of ice and prepare sliced frozen bananas ahead for future smoothies.
Absolutely making this tomorrow. I make smoothies daily and can’t believe I haven’t thought of this yet. Great recipe.
Can this be made without banana?
Sure! You need to sweeten with sugar, honey, or any of sweetener of our choice. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this recipe. It was excellent. I also ordered some stuff from Season with Spice and it came within a day. Wow. Thanks again!
Hi Marla! I’m so glad you enjoyed this smoothie! It’s one of my favorite and I’m really glad you liked it! Mark and Reese are the best! They work very hard to provide the best service and products. Glad you like Season with Spice too! 🙂
Love this recipe! I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy my matcha. I can’t get enough. Your site rules btw!
Thanks so much Edward! I love matcha too and hope to make more matcha recipes. 🙂
Loving this recipe. I tried it out – it’s simple and delicious!
I also tried adding a little Cacao and it took it to a whole new level 😉
Thank you so much for trying this recipe Russell! Ohh cacao addition sounds awesome! 🙂
i like to make matcha smoothies too on my fr
Hope you enjoy! 🙂
You should freeze the banana, and ditch the ice cubes
Hi Michael! Yeah, thanks for the tip! My readers can use this tip for sure!
I guess if you make smoothies everyday, you plan ahead to freeze bananas. I buy frozen fruits for smoothies but I always don’t get to freeze bananas…. unless bananas are too ripen and I had to rescue!
MMMM I made this matcha smoothie and it is so yummy and simple. I like how there is no need to add any sugars or syrups. Nice, healthy, and simple recipe 🙂
Hi Erin! Yes! For a matcha lover, this is a good alternative to other matcha drinks. Thanks so much for trying this recipe! 😉
I’m in love with this smoothie! It’s very easy to make, healthy and refreshing. Great snack for summer. Sometimes I freeze the banana beforehand and just skip the ice cubes. Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Kamonwat! So happy to hear you enjoy this recipe! Yes freezing bananas is great replacement for the ice cubes. 🙂
Hi there! I am interested in making this for my family, but I have a couple of members who are allergic to banana 🙁
Any chance you could recommend a substitute ingredient?
Hi Warren! I’m sorry for my late response. Banana gives natural sweetness and creamy texture without overpowering the matcha flavor. If you can find an ingredient that give sweetness, you can use it instead. And then maybe switch milk to yogurt for thicker texture?