Green tea replaces milk or juice in this healthy and delicious smoothie, combined with sweet raspberries, and creamy coconut (or greek) yogurt. This green tea raspberry smoothie is quick, easy and super good for you!

A cold creamy protein-rich smoothie is one of my favorite ways to start the day. Over the years I have probably tried every flavor combination you can think of; banana and greens, pineapple and kale, chocolate and strawberry, avocado and blackberry, and beets and berries. Raspberry is always a favorite. Raspberry paired with green tea? Game changer!

In all honesty, it took me quite some time to master the whole smoothie thing. I have made some pretty epic smoothie fails over the years, but I've learned a few tricks over time that almost always guarantee a smoothie masterpiece.

How to Make a Healthy Protein Smoothie

Start with frozen fruit. Frozen fruit will blend up creamier and (obviously) colder eliminating the need for a ton of ice, which can dilute the flavor.
I usually like to add a large handful of greens (I typically use fresh baby spinach or frozen greens of any variety). In this smoothie, I found I liked the flavor to be super clean and pure without the addition of greens. I'll just eat a big salad for lunch 🙂
Add protein powder for a better macronutrient balance. Many smoothies are very high in sugar and carbohydrates, I prefer to start my day with protein. Collagen peptides is a favorite because it is flavorless (and loaded with good for you protein, which you can read about here), but if you are vegan I prefer an organic pea-based protein powder.
Add a creamy superstar! Banana is typical in smoothies because it helps to produce a super creamy texture, but there are a few banana substitutes that work equally well like: avocado, frozen cauliflower (I know, but trust me), frozen zucchini (again, I know, but trust me), almond butter, peanut butter, coconut yogurt, or greek yogurt.
Add healthy fat. I hear so often from clients that smoothies make them feel hungrier, my next question is always: did you add fat and protein? Usually, the answer is no, and then the big mystery is solved! If you have a smoothie as a meal than it needs to have: fat, carbohydrate and protein. Some good healthy fat options are: flax, chia, or hemp seeds, avocado, coconut oil or coconut butter, peanut butter or almond butter.
Choose a liquid base. Here is where the green tea comes in! In many smoothies, I will use almond or coconut milk, but oftentimes I don't have either of those options in the fridge. I don't use juice (hello high glycemic load and unnecessary calories), I don't like using water (remember I am a flavor first girl, water typically dilutes the flavor too much). Enter tea!

How to Use Tea as a Smoothie Base

Green tea, mint tea, chamomile tea, and even lavender tea, all make a fantastic smoothie base. PLUS you get the added benefit of polyphenols from the tea. Win. Win.
I simply brew a large batch of herbal tea (if using tea bags I will steep 5-6 tea bags in about 6 cups of water). Chill and store in the fridge.
Green tea contains caffeine, so your smoothie will be slightly caffeinated (which is totally fine with me!). You can also use powdered matcha for a higher antioxidant boost, but I find green tea bags work equally well.

That's it! Pretty straightforward, a few simple ingredients, and delicious smoothie heaven.