This green tea smoothie is a refreshing, healthy drink that’s perfect for mornings or anytime you need a natural energy boost. It is made with just 5 simple ingredients in under 5 minutes. It’s an easy way to add extra greens and caffeine to your routine. Its mild flavor blends effortlessly with fruits and vegetables, making it a delicious wellness drink.
Green tea is often considered a superfood because of its antioxidants and other nutritional properties. Adding it to a smoothie is a simple way to enjoy its flavor and benefits. This healthy green tea smoothie works well for breakfast, a pre-workout snack, or a quick energizing drink any time of day.
Pair your smoothie with a protein source for a complete breakfast! Some of my favorites are this gluten-free quiche or this delicious air fryer turkey bacon. Want an extra caffeine kick? Try this Mocha Protein Smoothie recipe. For more wellness drinks, check out our homemade immunity shots, which are perfect for variety in your morning routine.
Reasons to Love This
- Natural caffeine boost: This smoothie contains the equivalent of 2 green tea bags, about 54 mg of caffeine — roughly the same as a small latte. Perfect for an energizing morning drink or a midday pick-me-up.
- Quick & easy: It takes only 5 ingredients and can be prepped in under 5 minutes!
- Packed with benefits: Several studies show green tea has many health benefits, and this smoothie is a delicious way to enjoy it. Scroll down for more details on why green tea is a great addition to smoothies
Why Add Green Tea to Your Smoothie?
Green tea is a zero-calorie drink that provides caffeine without added sugars, making it a healthier alternative to soda or energy drinks. Here are some highlights of what green tea brings to your smoothie:
- Rich in polyphenols: Studies have found that the polyphenols in green tea may have an anti-inflammatory effect. (Source)
- Antioxidant properties: The polyphenols in green tea help protect your cells from free radicals, which may play a role in preventing certain diseases. (Source)
- Caffeine + L-theanine: Green tea contains natural caffeine for energy, balanced by L-theanine, which has a calming effect. (Source)
Ingredients
Green Tea: use a tea bag to make the green tea. Decaf or regular green tea will work.
Vanilla Greek Yogurt: vanilla Greek yogurt adds flavor and protein to the smoothie. Can be replaced with nonfat vanilla yogurt (lower protein).
Spinach Leaves: adding spinach is an easy way to get in some extra greens. Kale can also be used in place of spinach.
Mango Cubes: Frozen, pre-packaged mango is convenient and requires no prep. Other frozen fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries work too.
Banana: Frozen, ripe bananas blend smoothly and add natural sweetness. Slice into 1-inch pieces before blending.
Step By Step Instructions
Make a cup of double brewed green tea. This can be done by heating one cup of water and placing two teabags in it. Let them sit for four minutes and then remove. Chill the tea overnight in the refrigerator so that it is cold.
Combine the cold green tea and spinach in a large blender. Blend on high for 20 seconds or until the liquid is smooth and no pieces of spinach remain.
Add in the Greek yogurt, mango and frozen banana slices. Blend on high until the smoothie is fully combined. Add an extra ¼ cup of liquid such as milk or water if the smoothie seems too thick.
Top with desired toppings, such as cinnamon walnuts or flaxseed. Enjoy immediately!
Variations
- Yogurt: Use nonfat vanilla yogurt or a plant-based yogurt for a vegan option.
- Fruit: Swap mango for blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or any frozen fruit.
- Green Tea: Use caffeinated or decaf tea according to preference.
Expert Tips
- Blend the green tea and spinach first to ensure no leafy chunks remain.
- Slice bananas into 1-inch pieces for smoother blending, especially in less powerful blenders.
- Adjust thickness by adding a splash of liquid (water, milk, or almond milk) as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, however, the green tea will not be as strong. Check the nutrition facts to see if the bottled green tea contains added sugar, as this will affect the flavor and nutrition of the smoothie.
There are many factors that affect weight loss, so I cannot claim that this smoothie will assist with weight loss. This smoothie would be a great addition to a healthy eating meal plan, however!
One tea bag contains 28 grams of caffeine. Since there are 2 tea bags used, the smoothie has around 54 grams of caffeine.
Nutrition Information
High in protein: The Greek yogurt provides 16 grams of protein per serving, which helps keep you full longer and balances carbohydrates in the smoothie.
Low in added sugars: Unlike many smoothies that use fruit juice, this green tea smoothie uses green tea as the liquid, making it a lower-sugar, healthier option.
Vitamins & minerals: Spinach adds a significant amount of Vitamin A (about 295% of your daily value) and both spinach and banana provide potassium.
Related Recipes
Green Tea Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold green tea twice brewed (see note below)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 medium frozen banana ripe
- 1 cup frozen mango cubes
- ½ cup Greek yogurt vanilla
Instructions
- Combine the cold green tea and spinach in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and no visible pieces remain. Note: to make the twice brewed green tea, heat 1 cup of water until hot. Add 2 tea bags and steep for 4 minutes. Remove the tea bags and refrigerate the tea until cold.
- Add in the Greek yogurt, frozen banana and frozen mango. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Maggie says
Thank you! This recipe looks interesting and yummy! I would have never thought to put green tea in a smoothie. Thank you for the suggestion!