Did you know you can add almost any tea or herb to a smoothie? I've been exploring the wonderful world of tea smoothies and wanted to share what I created with you.
About Tea Smoothies
Smoothies are a popular beverage that has gained popularity recently, and for a good reason. They are delicious and a great option to get a lot of nutrients into your body in one go.
Smoothies are typically made by blending fruits and vegetables with a liquid base, such as milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or juice. You can add other ingredients like protein powder, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Adding a banana or yogurt is a great addition to add a creamy texture to healthy smoothies. I like to use frozen bananas instead of adding ice, but of course, you can use fresh bananas. An older banana will add a little natural sweetness.​
Pro Tip:
- ​Frozen fruit and iced tea will make a colder smoothie in record time. You can buy fruit in season and freeze it for future smoothies. Blueberries and strawberries freeze exceptionally well. I've even frozen chopped-up bananas. Chop the banana, place it in a ziplock freezer bag, and put it in the freezer.
One of the great things about smoothies is they are highly customizable. You can adjust the ingredients to your liking and experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination. Smoothies are also easy to make and can be an excellent quick breakfast, healthy snack option, or meal replacement, especially if you add a protein powder.
Shades of Earl Grey - $19.95
from: Firebelly Teas Inc.
Smoothies can be a nutritious addition to your diet, as they are a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They can also be a great way to sneak in some extra fruits and veggies if you struggle to eat enough of them in your regular diet.
Try a smoothie if you struggle to get your kids to eat nutritious meals or snacks. They will sometimes drink that before eating any one of the single ingredients in it. It's amazing!
Pro Tip:
- The standard ratio for a nice consistency in a smoothie is 1 part tea (liquid) to 3 parts fruit (solids).
When a recipe calls for a liquid, you can often replace it with tea. Smoothies are usually made with milk or juice, but you can add a cup of tea instead. The tea may need to be brewed at higher concentrations to obtain the maximum flavor typical for drinking.
Overall, a delicious smoothie can be a healthy addition to your diet. Whether you prefer fruity, creamy, or savory flavors, there are endless possibilities when creating your perfect smoothie.
Easy Tea Smoothie Recipes
Here are some of my favorite tea and herb smoothie recipes to get you started. I include tips on selecting the best ingredients for maximum health benefits. So grab your blender and get ready to boost your health with these delicious and nutritious smoothies!
Pro Tip:
- If you can afford a better blender, it's worth it—the higher power blends frozen fruits in record time.
As always, all my recipes are kitchen-tested and proven, but you may tweak them any way you like. I typically use Greek yogurt in my tea smoothies because of the higher protein, but you can use your yogurt of choice.
Here are a few healthy and nutritious tea smoothie recipes to enjoy:
Green Tea Smoothie Recipe:
- 1 cup brewed green tea, chilled
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 handful of baby spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Makes one serving.
Related: Raspberry Matcha Latte
Blueberry Matcha Tea Smoothie Recipe:
- 1 cup brewed matcha tea, chilled (you can use a culinary or ceremonial grade matcha powder)
- 1 cup frozen or fresh fruit blueberries
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tablespoon flax seed (a good source of omega-3s)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup almond milk
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Makes one serving.
Related: Mixed Berry Smoothie
Chai Spice Tea Smoothie Recipe:
- 1 cup brewed chai, chilled
- ½ cup frozen mango chunks
- ½ frozen banana
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a large blender and blend until smooth. Makes one serving.
Related: Mango Chai Smoothie
Peach Rooibos Tea Smoothie Recipe:
- 1 cup brewed rooibos tea, chilled
- 1 cup frozen or fresh peaches
- ½ frozen banana
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Makes one serving.
Related: Peach Mango Smoothie
These tea smoothie recipes are not only delicious but packed with nutrients that your body needs. You can customize them by adding or subtracting ingredients based on your preferences.
Tea Smoothie Health Benefits
Teas and herbs are packed with beneficial compounds that can help support your body's natural defense mechanisms and promote overall health.
You will be pleasantly surprised to discover that these delicious and nutritious smoothies can have a wide range of benefits for your health and well-being.
By adding high-quality teas and herbs to your smoothies, you can enjoy increased antioxidant content, and improved digestion, energy, and immune function, among other benefits.
Benefits of Using Tea and Herbs in Smoothies
Using tea and herbs in smoothies can provide a wide range of benefits for your health and wellness. Here are some of the benefits:
- Increased Antioxidant Content: Teas and herbs are high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Adding them to your smoothie can increase the overall antioxidant content, promoting overall health and well-being. source
- Improved Digestion: Many herbs and teas have digestive properties that can help soothe digestive discomfort, reduce inflammation in the gut, and improve overall digestive function. source
- Increased Energy: Some teas, like green tea, contain caffeine, which can provide a natural energy boost. Herbs like ginseng and maca can also help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue. source
- Reduced Inflammation: Some herbs and teas have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. For example, turmeric and ginger are potent anti-inflammatory herbs that can be added to smoothies for their health benefits. source
- Improved Immune Function: Many herbs and teas have immune-boosting properties that can help support the body's natural defense mechanisms. Adding these ingredients to your smoothie can help improve immune function and reduce the risk of illness. source
Overall, using tea and herbs in your smoothies can provide a wide range of benefits for your health and well-being. Whether you want to increase your antioxidant intake, improve digestion, or boost your energy levels, some herbs, and teas can be added to your smoothie for their health benefits.
Type of Green Tea To Use In A Green Tea Smoothie
It is best to use high-quality loose-leaf green tea rather than green tea bags when making a green tea smoothie. This is because loose-leaf tea has more flavor and aroma than tea bags. Additionally, loose-leaf tea is often higher in antioxidants.
Many green tea types are available, each with a unique flavor profile. Here are a few options for Japanese Green Tea that you can consider:
- Sencha: This is the most commonly consumed green tea in Japan. It has a grassy, slightly sweet flavor and a refreshing aroma.
- Matcha: This powdered green tea is known for its vibrant green color and earthy flavor. Matcha is made by grinding high-quality green tea leaves into a fine powder, and it is typically used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
- Gyokuro: This is a high-quality green tea that is grown in the shade, which gives it a sweet, mellow flavor and a deep, rich green color.
When selecting green tea for your smoothie, choose one that you enjoy the taste of, and that fits your budget. Generally, any high-quality green tea will work well in a smoothie recipe.
You Also Can Use Chinese Green Tea
Chinese green teas have a variety of flavors and aromas, and some may have a slightly different taste profile compared to Japanese green teas. You may consider the following:​
- Dragonwell (Longjing) green tea is known for its nutty flavor.
- Pi Lo Chun has a fresh, vegetal taste.
Like Japanese green teas, using high-quality loose-leaf Chinese green tea in your smoothies is best. This will give your smoothie a more pronounced green tea flavor and ensure it is higher in antioxidants. If you are still deciding which type of Chinese green tea to use, you can try experimenting with different varieties to find the one you like the best.
Chinese Gunpowder GreenTtea
Gunpowder green tea can be used in green tea smoothies as well.
Gunpowder green tea is a type of Chinese green tea rolled into small pellets, giving it a unique appearance and a slightly smoky flavor. It has a bold, full-bodied taste that can add excellent depth to your smoothie.
When using gunpowder green tea in a smoothie, it is best first to steep the tea in hot water to release its flavor. Add the cooled tea and other smoothie ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
As with any green tea, it is best to use high-quality loose-leaf gunpowder green tea rather than tea bags for the best flavor and antioxidant content. When selecting gunpowder green tea, look for tea that has been freshly harvested and processed for the best quality.
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Rebekah Kann
I never thought of making a smoothie from tea! This makes me want to try it out soon; I love the teas you listed and Gunpowder and Dragonwell teas. They are the top teas that I enjoy most days.
I wonder if you have ever had Thai tea. Did you know there are more than one or two flavors?
Here is a link to the five flavors of Thai tea. Tea Jubilee.
Mary Ann Rollano
Thank you for sharing.