Primally Inspired Real food, Natural Remedies, Holistic Living
Green Tea Frappuccino Recipe
I wanted to give you guys my green tea frappuccino recipe because it’s something I drink and enjoy almost every afternoon for both the taste, the health benefits and the energy boost. I’m a long time fan of tea (some would call me obsessed if you saw my tea collection 🙂 ), but this matcha green tea frappuccino recipe holds a particularly special place in my heart.
If you haven’t tried matcha yet, you are in for a real treat with this green tea frappuccino recipe. Not only is it super refreshing, but it comes loaded with health benefits (some even say it’s THE superfood of superfoods!). My husband and I can both testify that it will give you lasting energy (with no jitters or insulin spikes) for about 3 to 4 hours. We swear by it!
What is Matcha Green Tea?
If you’ve never heard of matcha, it’s the powder of finely milled green tea. The health benefits of matcha tea exceed those of green tea because when you drink matcha you ingest the whole leaf, not just the brewed water. One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of green tea in terms of its nutritional value and antioxidant content.
You can find matcha prices range anywhere from $5 all the way up to $80+, depending on the quality and where it was grown. The higher the quality, the more smooth and naturally sweet (no bitterness) and also the more vibrant the green color. I have tried all different kinds of matcha over the years, ranging from low end to high end.
I found that particular matcha green tea is a good quality without spending a fortune. It’s organic, grown in Japan and has a very pleasant, mild taste, all of which are important to me in a matcha. One bag lasts me a little over 1 month (that’s with 2 people drinking it almost every day out of the month).
Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea:
ANTIOXIDANTS
One of the benefits matcha is most known for is it’s extremely high antioxidant level. In fact, matcha contains up to 137 times more of the antioxidant EGCG than steeped green tea and has one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) counts of all the ‘super-foods’ presently known to us! ORAC is a method of measuring antioxidant capacity and matcha has been quoted to score 1384 TE/g, which is more than Acai berries (1027 TE/g) and far more than blueberries (24 TE/g).
Antioxidants are extremely important especially in this day and age because they help the body eliminate free radicals/toxins that destroy our healthy tissue and play a large part in the development of degenerative diseases. Antioxidants also play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system.
ENERGY
One serving of matcha provides about 35 mg of caffeine, which is less than the average cup of coffee (80-120mg). But the caffeine in matcha is a assimilated in a much healthier way than coffee due to the unique combination of phyto-nutrients in matcha. The molecules are released into the bloodstream very slowly, resulting in sustained energy for 3 to 4 hours. This prevents the insulin and adrenalin spikes that happen during coffee intake. You’ll also never experience that coffee blood sugar drop when you drink matcha!
L-Theanine is the primary amino acid component of matcha. The relaxing effects of L-Theanine act against the stimulatory effects of caffeine so you won’t ever experience caffeine jitters. Instead, you’ll notice a calm alertness, relaxed mental clarity and sustained energy that lasts 3 to 4 hours. We swear by this!
BOOSTS METABOLISM AND AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition claims that matcha produces a significant boost in metabolism, combined with a significant effect on fat oxidation.
“While some of the effects were originally attributed to the caffeine content in green tea, the researchers discovered that the matcha green tea effects on energy and weight loss go beyond those that would be caused by the caffeine,” says White. “In fact, they found that consuming matcha green tea can increase thermogenesis (the body’s own rate of burning calories) from a normal 8 to 10 percent of daily expenditure to between 35 and 43 percent of daily expenditure.” In other words, matcha increases your body’s ability to burn fat and calories by 4 times!
Another medical study determined that drinking a cup of Matcha Green Tea before physical activity resulted in 25% more fat burning during the activity.
An important note is the fact that none of the research subjects reported any side effects and no significant differences in heart rates were noticed. “In this respect, matcha green tea is different from some of the prescription drugs for obesity, and products like ephedra, which can raise heart rates and blood pressure….” says White.
There are many more health benefits of matcha green tea powder like cleansing and detoxifying the blood, enhancing athletic performance, relieving rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis pain, reducing the risk of Parkinson’s disease, cancer and more.
Now here’s my beloved Green Tea Frappuccino Recipe – I hope you love it and notice the wonderful health benefits and energy as much as we have!
Green Tea Frappuccino Recipe:
- ½ cup coconut milk (I use THIS) or other milk of choice
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups ice
- 2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder (Find HERE)
- 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or other sweetener of choice, + or - to taste (I use THIS)
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Pin Green Tea Frappuccino recipe HERE:
Hi there! This recipe sounds awesome. I have a question – do you think you can substitute the tea powder with the tea powder found in a matcha tea bag? In other words, is the powder similar to the contents of a premade matcha tea bag? I purchased a box of matcha tea bags and was wondering if I might be able to use it for this recipe. Thank you!
Yes that will work just fine 🙂
I just my first matcha box and this recipe sounds perfect. Could I substitute the coconut milk for almond milk? I can’t get coconut milk without sugar here… Thanx!
Yes, for sure!
My husband and I just started the whole30, would this recipe still work without the maple syrup/sweetener? He’s not a big fan of coffee and is craving an energy boost! The rest of the ingredients seem to be whole30 approved! Also, that’s a really great price on the coconut milk! We can only find it in a 13 oz can where I am in Florida. Thanks a bunch!
Yes, for sure! I think you guys will enjoy this energy boost! The funny thing is when I drink the matcha warm, I actually prefer no sweetener and with nothing else added – just matcha and warm water. <<<------ Little tip that most people don't know about matcha and green tea: If you drink it hot, be sure not to boil the water because too hot of water brings out the bitter properties in the green tea. The water should be warm, not super hot and definitely not boiling. Anyway, the sweetener is definitely just an option and I think you guys will still enjoy it without it!
I’m sure I’ve missed something here. Are we meant to brew the tea first? Because my 2 inches of sludge looks nothing like your glass of yummines!
Hi Nicole! No, the tea isn’t brewed first. It’s more of a frozen slushie when I first make it. When I photographed this, I was outside for good lighting and it was like the hottest day of the summer and the top really melted. lol. But I’m not sure why you have sludge 🙁 Maybe you could try adding 1/4 – 1/2 cup water, blend again and see if that helps?
Yummy!! I had to purchase a personal blender so I could give myself an afternoon pick-me-up while at work. As much as I LOVE my VitaMix, it’s just too darn big to carry between work and home. I made this yesterday and totally enjoyed it. I’m hoping this will help me lower my caffeine intake. I work full time and take college night classes and sometimes there’s that delicate balance between enough “energy” to last til bedtime, yet being tired enough to get to sleep at a reasonable time to start all over again the next day!
Kelly, when you have a warm cup of matcha, how much do you use per how much warm water?
Wow, you are busy, Trish – I think this will really help with lowering your caffeine intake. I personally love this slow and steady, focused energy 100x better than the coffee high and low.
I usually use about a teaspoonful per regular size coffee mug when I take it warm. It doesn’t mix very well and you’ll probably find you’ll have to keep a spoon in it and keep stirring it.
I have had this every day since you posted it, so yummy! Today I added 4 mint leaves to it, you should try it, very good!!
Oh, Jeanette, that sounds amazing! Thank you so much for sharing that little tip – I love mint and I can bet that I would just love that. Can’t wait to try it tomorrow afternoon 🙂
You’re welcome, hope you like it!! 🙂
How do you think this would be adding protein in to make it a breakfast shake?
I think that’s a great idea, June.
I don’t think that we can get Matcha here in Costa Rica. I am wondering if we could use our coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle to create powder from other green tea leaves?
Hi Bill, Yes that would be perfect! I’m jealous and would actually rather do it that way!
I have just purchased U-Matcha Natural Teas can’t wait to make this thank you
Nice! I hope you like this!
Ooooo can’t wait to try this! I’m doing the Whole30 right now though, so I’ll have to do it sans sweetener…
I have recently been getting into matcha and over Christmas tried an organic dark chocolate bar with matcha and spirulina that was heavenly and majorly energy-boosting. It inspired me to try making a hot cocoa like that and the results were amazing.
I use SO many recipes of yours I want to share this simple one with you:
So, I put a little almond/coconut milk in the magic bullet with the matcha, a tiny bit of spirulina (I feel like the amount here will vary depending on personal taste) and some red cocoa, along with stevia to taste. Buzz that up, warm it up a bit if you like, and then pour it into a mug with some boiling water. Sometimes I just do it with water only and I think I might like that even more…
Thanks for all your great recipes!!!
Ohmigosh, I am so excited about this, Laura – thank you! This sounds right up my alley and I thank you so much for sharing your recipe!! I CANNOT WAIT to try this!
HI THERE,
I WAS WONDERING IF MATCHA IS OKAY TO DRINK WHILE PREGNANT AND/OR BREASTFEEDING ?
Hi Greta! I would check with a doctor on that. It does seem that most sources agree that 2 cups a day is ok for those pregnant/breastfeeding. An average cup of matcha has around 30mg of caffeine.
Yum, I just ordered up some Matcha (the one you recommend) to try this out! I only recently began to like tea (after being on autoimmune paleo) and so this sounds delicious. Always on the lookout for things to replace my beloved coffee drinks 🙂
I hope you love this, Michele!! 🙂
This looks so yummy, Kelly. I love green tea and can’t wait to try this!!
Thanks, Stacey!
Hi, Kelly,
I ordered my matcha green tea and just made my first frappucino today. Mine, too, was very thick and my new VitaMix couldn’t even turn it. I was wondering if the ice and coconut milk proportions are off. I ended up using about one cup of coconut milk and then added another teaspoon of maple syrup to make it sweeter. Next time, I will use less ice and more coconut milk. I liked the flavor, but just couldn’t get it to blend…kinda like the 2″ of sludge comment you got before. I do like the taste so thanks for the great idea!
Hi Michelle! It seems quite a few people are having this same problem! I am using finely crushed ice so that could be the reason mine is working and others are not. I would recommend cutting the ice down to 1 cup and adding in 1/2 cup water along with the coconut milk. Keep me posted if that helps – I’d love to update the notes section in the recipe to help people out that are having this problem! Thank you for your feedback!! 🙂
i bought the ingredients for this but your picture looks more like a smoothie or a shake. It looks creamier. I’m not liking the texture of mine. The only difference is the coconut milk. I used another organic brand. Any ideas?
Hi Rosie! I’m using finely crushed ice, so that could be a possibility of why mine is looking a little creamier or smoother than yours. I’d recommend cutting the ice back to 1 cup and then adding in a 1/2 cup of water. Let me know if that helps it!
Hi,
I’ve read that it is not safe to drink green tea while pregnant. Do you know anything about this? Do you think it’s safe to drink matcha green tea while pregnant? Thanks!
Kristen
Hi Kristen! I am not a doctor, so I can’t give advice like that out. I will say that the majority of things I’ve read say drinking 1 to 2 cups of matcha is ok while pregnant (but ask a doctor if you’re not sure). If you are asking me what I’d personally do, well, personally, if I was pregnant, I would keep my daily green tea frappuccino drink. I’ve seen no evidence compelling enough for me to do otherwise 🙂
I was wondering if you could make a larger batch of this and keep in the fridge/freezer for the next day instead of making daily?
Yes, that’s a great idea!
So after reading through the comments I did as Kelly of Primally Inspired suggested and made crushed ice first. It took about 8 not so tiny ice cubes whipped up in the blender. Perfect! I used coconut nectar as I didn’t have any maple syrup. This is such a delicious recipe! I can’t comment as to the energy received since I’m drinking it just now but I know when summer rolls around this is going to be my morning drink instead of my ritual coffee. Thanks so much for such a great recipe!!
Thanks, Ann! 🙂
I love this drink! The only thing is that I wouldn’t add the sweetener because I feel that it would be too much sugar for me, but I do love sweets! It’s definitely my weakness. So I decided to put cinnamon in it instead and it tastes great! Plus, cinnamon is supposed to help speed up your metabolism and help in weight loss. Just a suggestion for anybody that loves sweets, but can’t have too much of it. 🙂
Kayla, I love that! I often add cinnamon to my sweets to help combat an insulin spike (plus I just love cinnamon!), but I never thought to add it in this. I will try it this afternoon!
What a great idea! You wouldn’t by chance know how matcha tea powder rates fodmap wise, would you? I know green tea overall is low fodmap, but today is then rise if read a recipe on matcha tea powder so wasn’t quite sure of that was a different beast per say? Thanks!
Hi Sabrina! I have heard matcha is low fodmap and since matcha is just milled green tea, I would think it would be low fodmap. But in my searching to locate a quick source to make sure that’s accurate, I came up short – no conflicting information – just didn’t find any charts about fodmap and matcha. I would think it would be low fodmap, but to make sure, I’d ask your doctor.
I’ve been missing my green tea frap from SBUX!!!! Cant wait to add some mint & MAYBE a few choc.chips:)
I promise not to drink them all that way!!!! THANK YOU!
I’ve been adding some mint and choc chips every once in awhile, too – SO YUMMY!!!
I HAVE BEEN WAITING SINCE JANUARY FOR A REPLY! YOU TICKED ME OFF!
Hi there, I am so sorry! I don’t see where your first question was asked, though!
Gosh darn it, Herobrine1115. Get your act together.
I’ve never thought to add maple syrup to my matcha tea! Great tip!!
This sounds amazing! Definitely will be ordering my tea on Payday!
Can’t wait for the energy boost in the middle of the day!
Could I freeze it in the morning so it’s still gig around lunchtime? Or is it fine to just be in the fridge for a few hours?
Hey Ashlee! The energy boost is awesommmme!!! 🙂 You could definitely freeze it in the morning – love that idea. You could also put it in the fridge, but it would most likely need to be shaken well or blended again before you drink it. Hope you love it!
Oh my goodness.
I just tried this with David Teas new “Mint Matcha”, and I think I have died and gone to drink heaven. I don’t know how I’m going to stop myself from making 20 a day.
haha!
Oh! This sound like a lovely recipe..I am surely going to try this as soon as I lay my hands on a bag of Matcha. Matcha is not very commonly available where I stay i.e in New Delhi, however, I am sure I can look up a Japanese store or two where I hope to find this fabulous drink. Thanks for sharing!
I hope you can find some, Agnibanya! I think your name is absolutely beautiful 🙂
Thank you 🙂
sounds good, have to try this. Love green tea.
Hope you like this, Barb! My husband and I love these frappuccino’s so much!
I love Matcha green tea Can you tell me what the nutrition value is for this
Hey Kelly!
Since I usually try to give a few different ingredient options in my recipes (like different kinds of milk, different sweeteners, etc.), those different ingredients can totally alter the nutrition profile. http://www.myfitnesspal.com is an awesome site where you can really easily type in your ingredients and it will give you the nutrition value based on the particular ingredients you used. I hope that helps!
I love this recipe! Thank you so much, and also, I added two scoops of vanilla ice cream to make it creamier and more delicious!
YUM!!!
Hi Kelly! I’ve been seeing and hearing a lot about Matcha powder lately! I have been reluctant to try, since I avoid caffeine and have been worried about he amount of caffeine in it. But you have now SOLD me on it! Thank you for that very informative post! It was so helpful to see all the benefits of this green tea! Can’t wait to try your recipes with it! And perhaps I can even wean my husband off of coffee! 😉 xoxox
I have Matcha tea bags. I love it. I will try this recipe. Looking forward to purchasing the other before I run out of what I have. Thank you, Kelly.
Enjoy, Sylvia! Matcha tea bags are great, too!
I have been making a version of this based on ingredients I had and following your recipe, not exacts, and really good. But I ordered exactly what you used and it’s DELICIOUS!!! Thank you!!! I start every morning with one of these, can’t be without them!!! 🙂
awesome!!! me, too, Lindsay! I got my husband hooked on them, too and now he asks me if it’s matcha time yet every single day 🙂
I am obsessed with tea. I drink it every night religiously! I started with green tea and then started exploring. Now there is a green tea smoothie? I am all over this! I’ve also heard of green tea and dark unsweetened cocoa smoothie! Any thoughts!?
Kate, you will love this!! I sometimes put raw cacao powder in my green tea frappuccino and it’s delicious!
Kate! It’s called Starbucks ;D
So excited to try this! Matcha is one of my favourite things in this world, haha. Not exaggerating. I do want to mention, though, that it is extremely high in caffeine compared to other teas since the entire leaf is ground up, and can definitely give caffeine-sensitive people (like me) the jitters. It’s caffeine content is similar to coffee. If I drink matcha too many days in a row, I start experiencing violent dizzy spells, tingling, faintness, and anxiety. Took me a while to figure out the culprit, but as soon as I took a break from matcha, it went away. Just wanted to mention this in case anyone else experiences it too.
BUT like I said, I love it so much that I’ll still drink it, I just have to ration it out. So I’ll be making this today for sure!
Thanks, Ally! Hope you love it!
Just made it and i love how frothy and cold it is very refreshing for the summer
Awesome!
HI Kelly,
I love matcha but my body does not do well with it. I think my body doesn’t handle caffeine anymore. Do you have nay other tips for weight loss and energy?
Also, I usually put the collagen peptides in my pea protein smoothie in the morning. Is it better to have the collagen before my smoothie to increase hydrochloric acid production? How many scoops of collagen is good to have in a day?
Thank you so much!! <3 Stacey