Looking for the perfect matcha popsicle for this summer?
These creamy matcha-coconut-yuzu popsicles are the treat you never knew you needed. They are fun to make (you can absolutely get your kiddos involved with this project!) and quick to create.
They make a fantastic vegan and gluten-free treat to boot! The coconut adds a delectable creamy flavor that is perfectly balanced with the earthiness of the matcha. Yuzu adds the perfect citrusy fresh flavor.
All combined? These matcha green tea pops get a perfect score.
Ingredients & equipment you will need for your matcha popsicles:
- 1 ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup almond milk
- ¼ cup yuzu juice
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 ½ tsp culinary grade matcha
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds (optional for an extra protein + hydration boost)
- Blender or whisk
- Popsicle molds (we used BPA-free ones)
- Popsicle sticks
- Blender or bowl & whisk
5 Step-by-step directions for making matcha popsicles:
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First, Sift your matcha. This will help keep your popsicles clump-free.
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Mix all of your ingredients with a high-speed blender or a whisk until thoroughly combined. Using a blender, add coconut flakes at the end and stir to combine.
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Fill up your popsicle molds, but leave about a 1/8" gap space at the top (ie do not fill to the brim as the popsicle will expand and may flow over) If using a lidded popsicle mold tray, top molds with lid, then add popsicle sticks. If not using a lid, freeze your mold tray for about 45 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks.
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Place your popsicle tray with popsicle mix in the freezer. Freeze overnight or until your coconut matcha popsicles are solid.
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To release popsicles, carefully run warm water over the sides. Gently wiggle the popsicle stick until you can remove the popsicle. Then enjoy!
Matcha powder has strong antioxidant health benefits:
Matcha is known for its incredible range of health benefits, such as being incredibly high in antioxidants.
Just know that not all matcha is created equal. When buying matcha, quality and where it comes from really does matter. Low-quality matcha will often have a bitter taste and be a yellowish or brownish green. That's not what you want. When looking for matcha to use in recipes, opt for a high-quality matcha powder from Japan with an eye-popping bright green color and a rich earthy flavor.
Yuzu will give you a boost of B vitamins
Yuzu is a small yellow citrus fruit that comes from East Asia. Yuzu claims incredible health benefits and also contains a high number of antioxidants. This fruit is also high in B vitamins, which are essential for turning food into energy. When buying yuzu, always check the ingredients and buy products containing pure yuzu juice only. No extra additives or sweeteners are needed!
Coconut's healthy fat benefits
Matcha and yuzu aren't the only health-boosting foods in this recipe. Coconut can also really hold its own among those two heavyweights. Coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized quickly into energy in the liver. This also means MCTs are less likely to be stored as fat in the body. Some studies also show that consuming MCTs can promote weight loss while increasing energy. Coconuts also contain anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. It's thought. Therefore, that coconut can help protect the body from infections and viruses.
Quick tips to keep in mind when making matcha popsicles
If you're in the mood for popsicles but haven't ordered popsicle molds just yet, don't fret! You can make these in plastic cups or even in ice cube trays. Of course, you can still use popsicle sticks or just turn this more into a slushy or shaved matcha iced dessert instead.
As with everything recipe, you can and should make it your own. For example, you can always add or reduce the maple syrup called for here or opt for vanilla extract for flavoring instead.
If you want your popsicles to be even creamier, you can opt for full-fat coconut cream instead of coconut milk. However, don't be tempted to buy low-fat coconut milk! Your popsicles will be icier and lack flavor.
Do Homemade Matcha Popsicles have an expiration date?
Yes, they do! We recommend storing your matcha popsicles between pieces of parchment paper in a lidded container or bag for up to two weeks time in your freezer.
The bottom line: Coconut matcha popsicles are an easy, refreshing, and healthful treat
Did you know just how easy it is to make popsicles? All it takes is a few minutes to whip up the mixture and then the patience to let them freeze- often the most challenging step in the whole process.
Once you have the popsicle molds, there's really no limit to what kind of popsicle creations you can create.
We know this matcha coconut yuzu combo will have you coming back for more!
Check out more matcha recipes here.
This post and recipe is By Diana Weil, Matcha.com's Integrative Nutritionist and Food Relationship Specialist.
References:
Matsumoto, T., Kimura, T., & Hayashi, T. (2016). Aromatic effects of a Japanese citrus fruit-yuzu (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka)-on psychoemotional states and autonomic nervous system activity during the menstrual cycle: a single-blind randomized controlled crossover study. BioPsychoSocial medicine, 10, 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-016-0063-7
Norgren, J., Sindi, S., Sandebring-Matton, A., Kåreholt, I., Daniilidou, M., Akenine, U., Nordin, K., Rosenborg, S., Ngandu, T., & Kivipelto, M. (2020). Ketosis After Intake of Coconut Oil and Caprylic Acid-With and Without Glucose: A Cross-Over Study in Healthy Older Adults. Frontiers in nutrition, 7, 40. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.00040
St-Onge MP, Bosarge A. Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar;87(3):621-6. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/87.3.621. PMID: 18326600; PMCID: PMC2874190.
