Creamy, energizing, and packed with vegan protein—this chocolate matcha smoothie is perfect post-workout or as a delicious way to recharge.
Craving more decadent, vegan smoothies? Try my Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie, Chocolate Brownie Smoothie, or this Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie next.
One of my favorite gym smoothies inspired this matcha green tea smoothie recipe. The first time I tried matcha blended with cocoa, I was hooked. The chocolatey richness combined with the matcha made for the ultimate energy boost (and it felt like such a treat).
Now, this is one of my go-to smoothie recipes for a healthy breakfast, after strength workouts, long runs, and honestly just because — it’s that good.
It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber — everything you need to support muscle recovery and provide a steady energy boost — all while satisfying chocolate cravings in a healthy and delicious way. It’s the little pick-me-up you’ll wonder how you ever lived without!
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Why this recipe works
- Nutrient-dense whole foods: This smoothie is made with whole, minimally processed ingredients like matcha, cocoa, oats, and banana, providing natural energy and essential nutrients.
- Energizing & protein-packed: With up to 40 grams of protein, this matcha protein shake is the ultimate green tea smoothie made from plant-based sources (depending on your milk & protein powder). This smoothie supports muscle recovery and satiety.
- Rich chocolate flavor: Cocoa powder adds deep chocolate notes while keeping it refined sugar-free.
- Health benefits of matcha: Matcha is rich in antioxidants, especially EGCG, which has been studied for its potential to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. According to Dr. Weil, matcha also provides fiber, vitamins (A, C, E, and K), and minerals, which may help with blood sugar balance and sustained energy.
- Customizable & naturally sweet: Sweetened with banana and maple syrup or Medjool dates, with the option to adjust sweetness to taste.
- Balanced & creamy: Oats, banana, and plant-based milk create a thick, creamy texture without added thickeners.
If you like this chocolate matcha smoothie recipe, you’ll love our Matcha Latte and Vegan Matcha Cookies!
How to make this recipe
Gather your ingredients.
Place all ingredients into your blender: Start with milk, then add matcha, cocoa powder, vegan chocolate protein powder, frozen banana, oats, seeds, sweetener, and ice.
Blend on high for 45–60 seconds or until creamy. Add more milk if it’s too thick or ice cubes if it’s too thin.
Substitutions & additions
- Want it creamier? Use oat milk, soy, or homemade cashew milk. Or simply add a spoonful of nut butter.
- For a fruity variation? Use frozen fruit like acai or blueberries.
- Extra protein? Increase protein powder, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.
- Prefer it sweeter? Try more banana, Medjool dates, or maple syrup.
- For a Superfood Boost? Blend in spirulina, acai, or flaxseeds.
- For a mocha twist: Add ¼ teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder.
- For a green boost: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach.
More dairy-free smoothies to try:
- Blueberry Smoothie
- Acai Smoothie
- Strawberry Smoothie
- Chocolate Cherry Spirulina Smoothie
- Creamsicle Smoothie
Storage & meal prep
- Meal prep: Freeze individual smoothie packs with all ingredients except liquid for a quick blend-and-go option.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- On-the-go: Store in an insulated tumbler to keep it cool longer.
FAQ
Matcha provides a slow-release energy boost without the jitters of coffee. It also has antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support post-workout recovery.
Matcha is a finely ground powder of whole green tea leaves, making it more concentrated in antioxidants, amino acids, and caffeine than regular green tea, which is steeped and discarded. Matcha provides a slower, more sustained energy release due to L-theanine.
You can, but frozen banana gives a thicker, creamier texture. If using fresh, add ice cubes to maintain consistency.
Yes! To make this a smoothie bowl, reduce the liquid to ½–¾ cup, blend until thick, and serve in a bowl. Top with fresh fruit, cocoa nibs, hemp seeds, granola, or a drizzle of nut butter for added texture and nutrients.
For smoothies, culinary-grade matcha is the best choice as it blends well and has a stronger flavor. If you prefer a milder, smoother taste with a higher antioxidant content, ceremonial grade matcha works too, though it’s traditionally reserved for drinking as a tea.
For a milder taste, you can steep green tea bags in a small amount of hot water, let them cool, and add to the smoothie — but matcha is the best option for maximum benefits.
I can’t wait for you to try this chocolate matcha smoothie! If you make it, tag @becomingyouwithjulie on Instagram — I’d love to see yours! And if you have a sec, a quick comment or rating helps more than you know. Thanks so much for being here! 💛
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Matcha Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup oat milk, OR coconut/cashew milk
- 1 frozen ripe banana, large
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 scoop vegan chocolate protein powder, I like to use Sunwarrior
- 1 tablespoon matcha tea powder
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds, OR chia/hemp seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender: Start with milk, then add matcha, cocoa, vegan protein powder, frozen banana, oats, seeds, and sweetener.
- Blend on high for 45–60 seconds until creamy. Add more milk if too thick or ice cubes if too thin.
- Taste & adjust: Add extra sweetener if needed.
- Serve & top: Pour into a glass and sprinkle with cacao nibs for crunch.
Notes
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup OR ½ medjool date
- Fresh baby kale
- Fresh baby spinach
- mixed leafy greens
- ½ ripe avocado
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Cacao nibs
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