We fell in love with Starbucks’ Iced Strawberry Matcha when it first appeared, and immediately wanted to recreate it at home—this time boosted with protein. This Iced Protein Strawberry Matcha delivers a delicious balance of earthy matcha and sweet strawberry, plus protein to keep you energized. Each serving provides roughly 15 g of protein, and the finished drink shows off three beautiful layers: vibrant green matcha, creamy vanilla protein, and ruby-red strawberry purée.
Matcha is bright green, creamy when prepared correctly, and packed with antioxidants, which is why it has become such a popular ingredient in drinks and recipes. We regularly use matcha in smoothies, waffles, and lattes, and this version adds protein and a fresh strawberry layer to create a refreshing, satisfying beverage you can enjoy any time of day.
If you love the Starbucks version, you’ll appreciate making this at home: it’s more affordable, you control the ingredients, and the strawberry layer is made from fresh fruit and honey simple syrup—no artificial additives required.
3 Layers in this Strawberry Matcha
Green – Matcha
- Matcha powder: Use a good-quality organic or fair-trade matcha for the best flavor and color.
Red – Strawberry
- Fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and vivid color—frozen can be used in a pinch.
- Honey simple syrup: Honey adds a warm, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with matcha and strawberries.
White – Creamy Protein
- Vanilla protein shake: The recipe uses a vanilla protein shake (Core Power Fairlife vanilla is shown), which creates a rich, creamy middle layer and adds substantial protein. You can substitute another vanilla protein shake, or use milk plus a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
What sweeteners work well?
You can use any simple syrup flavor you prefer. Alternatives like agave, maple syrup, or a small amount of stevia also work—adjust the sweetness to taste depending on the ripeness of your strawberries and the sweetness of your protein shake.
What glass size does this serve?
This recipe yields two servings and will nicely fill two 8-ounce glasses. If you use larger glasses, you may want to increase the quantities proportionally so each glass fills to the top and maintains the layered effect.
Fun Drink Topper Ideas
Add a finishing touch to your matcha with any of these options:
- Whipped cream or frothed vanilla protein
- Coconut flakes
- Chia seeds
- Fresh sliced strawberries
- A light dusting of matcha powder
Top Tips
- Use a clear glass to showcase the layers. Pour the components gently—use a spoon or pour slowly down the side so layers remain distinct.
- The matcha in this recipe is concentrated because it sits on top before blending with the protein layer when you drink it. Reduce the matcha powder slightly if you prefer a milder matcha flavor.
Storage Directions
This drink is best enjoyed fresh; assemble just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Store any leftover strawberry purée, milk/protein shake, or matcha powder separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Fresh strawberry purée will keep for 1–2 days chilled.
More of our favorite
Delicious Protein Drinks
- Blueberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie
- Healthy Banana Protein Shake
- Coffee Protein Shake with Peanut Butter and Banana
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Protein Shake
Iced Protein Strawberry Matcha Recipe
This iced protein strawberry matcha is a refreshing, energizing layered drink that combines matcha’s antioxidant benefits with a protein boost from a vanilla shake. It works well as a pre- or post-workout drink or a nourishing afternoon pick-me-up.
Author: Emily Richter
Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 4 oz water
- ½ cup fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons honey simple syrup (or any simple syrup of your choice)
- 14 oz vanilla protein shake (Core Power Fairlife or another vanilla protein), divided
Instructions
- Add the matcha powder to 4 ounces of hot or warm water and whisk until smooth and frothy. Set aside and let the matcha cool slightly.
- Place the fresh strawberries and honey simple syrup in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Pour the strawberry purée evenly into two large glasses, creating the bottom red layer.
- Fill both glasses with ice. Pour 7 ounces of the vanilla protein shake into each glass, adding the creamy white middle layer.
- Gently spoon or slowly pour about 2 ounces of the prepared matcha over the top of each glass to form the green layer. Serve immediately to preserve the layered appearance.
Tips & Notes
- Glass size affects how much Core Power you can add; this recipe is designed for two 8-ounce glasses.
- Pour the layers slowly and carefully to keep them from mixing right away—using a spoon or pouring down the side of the glass helps.
- For a lighter matcha flavor, reduce the matcha powder when whisking with water. If using frozen strawberries, blend them slightly thawed for a smoother purée.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 162 kcal • Carbohydrates: 20 g • Protein: 15 g • Fat: 2 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 19 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Photography: Photos in this post were taken by Dalya from It’s Raining Flour.