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These {5-ingredient} Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls are sweet and nutty, and packed with antioxidant powerhouse- matcha green tea. They are also SUPER easy to throw together, making them the perfect choice for a healthy snack.

Even though there are only 5 ingredients in this recipe, these Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls are absolutely bursting with flavor.
And the best part- you can feel really good knowing that you are putting something incredibly healthy into your body.
Matcha green tea is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with soooo many health benefits, it’s almost hard to believe.
What is Matcha Green Tea?
Matcha green tea is finely ground powder made from stoneground green tea leaves. As opposed to brewed green tea, where the tea is steeped in water, matcha green tea leaves are ground and added directly to the liquid/food.
Matcha is very common in Japan, and often used in Japanese tea ceremonies. These ceremonies are centered around the art of preparing, presenting and preparing matcha. This practice was originally developed as a spiritual one and is still performed to this day.
Matcha is grown and prepared much differently than other green teas. Consuming the whole tea leaf, of course, leads to many benefits. And since it is ‘shade-grown’, this boosts the amount of chlorophyll, which gives this tea its rich and vibrant green color.
The Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea:
Matcha green tea is not only tasty, but it’s also extremely healthy. The amount of health benefits is actually quite astounding.
Because matcha is made from full tea leaves, the health benefits far outweigh brewed green tea. When making a cup of brewed tea, and after throwing away the tea bag, you are literally throwing away the majority of the health benefits. In fact, to match the strength of just 1 cup of matcha, you need to drink 10 cups of regular brewed green tea!
That’s why, for prime health benefits and getting the most antioxidants, the best choice is to consume matcha green tea.
An antioxidant powerhouse:
One of the main reasons matcha is so good for our health, is because it is PACKED with antioxidants. It has more than any other superfood by a long shot.
Matcha contains a unique antioxidant called catechins. They help to counteract some effects of free radicals in our environment, such as pollution, radiation, chemicals, UV rays, etc.
And these antioxidants help our bodies prevent aging and chronic diseases, and can also protect our immune systems and ward off bacterial and fungal infections. So the more you consume, the better.
Other health benefits:
Matcha has also been shown to assist in weight loss, as it increases a hormone that helps you to feel full.
And it also helps with focus. A thousand years ago, matcha came to Japan and monks used it to remain alert and focused while meditating. It’s rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to help with relaxation, memory and even learning ability.
Chlorophyll, besides giving matcha it’s beautiful green color, is also a detoxifier, helping to get rid of harsh chemicals from the body.
And the combination of caffeine and l-theanine together gives a boost of natural energy, without the crash you might feel from other caffeine-filled drinks, such as coffee.
And that’s not all. It’s also been shown to help with arthritis, lower cholesterol and is even beneficial for oral health, as the antibacterial properties help to keep bacteria away.
As you can see, there are SO many health benefits to matcha green tea. So go ahead and pour yourself a Matcha Green Tea Latte, or prepare a batch of these energy balls for a healthy snack throughout the week. You’ll know you are getting a variety of health benefits and your body will thank you for it!
Tips for using matcha green tea in this recipe:
- You can find matcha green tea in some specialty stores, such as Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, on Amazon, or at your local spice store.
- Be sure to buy matcha green tea powder (and not regular green tea- it will not work for this recipe). Matcha green tea is stronger and also much healthier than regularly brewed green tea.
- Matcha generally stays fresh 8-9 months after purchasing. The color of the matcha powder should be bright green. If the color is not bright green, but more of a darker brown color, it is most likely expired.
How to make these Matcha Green Tea Energy Bites:
To begin, in a food processor with a sharp blade, add the oats and cashews. Blend on high speed until broken into very fine pieces; about 30 seconds.
Next add the pitted dates, matcha green tea powder, and almond milk. Blend on high speed for about 1 minute, until thoroughly combined.
The mixture will eventually form into a ball. Carefully remove the blade from the food processor and form into small balls, using your hands, about 1 1/4 inch thick.
This recipe makes about 18 balls. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.
These Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls are:
- sweetened by dates
- nutty and creamy with the addition of cashews and almond milk
- unique with the distinct taste of matcha green tea
- a great natural pick-me-up
Helpful Tools:
- Food Processor– this piece of equipment is a must for this recipe. A blender will not work.
Looking for more energy ball recipes? Try one of these:
- Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls (a reader favorite!)
- Cinnamon Almond Date Bites (Oil-Free)
- Carrot Cake Bites (Oil-Free)
- Chocolate Nut Butter Protein Balls (Vegan)
If you make these Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls, please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your photo with #veggie__chick on Instagram. I just love to see my recipes being made in YOUR kitchen!
MATCHA GREEN TEA ENERGY BALLS
Pin RateIngredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled or quick oats - gluten-free, if desired
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 pound soft medjool dates - pitted (if not soft, soak in water for 30 minutes and drain)
- 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the oats and raw cashews. Blend on high speed until broken into very fine pieces; about 30 seconds.
- Next add the pitted dates, matcha green tea powder, and almond milk.
- Blend on high speed for about 1 minute, until thoroughly combined. The mixture will eventually form into a ball. Remove blade from food processor and form into small balls using your hands, about 1 1/4 inch wide.
- This recipe makes about 18 balls. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.
Notes
- You can find matcha green tea in some specialty stores, such as Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, on Amazon, or at your local spice store.
- Be sure to buy matcha green tea powder (and not regular green tea- it will not work for this recipe). Matcha green tea is stronger and also much healthier than regularly brewed green tea.
- Matcha generally stays fresh 8-9 months after purchase. The color of the matcha powder should be bright green. If the color is not bright green, but more of a darker brown color, it is most likely expired.
- If you are wondering if you can roll the finished energy balls in the matcha green tea (similar to other energy ball recipes where they are rolled in coconut or cocoa), this is NOT recommended for this recipe, as the taste will be very bitter.
- If you want an even stronger matcha tea taste, you can add extra matcha (in 1/4 teaspoon increments).
Minnie says
I hate dates and bananas (I’m autistic and I’m overly sensitive to some food textures…) Are there any other alternatives to sweeten this? Do you know if there is a way to use maple syrup or honey instead?
Christin McKamey says
Hi Minnie, do you mean a sweetener other than dates? Unfortunately, this recipe is very reliant on dates, but you could certainly add maple syrup to sweeten more. I hope that answered your question. =)
Mae Duffey says
Is there a special brand name of matcha green tea powder that’s better
Christin McKamey says
Hi Mae, I’ve tried a few and liked them all! I’ve also had some that was expired and it wasn’t good, so as long as it’s fresh, I think that’s all that matters. There are plenty of organic matcha powders on Amazon (like this one), or I’ve also used the one from Trader Joe’s. Hope that helps! =)