Matcha Biscuits Buying Guide: Find Your Perfect Japanese Gem

The green wave of matcha has swept far beyond tea rooms to win over foodies around the world. If you're drawn to this unique flavour—at once vegetal, sweet, and slightly bitter—you can't have missed the abundance of matcha biscuits on the shelves. Between the famous Pocky, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, and other creations, it can be hard to choose.

This guide is here to help you see things more clearly. Our mission at Joybuy is to do the legwork for you, giving you the keys to find the matcha snack that's truly right for you, far from the usual marketing jargon.

How to Choose the Perfect Matcha Biscuit for You??

Before we present our selection, here are a few key points to help you refine your choice.

1. Matcha Intensity?: Subtle or Strong??

From one biscuit to another, the intensity of the matcha can change dramatically. Some offer a discreet hint of green tea, perfect for beginners. Others, conversely, boast a powerful matcha flavour, with that touch of bitterness (umami) so prized by purists. For a gentle introduction, a green tea cookie with a light glaze is an excellent choice. Connoisseurs, on the other hand, will gravitate towards products that mention a "rich" or "intense" matcha.

2. Texture?: Crispy, Melt-in-Your-Mouth, or Soft??

The texture of the biscuit is just as important as its flavour. So, do you prefer the crunch of a thin stick, the shortbread-like texture of a cookie, or the softness of a small matcha cake?? Pocky, for example, is all about the contrast between its crisp biscuit and the smoothness of its coating. Others, like filled cookies, play on a dual-texture experience with a melting centre. To decide, simply think about what you prefer in a classic biscuit.

3. Flavour Pairings?: Pure or Accompanied??

Matcha is an excellent partner and pairs wonderfully with other flavours. The most classic pairing remains white chocolate, which softens its natural bitterness. But you can also find more daring combinations, like the sakura pocky which blends green tea with cherry blossom for a delicate floral touch. This richness makes Japanese confectionery an endless playground for curious foodies.

Recommended Matcha Biscuit Picks

Here are three gems that showcase the full diversity of the Japanese biscuit world of matcha.

Glico Pocky Sakura Matcha 101.6g

Why we love it?: This special edition of the famous matcha pocky is a true invitation to travel. It combines the intense flavour of green tea with the delicate, floral notes of cherry blossom (sakura). A typically Japanese pairing, often found in spring.

Its strengths?:

• A perfect balance?: The matcha is prominent but allows the floral touch to shine through, without one overpowering the other.
• An original biscuit?: The stick itself is tinted and flavoured with sakura, for a complete experience and a lovely pink colour.
• A guaranteed escape?: The combination of these two iconic Japanese flavours makes for a treat that's as original as it is refined.

Who is it for?? For those curious to explore original flavour combinations and who appreciate delicate tastes. It's an ideal gateway to discovering the richness of Japanese confectionery beyond just matcha.

Glico Pocky Rich Matcha 52.8g

Why we love it?: As its name suggests, this "Rich Matcha" version is aimed at fans of intense flavours. Here, the coating is more generous and the matcha concentration is much higher, for a powerful and uncompromising green tea taste.

Its strengths?:

• Unfiltered matcha?: The taste is powerful, with the noble bitterness of quality matcha coming through clearly.
• A creamy texture?: The layer of matcha cream is generous and melts deliciously in your mouth.
• The iconic crunch?: You still get the signature crispy Pocky stick, for an ever-successful textural contrast.

Who is it for?? For purists and true matcha lovers—those seeking an authentic and intense taste that isn't masked by sugar. If you love matcha for its vegetal character and hint of bitterness, this matcha snack is for you.

Franzzi Matcha Mousse Chocolate Flavoured Cookies 115g

Why we love it?: We're switching formats to a sandwich cookie. Franzzi cookies consist of two very crispy cocoa biscuits that enclose a matcha mousse centre. Here, texture is the star of the show, for a more indulgent and comforting experience.

Its strengths?:

• The play on textures?: The combination of the crispy biscuit and the melting filling is a real success.
• An indulgent balance?: The matcha in the mousse is prominent, perfectly balanced by the cocoa notes of the biscuit.
• The on-the-go format?: Individually wrapped, they are perfect for a small craving or to avoid devouring the whole pack at once.

Who is it for?? For those who are more of a "cookie" person than a "stick" person. It's a more substantial option, perfect to accompany an afternoon coffee or tea, much like a small matcha cake.

Want to Explore Other Treats??

Our selection is just a taster. If you want to explore other flavours or types of biscuits, dozens of other gems await you.

? Discover our complete collection of chocolate biscuits and snacks

Frequently Asked Questions About Matcha Biscuits

What does a matcha biscuit taste like??

A good matcha biscuit should juggle three flavours?: the sweetness of the coating (often white chocolate), the vegetal notes of the green tea, and a subtle bitterness on the finish (the famous "umami"). It's this complexity that gives matcha all its charm. Of course, the intensity of each note varies from one biscuit to another.

How do you store Japanese biscuits to keep them crispy??

The secret to crispiness?? An airtight container, stored away from light and moisture. A simple cool, dry cupboard will do the trick perfectly. Once the package is open, remember to seal it tightly or transfer the biscuits so they don't get soft.

Are matcha Pocky very sweet??

It's all a matter of taste, but generally, the natural bitterness of matcha counterbalances the sugar in the glaze. Versions like "Rich Matcha" are often perceived as less sweet because the tea flavour is much more pronounced. If you're wary of too much sugar, these more intense editions are probably a better choice for you.