High-Protein Hojicha Smoothie Bowl (25 g Protein)
Meet your new hojicha smoothie bowl—a roasted-green-tea spin on the classic acai bowl that delivers 25 grams of protein without sacrificing flavour or café-worthy aesthetics. The gentle, caramel-smoky notes of hojicha pair beautifully with creamy banana and nut butter while keeping caffeine low, so you get calm focus rather than jitters.
Nutrition at a Glance (per bowl, pea-protein version)
| Calories | 345 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g (of which 11 g fibre) |
| Fat | 10 g |
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 level tablespoon hojicha powder (about 5 g)
-
1 scoop protein powder (30 g)
- Pea isolate for a vegan bowl, naturally beige and neutral in taste.
- Whey isolate for extra creaminess and slightly sweeter vanilla notes.
- 100 ml chilled oat or dairy milk (adjust for thickness)
- 1 tablespoon almond or cashew butter
- ½ cup frozen cauliflower rice (optional for volume & fibre—undetectable in flavour)
- Pinch of sea salt (brings out caramel tones)
Colour-Contrast Topping Ideas
- Deep-magenta berries – freeze-dried raspberries or fresh blackberries pop against the beige-brown base.
- Kiwi or matcha-dust melon stars – bright green slices echo tea heritage.
- Dragon fruit pearls – speckled fuchsia dots that scream “share this photo!”
- Coconut “snow” – thin coconut ribbons for texture + white contrast.
- Puffed quinoa or cacao nib crunch – earthy speckles that mirror hojicha’s roast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add banana, hojicha powder, protein powder, milk, nut butter, cauliflower rice and salt to a high-speed blender.
- Blend on low → high until creamy and spoon-thick. If blades stick, pulse and scrape down or splash in 1-2 tablespoons of extra milk.
- Pour into a chilled bowl, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon.
- Arrange toppings to create colour contrast: cluster bright fruit on one side, sprinkle white coconut across the centre, then dust a final whisper of hojicha powder diagonally for that barista-latte vibe.
Pea vs Whey: Which Protein Wins?
| Pea Isolate | Whey Isolate | |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary needs | 100 % plant-based, allergy-friendly, soy-free | Contains dairy; rapid absorption |
| Flavour impact | Mild earthiness that complements hojicha roast | Naturally sweeter, enhances caramel notes |
| Texture | Slightly thicker mouthfeel – ideal for spoonable bowls | Silky-smooth and light |
| Digestibility | Low-FODMAP; gentle on most stomachs | Contains lactose traces; choose isolate to minimise |
| Protein per scoop (30 g) | ≈ 24 g | ≈ 27 g |
Bottom line: both options hit the 25 g-protein target when paired with hojicha and nut butter; choose pea for vegan or allergy needs, whey for a lighter, creamier finish.
Customisation & Troubleshooting
- Need extra greens? Throw in a handful of spinach; hojicha’s roast masks any vegetal notes.
- Too runny? Add 2-3 ice cubes or more frozen cauliflower and re-blend.
- Craving sweetness? Drizzle 1 teaspoon maple syrup or use sweetened protein powder.
- Meal-prep tip: Freeze pre-portioned smoothie packs in zip bags; dump and blend in 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes hojicha different from matcha in a smoothie bowl?
Hojicha is roasted rather than steamed and ground like matcha. The roasting lowers caffeine dramatically (≈8 mg vs ≈70 mg per teaspoon) and imparts toasted walnut-caramel notes that shine in creamy bases.
Can I brew hojicha tea instead of using powder?
For maximum flavour and protein integration, powdered hojicha is best. If you only have loose-leaf, steep 60 ml extra-strong hojicha, chill, and use it in place of half the milk—flavour will be lighter.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes—caffeine is minimal, especially with pea protein. Skip protein powder for under-12s and add extra nut butter for balanced macros.
Pin & Share
This hojicha smoothie bowl is designed for bright photos—tag us #HojichaLabBowl on Instagram so we can feature your artful toppings!