11 Healthy Ways to Cook with Matcha

Matcha photo by etringita/Flickr

Matcha tea has been a part Japanese culture since the 12th century, but over the past few years, the tea’s health benefits have been touted by health gurus from Dr. Oz to Deepak Chopra. But what makes it so unique?

The tea is not steeped in hot water; it’s ground into a fine powder and then incorporated wholly into hot water. Matcha is full of antioxidants, which can explain why it’s said to have a number of health benefits from cancer fighting properties, to boosting the metabolism, to lowering bad cholesterol. Note: There are no conclusive studies to back up these claims, but it’s loaded with caffeine, so people who drink it regularly report feeling more energized and alert.

The beauty of matcha is that the powder can be used for so much more than just tea. Below, we found 11 healthy matcha recipes where matcha is the star, for a delicious and healthy twist on some old favorites.

1. Nut-Free Matcha Granola
via Plaid & Paleo  

This paleo-friendly granola is made with pumpkin, flax, and sunflower seeds, all mixed with a hint of sea salt, cinnamon, and maple syrup for sweetness.

2. Chickpea Matcha Blondies
via Chronicles of Passion

Made with chickpeas and coconut flour, these gluten- and refined sugar-free blondies are packed with protein.

3. Matcha Green Tea and Banana Oatmeal
via The Breakfast Drama Queen

Too much matcha in any recipe (even in hot water) can taste a bit too grassy, so this recipe pairs one teaspoon with a ripe banana for the perfect pairing.

4. Raw Carrot Cake with Coconut Matcha Frosting
via Teffy’s Perks 

This spiced, raw carrot cake is made with a coconut and matcha tea frosting, perfect for the upcoming Easter weekend.

5. Matcha Raspberry Coconut Pancakes
via Yellowfingers

The sweetness of the raspberries and the tanginess of the yogurt compliment the bitterness of the matcha in this healthy recipe. The pancakes are made with raspberry yogurt and coconut flour and oil, for a fragrant and flavorful breakfast.

6. Matcha Smoothie
via The Worktop

This smoothie blends matcha tea powder with coconut milk and frozen bananas. You can also make your own coconut milk by boiling unsweetened coconut flakes in water, and then straining out the milk.

7. Matcha Dark Chocolate Popcorn
via Nutrition Stripped  

Dark chocolate and matcha pair well together, making for a slightly nutty, sweet, and bitter combo. Using a little bit of coconut oil will help the mixture stick to the popcorn.

8. Matcha Tea Almond Ice Cream
via Dessert Bullet Blog 

This creamy ice “cream” is made with cottage cheese and without any cream at all. It’s also made sans eggs and added sugar. While this recipe calls for Stevia, you can use any sugar substitute that you prefer (or use real sugar).

9. Matcha Chia Pudding with Sweet Dukkah
via Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen 

This chia pudding recipe ups the flavor with almond milk, honey, toasted almonds, cacao nibs, coconut sugar, and just a pinch of salt.

10. Midnight Matcha Bites
via Thirsty for Tea 

This recipe is made with almond meal and ground whole oats combined with matcha-infused unsweetened coconut, black cocoa, and banana, for a decadent and healthy breakfast bite.

11. Green Tea Chocolate Bar
via Hayu Cooking

This healthy snack is easy to make and only has four ingredients: matcha, white chocolate, almonds, and oats.