By Joybuy, Your Product Expert
The world of Japanese snacks is as vast as it is fascinating, and the matcha biscuit is one of its true gems. Drawn in by its unique flavour—both vegetal and delicately bitter—you're likely overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Between different textures, green tea intensities, and brands, it's not easy to navigate.
This guide is here to shed some light. Our mission at Joybuy is to give you the keys to choosing the matcha snack that's truly right for you, far from the marketing hype.
Before we unveil our top picks, here are a few key points to consider to refine your choice and find the Japanese confectionery you'll fall in love with.
The flavour of matcha can vary dramatically. Some biscuits offer a light, sweet green tea note, ideal for first-time tasters. Others, in contrast, highlight the noble bitterness and depth of matcha, a characteristic that purists adore. A good rule of thumb: take a look at the ingredients list. The position of matcha powder or green tea is a good indicator of its concentration. A darker green tea cake is also often synonymous with a more intense taste.
The enjoyment of a biscuit also comes down to its texture. It all depends on what you're in the mood for:
It's not an absolute guarantee, but turning to established Japanese brands like Glico, Meiji, or Bourbon is always a safe bet. These companies are pillars of the confectionery world and generally offer a Japanese matcha biscuit of proven quality in Japan.
Here are three gems that perfectly illustrate the richness of the matcha biscuit universe.
Why it stands out: This biscuit is notable for its generous sandwich format. It combines two golden, crispy biscuits with a smooth matcha chocolate cream. The balance between the sweetness of the biscuit and the vegetal notes of the green tea is particularly well-executed.
Highlights:
Who is it for? Ideal for those looking for a rich and comforting biscuit, halfway between a simple snack and a real dessert. It's an excellent option to accompany a coffee or to treat yourself to a refined little pleasure.
Why it stands out: Pocky is an icon of Japanese confectionery. This matcha version is no exception: a thin, crunchy biscuit stick coated in a smooth green tea cream. It's simple, effective, and incredibly addictive.
Highlights:
Who is it for? Perfect for fans of light and addictive snacks. It's the ideal companion for a small craving, a movie night, or for adding an original and "Instagrammable" touch to your desserts and drinks.
Why it stands out: Bourbon's Alfort offers a more refined approach. It pairs a crispy digestive biscuit with a dark matcha chocolate tablet, adorned with an elegant sailboat design. The presence of 3% matcha powder, as indicated by the brand, promises a more assertive flavour.
Highlights:
Who is it for? For palates seeking a more pronounced bitterness and a beautiful complexity of flavours. It's an excellent choice to accompany a black tea or an espresso, which will bring out its full character.
Our selection is just a glimpse, but the world of matcha chocolate is full of treasures. If you're curious to discover other formats like bars, truffles, or other cakes, feel free to explore our complete selection.
Discover the entire Matcha Chocolate range on Joybuy.fr
Matcha is a very fine powder of high-quality green tea leaves, which are shade-grown before harvesting. This process increases their chlorophyll and amino acid content, giving it a brighter colour and a more complex umami (the famous "fifth taste") flavour than regular green tea powder (often powdered sencha). In a biscuit, matcha generally provides a richer and deeper taste.
The secret is to store them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and humidity. Once the package is opened, the best practice is to use an airtight container! Individual wrappers, like those for Alfort, are also perfect for maintaining the freshness of each biscuit.
The sugar content varies greatly from one product to another. Products like Pocky are generally quite sweet to appeal to a wider audience. Options like the Bourbon Alfort with dark chocolate and matcha are often less sweet, allowing the bitterness of the tea and cocoa to shine through. The best course of action is to check the nutritional information on the packaging or product page to get a clear idea.