This Pumpkin Matcha (made with real pumpkin!) is PERFECT if you like matcha, high protein drinks, fall flavors, but maybe still want an iced beverage while you’re waiting for it to actually feel like fall outside.

pumpkin matcha in a glass cup with glass straw

Protein matchas are something I’ve had nearly every day for months. I love the gentle energy matcha provides, and I’ve found that prioritizing protein really helps me feel my best and progress on my health goals.

And while normally I go with a chocolate protein or strawberry matcha, now that autumn is right around the corner, I’m craving pumpkin spice everything!

This pumpkin matcha (made with real pumpkin!) makes for a delicious part of your breakfast or a nutrient-dense snack. It’s full of protein, high-fiber and nutrient-dense pumpkin, the health benefits of matcha, and delicious flavor of pumpkin pie spice.

Why This Protein Pumpkin Matcha Recipe is SO Good!

Pumpkin spice! Tis the season!
High protein – many protein shakes have 20-30 grams of protein!
It’s simple. You only need four ingredients!
Matcha works so well in iced latte form.
With the addition of real pumpkin puree, there’s actually a little fiber in this drink!
It’s SO GOOD!!

Ingredients Needed

For a full ingredient list with quantities, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

ingredients to make a protein pumpkin matcha

Protein Shake: Choose your favorite 11-11.5 ounce protein drink. Generally speaking, I find Fairlife Protein Shakes taste the best, but the vanilla can be hard to find. Premiere Protein vanilla shakes (and generic store options) work great here.
Matcha: you want ceremonial grade, pure matcha (no matcha latte mix stuff – that often has added sweeteners and other ingredients).
Pumpkin: go for 100% pure pumpkin puree (please not the nearly identical looking canned pumpkin pie filling – that has a lot more stuff in it!)
Pumpkin Pie Spice: tis the season! But truly, it’s a convenient seasoning blend with several warm spices that taste delicious together (and with pumpkin).

Step-by-Step Directions

For complete instructions, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Using a frother or a bamboo whisk, whisk the matcha into the hot water and set aside.
Make the pumpkin cold foam with the pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and about 1/4 cup of the protein shake. Froth until it’s creamy and about doubled in size.
To make this iced latte look pretty, start by pouring the vanilla protein shake over ice.
Gently pour the matcha over the vanilla protein shake.
Slightly swirl the matcha into the protein shake.
Carefully top with the pumpkin cold foam. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

The amount of matcha in one serving will vary based on the quality of the brand. Go by the serving size of your matcha (it’ll likely be 1/2-1 teaspoon).
If you don’t care about a visually appealing initial presentation, you can combine and stir all the ingredients together at once – it just won’t be a very pretty color.
Drink your matcha fairly quickly. The longer it sits out, the more it will settle, and dilute with melting ice. If it does settle, just give it a quick stir to reincorporate the spices.
Dietitian tip, here: while the protein shake makes this a very high protein beverage, I’ve got to put my RD hat on and say that it’s not enough for a breakfast/ meal on its own! Try pairing this with some high-fiber carbs, like fruit and/ or a whole grain English muffin.

making a pumpkin matcha with pumpkin cold foam

Substitutions & Variations

This pumpkin matcha can easily be gluten/ dairy free/ vegan/ vegetarian/ etcetera, based on whichever protein shake you choose.
Caramel protein shakes are also delicious in lieu of vanilla!
Not feeling the protein shake vibes? That’s fine! Create your own substitute with 1.5 cups of your favorite milk to drink instead, also adding 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and your preferred sweetener to taste.
Substitute cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.
Feeling fancy? Brew matcha and then freeze into ice molds for matcha ice cubes (this also helps prevent your drink from getting watered down as the ice melts)!
If you prefer a hot latte, I don’t advise using a protein shake. The protein can denature as it heats, so you could be okay if you only gently heat…if not, you could be left with a weird, curdled, gross drink.

Supplies You’ll Need

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Frother

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