There are two types of green tea smoothies using matcha tea.
The first type contains milk products, usually non-fat yogurt, but also milk, soy milk, or goat milk. This one is higher in calories and may use added sweeteners. Using milk products with green tea is still controversial regarding the bioavailability of antioxidant catechin polyphenols. You may not get the same amount of antioxidants or the same results as reported in the plain green tea research.
The second type uses fruit with added vegetable juices. The flavors are stronger. You may need to adjust the proportions for your individual palate. So far, at least citrus juices have been shown to enhance the bioavailability of green tea chemicals. Combinations with vegetable juices have not been tested.
Matcha smoothie made with yogurt
Blend 1 cup crushed ice with ½ cup non-fat yogurt and ½ cup non-fat milk. Add ½ teaspoon matcha powder at the last minute.
Approximately 100 calories (check yogurt labels for calories variations from different brands).
You can vary this smoothie with different flavored yogurts (which will increase the calories) or fruits or spices.
Matcha smoothie made with vegetable juices
These smoothies are very healthy way to start your day or for an afternoon pick-me-up. To extract all the available antioxidants from your matcha powder, steep ½ teaspoon matcha powder in 2 ounces of hot water for 3 minutes. Do this while blending your smoothie so you can add it quickly at the last minute.
Combine fresh fruit with vegetable greens and crushed ice in the blender.
Try these combinations using more fruit than vegetables to taste:
green apple, green cabbage, lemon
mango, baby salad greens, or parsley
kiwi, banana, wheat grass
strawberry, bok choy, mint
mixed berries, banana, chlorophyll powder, algae powder, or seaweed powder
pear, banana, celery
Add the steeped matcha at the end and drink within 30 minutes for the most active phytochemicals.