TikTok’s Protein Matcha Burns Belly Fat and Is Easy To Make!

TikTok has gone crazy for “protein matcha,” with videos of the pretty green drink racking up millions upon millions of views. And experts say this is one trend that fully deserves the hype. Why? It’s essentially “the most potent form of green tea and a protein shake colliding in a cup,” says natural health expert author Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM, author of 60 Seconds To Slim. Skip unhealthy sweeteners, and protein matcha comes with a long list of benefits, from boosting immunity to blood sugar regulation to weight loss and more. Keep reading to learn about the perks of protein-rich matcha green tea, and to see ultra-easy, ultra-yummy recipes.

Does matcha have protein?

Only a smidge. Matcha—which is a highly concentrated powdered form of tea made from shade-grown green tea leaves—contains 0.3 grams of protein per one-teaspoon serving, per the USDA. The drink is called protein matcha because it blends matcha with added protein, usually from a shake containing 20 to 40 grams of the crucial nutrient.

It’s definitely worth noting that while matcha doesn’t have a lot of protein, it’s an absolute jackpot of antioxidants. A University of Colorado study found that matcha has up to 137 times more of these powerful micronutrients per cup compared to regular green tea. It’s one of the most antioxidant-rich foods in existence.

What does protein matcha taste like?

“It tastes like your favorite protein shake with a hint of the mildly-grassy taste of matcha powder,” says Schoffro Cook. You can use any flavor of shake you like, but it pairs very well with vanilla and strawberry options.

4 health benefits of protein matcha

All the benefits from matcha and all the benefits of protein shakes combine in this drink, so there are about a zillion. We’re calling out a handful of the most impressive things protein matcha can do.

It burns belly fat

Among matcha’s many antioxidants is “the powerful weight loss phytochemical called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG,” says Schoffro Cook. EGCG plus caffeine in matcha have been shown to rev metabolism by up to 35 percent. There’s also growing evidence EGCG may help regulate blood sugar, trigger slimming changes in our gut bacteria and help our muscles burn more fat and calories for energy when we’re active. “This super-nutrient gives a massive fat-burning boost to the body.”

A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that among overweight and obese adults, those who added moderate activity and the equivalent of 2 tsp. matcha to their regimens each day doubled their weight loss and lost over 20 times more belly fat compared to those who added moderate activity but sipped diet soft drinks.

Protein shake bonus: Our bodies work so hard to break down protein, it temporarily increases metabolism by up to 500 percent more than eating carbs and up to 900 percent more than eating dietary fat.

It reverses muscle loss

Over age 50? Studies show our bodies no longer absorb protein as well as it once did, and we need to get more of the nutrient—about 0.5 grams per day for every pound you weigh, or 80 grams for a 160-pound woman—to stave off muscle loss (as well as things like bone loss, weak nails and sagging skin). And a study in Nutrition Journal found that protein shakes help older adults spike levels of muscle-building compounds, making it far easier to build new muscle using resistance training.

Matcha’s EGCG can enhance the effect, with studies showing it helps prevent age-related muscle loss and enhance the effects of resistance training.

It curbs your appetite

Both increased protein intake and matcha are linked to reduced appetite, with studies showing the effect can even help kill those pesky late-night munchies. A 2022 in the journal Plant Foods for Human Nutrition found that, among the many health benefits of matcha, it helped improve levels of the stop-eating hormone leptin.

It gives you jitter-free energy

“Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps regulate the release of caffeine into the bloodstream, preventing caffeine spikes and crashes you might get from coffee,” notes Schoffro Cook. “That means more balanced energy.” For many, she says, it motivates them to add more health-boosting exercise to their days.

In fact, a Dutch study found people given two servings of matcha daily experienced improvements in their ability to focus, reaction time and memory compared with people given a placebo.

How to make protein matcha

There are lots of versions of protein matcha recipes, which is a mix of matcha and protein. But by far the most popular version is a little matcha mixed with a ready-to-drink protein shake and served over ice. You can see how easy it is in TikTok videos likethis one with 3.5 million views andthis one with 2 million views. Or just use these easy instructions.

For a homemade version: Start by pouring a protein shake (strawberry and vanilla work best) over a tall cup of ice. Then in a small, covered container, vigorously shake 1 tsp. ceremonial grade matcha with ¼ cup water until the matcha mostly dissolves (to prevent clumping). Pour the matcha over the protein shake, stir and enjoy.

For a Starbucks version: Order 3 pumps of matcha in a Venti cup with ice. Then add your own protein shake to the cup.

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This story was originally published August 21, 2025 at 4:10 PM.