Protein in matcha? Soha Ali Khan’s 2-minute pre-workout drink is the quick energy boost you need

Matcha has gone from a niche Japanese tea to a global wellness favourite, finding its way into everything from lattes and smoothies to desserts and pre-workout drinks. It has a vibrant green colour, earthy flavour and energising qualities. Yet, its distinctive grassy, slightly bitter taste remains divisive, with some embracing it while others struggle to acquire a taste for it. Amid matcha’s growing popularity, actress Soha Ali Khan, known for her commitment to well-being, recently shared a video on Instagram featuring a protein-packed matcha drink. The quick recipe takes just 2 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.

Soha Ali Khan on matcha

In her caption, Soha Ali Khan revealed that she had been curious about the growing matcha trend and wanted to see whether the hype lived up to expectations. A quick protein matcha pre-workout drink was prepared as an easy way to explore it. She also highlighted the importance of being more intentional about protein intake, particularly for women looking to maintain muscle and strength.

For vegetarians, meeting daily protein requirements can require additional planning, making simple protein-rich recipes especially useful. Matcha, meanwhile, is noted for containing caffeine, L-theanine and antioxidant-rich catechins and polyphenols, with the caffeine-L-theanine combination potentially supporting alertness and attention without excessive jitters, shared Soha Ali Khan.

Protein matcha: Ingredients required and how to make

1 tsp matcha

1 scoop protein powder

Cold water

A little almond/coconut milk

Ice chips

Vanilla essence and stevia, if you like it sweeter

To prepare the protein-rich matcha, first whisk 1 tsp matcha with a little cold water until smooth. The protein powder and a splash of water are then added and frothed well. Next, the remaining water, almond or coconut milk and ice chips are added. Vanilla essence and stevia can be included for extra sweetness before one final froth.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soha (@sakpataudi)

Soha Ali Khan’s final takeaway

In conclusion, Soha Ali Khan noted that despite never enjoying matcha’s taste, the addition of chocolate protein powder, vanilla and stevia made the drink surprisingly enjoyable, prompting her to reconsider her opinion of the beverage. She concluded that matcha could be a nutritious, caffeinated alternative to tea or coffee, particularly for those who enjoy its distinctive flavour.

Soha Ali Khan, however, clarified that matcha should not be viewed as a detox drink, fat burner or anti-ageing miracle. The protein in the recipe may contribute more significantly to nutritional goals. As matcha contains caffeine, moderation was advised, especially for caffeine-sensitive individuals or those consuming it later in the day. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with medical conditions or those taking regular medications were advised to consult a doctor.