This Matcha Kefir Smoothie with berries is a vibrant blend of kefir, matcha powder, berries, and spinach. It’s packed with probiotics, antioxidants, and nutrients, making it a delicious and gut-healthy option for breakfast or any time of day!
Why Add Matcha to a Smoothie?
If you’re a fan of the matcha, this is a great way to use it! Adding matcha to a smoothie boosts its nutritional value by providing a concentrated source of antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
I also like that matcha helps me stay alert without the jitters that coffee sometimes gives me. Matcha contains natural caffeine and L-theanine, which can enhance focus and provide a calm, sustained energy boost.
Matcha adds a bold green color and rich, earthy flavor to a smoothie. It also adds a creamy texture when whisked and blended in this recipe. It complements the berries, lemon, kefir, and milk from both flavor and texture perspectives.
This is perfect to start the day, fight a mid-day lull, or even as a replacement for dessert. Nothing is better than a cold, refreshing “treat” that is actually good for you.
Why is Kefir Matcha Smoothie with Berries Nutritious?
Matcha provides antioxidants and a gentle energy boost. We expand on the numerous ways matcha contributes to our gut health and overall health here.
Berries are loaded with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and anthocyanins, which help protect your cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and support heart health. They are also high in fiber, which aids digestion.
Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin A, iron, and folate. It also contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health.
Additionally, the fiber in spinach supports digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
What Makes Kefir Matcha Smoothie Good for Gut Health?
Smoothies can be a great way to pack several gut-healthy ingredients in a single glass. We discuss why and how to incorporate smoothies into your gut health diet here.
When it comes to gut health, this smoothie offers significant benefits. We’ve discussed the importance of plant fiber diversity for a diverse and healthy microbiome. Depending on the mixed berries you use, this matcha kefir smoothie offers six to seven unique plant fibers in a single glass.
As a fermented food, kefir is packed with probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in the gut microbiome. These probiotics can improve digestion, enhance the immune system, and reduce symptoms of digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Additionally, kefir contains prebiotics, which serve as food for these good bacteria, further supporting their growth and activity in the gut.
Gut health experts often preach about the importance of “3 P’s” — polyphenols, prebiotics, and probiotics. This recipe delivers on the full trifecta, as the colorful berries and spinach are full of polyphenols as well.
Matcha Kefir Smoothie Ingredients
While there’s flexibility in terms of the fruits and greens for this recipe, here’s what I used:
- kefir
- almond milk
- frozen mixed berries
- matcha powder
- maple syrup
- fresh spinach
- wedge or squeeze of lemon
- mint for garnish (optional)
Scroll to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
Dissolve matcha powder in 1 – 2 tablespoons hot water with a regular whisk or bamboo matcha whisk.
Add all ingredients, including the matcha mixture in a blender or Nutribullet.
Blend until smooth. Add water or ice to adjust the thickness as you see fit.
Serve immediately, garnished with mint leaves if desired.
Matcha Kefir Smoothie with Berries
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup kefir
- 1/3 cup almond milk (or other favorite milk)
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2-3 tsp maple syrup (if milk & kefir are unsweetened)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 wedge or squeeze of lemon
- mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Dissolve matcha powder in 1 - 2 tablespoons hot water with a regular whisk or bamboo matcha whisk.
- Add all ingredients, including the matcha mixture in a blender or Nutribullet.
- Blend until smooth. Add water or ice to adjust the thickness as you see fit.
- Serve immediately, garnished with mint leaves if desired.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
What type of kefir should I use?
You can use either dairy or non-dairy kefir, depending on your preference. Both will provide probiotics, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Is this matcha smoothie suitable for a low-sugar diet?
The smoothie can be low in sugar if you use unsweetened kefir and limit the amount of honey or sweeteners. Berries naturally contain less sugar than many other fruits.
How can I make the matcha smoothie thicker or thinner?
To make the smoothie thicker, add more frozen berries or ice cubes. For a thinner consistency, add more kefir, almond milk, or water.
What if I don’t have spinach?
You can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard, or leave it out altogether for a different flavor profile. Or, try cucumber, celery or other mild veggies you have on hand. Just keep in mind that different veggies have different levels of water content which impacts the smoothie’s consistency.
How long will this smoothie keep in the fridge?
This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake or stir before drinking.
Can I add protein or collagen powder to this smoothie?
Yes, adding a scoop of protein pr collagen powder can make this smoothie a more filling meal option, especially if you’re using it as a post-workout drink. Just be aware of the powder’s impact on the smoothie’s flavor.
What are the best liquids to put in a smoothie?
Milk — whether it be traditional dairy or plant-based — is likely the most popular liquid to add to a smoothie since it provides rich and creamy texture and flavor. Almond milk is my favorite, though coconut abd oat milk are great too.
Yogurt and kefir are also great options and add even more creaminess, plus contribute to a gut-healthy smoothie due to the probiotic content. Fruit juice, or for a tropical flavoured smoothie, low-fat coconut milk or coconut water.
What should I put in smoothies for gut health?
Two food categories to try including in your smoothie for gut health are 1) a variety of fruits and greens to feed the variety of good bacteria in your gut, and 2) a fermented food like yogurt or kefir, as their probiotic content introduces good bacteria to your gut. We
A bonus ingredient to add for a gut-healthy smoothie is matcha, which is packed with catechins and antioxidants which help reduce inflammation and protect the gut lining from damage. If you’re a fan of matcha smoothies, you can also try our Matcha Smoothie with Tropical Fruit and Greens.
Learn more about how to add smoothies to your gut health diet.
2 Comments
I am not a big fan of kefir but want to start drinking more of it for the health benefits. This smoothie shields the taste of kefir in a good way!!
Love the color of this smoothie. You’d never know matcha and kefir are hiding in there.. 😉