Discover the Best Matcha Sweets 2024 at Japanese Convenience Store!

Matcha has taken the world by storm in recent years, especially when it comes to desserts. Driven by health trends and the desire for visually appealing treats, matcha has become a sought-after flavor. To cater to this growing demand, popular Japanese convenience stores like Seven Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson have been introducing a wide variety of matcha-flavored sweets.

In this article, OCHATIMES, a dedicated Japanese tea web media, curates a selection of the best matcha sweets available at these convenience stores. These treats offer a delightful fusion of traditional Japanese flavors and modern twists, making them perfect for those looking for a quick and convenient matcha fix.

Join us as we explore the world of matcha sweets, where taste, aesthetics, and health benefits come together in one delicious package.

Convenience Store Matcha Sweets Special: Unveiling the Matcha Craze

Matcha sweets have taken the world by storm in recent years, especially in Japan. But what’s driving this green tea trend? Let’s dive in!

The allure of matcha lies in its unique flavor and potential health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, matcha is known for its calming properties, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals.

In addition to its health benefits, matcha’s vibrant green hue has made it a social media sensation. Many sweets today are designed with Instagram in mind, featuring eye-catching matcha-infused creations.

Thanks to this growing demand, convenience stores across Japan are offering a wide variety of matcha-flavored treats, making it easier than ever to satisfy your matcha cravings.

Based on research by OCHATIMES, a dedicated Japanese tea web media, we’ve compiled a list of the most recommended matcha sweets available at three major convenience stores in Japan: Seven Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson.

Please note that “matcha sweets” as defined by OCHATIMES refers to all products that feature a tea flavor. This may differ from the general understanding of matcha sweets. Also, please be aware that some products may be discontinued, prices and specifications may change, and availability may vary by store. All prices listed are inclusive of tax. For the most up-to-date information, please check with each individual store.

Report on recommended matcha sweets available at 7-Eleven

While 7-Eleven is now synonymous with 24-hour convenience, its name actually originates from its earlier operating hours of 7 AM to 11 PM. Beyond its convenience, 7-Eleven has earned a reputation for offering a wide variety of high-quality sweets that rival those found in specialty shops, captivating the hearts of sweet tooths everywhere.

From seasonal limited-edition flavors to perennial bestsellers, each item is carefully crafted and often featured in the media. Let’s explore the delightful world of matcha sweets available at 7-Eleven.

Uji Matcha and Milk Parfait【7-Eleven】

Price: ¥324
Indulge in a luxurious Japanese-style parfait featuring a harmonious blend of bittersweet Uji matcha mousse and silky milk pudding. The mousse strikes the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness, allowing the premium matcha flavor to shine through. Its slightly grainy texture adds a delightful mouthfeel, complemented by the subtle bitterness of the matcha whipped cream that ties the entire dessert together.

Topped with white and matcha dango (rice dumplings) and fragrant warabi mochi (sweet potato starch jelly), this parfait is a visual feast.

The chewy rice dumplings and the jiggly, fragrant warabi mochi add delightful textural contrasts. And hidden between the mousse and pudding, you’ll find a layer of crunchy cereal chocolate that provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.

With its well-balanced matcha flavor, subtle sweetness, and elegant Japanese presentation, this parfait offers a unique and delightful experience with every spoonful.

Nishio Matcha Latte with Cold Warabi Mochi【7-Eleven】

Price: ¥270
Made with matcha from Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, the “Nishio Matcha Latte with Cold Warabi Mochi” is a layered cup dessert offering a delightful variety of textures and flavors.

Topped with a generous amount of lightly sweetened whipped cream, the dessert features a smooth and creamy matcha mousse below. The harmonious blend of mellow milk and elegant matcha enhances the delicate aroma of matcha.

Next, the soft and slightly bitter matcha kanten melts in your mouth. At the bottom, you’ll find chewy black sugar warabi mochi with a remarkably smooth texture. The mellow sweetness of the black sugar ties the entire dessert together, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. Each layer, while distinct, harmonizes perfectly, allowing you to savor the refined taste of matcha.

Matcha Old Fashioned Donut

Price: ¥149
Indulge in the delightful harmony of textures and flavors with this Matcha Old Fashioned donut from Seven Eleven. Crafted with a matcha-infused dough, deep-fried to perfection, and generously coated in a rich matcha syrup and chocolate, this treat is a must-try for matcha enthusiasts.

The moment you open the package, an inviting aroma of matcha fills the air. With your first bite, the crispy exterior gives way to a soft, moist interior that melts in your mouth, releasing a wave of matcha flavor. The dough offers a subtle matcha taste with a hint of bitterness for added depth.

The matcha chocolate coating provides a delightful contrast in texture, adding sweetness and a concentrated matcha punch. For a different sensory experience, chill the donut for a crispier coating, or warm it up to enjoy a creamy, melted chocolate center.

With a well-balanced sweetness and a mild matcha flavor, this donut is sure to please a wide range of taste buds, from matcha connoisseurs to casual fans.

Matcha Latte【7-Eleven Premium】

Price: ¥192
7-Eleven Premium’s Matcha Latte is a harmonious blend of rich milk and Uji matcha. This refreshing beverage boasts a smooth texture and a comforting aroma of matcha that gently unfolds amidst the sweetness and creaminess. The substantial size ensures a satisfying and indulgent experience with every sip.

Häagen-Dazs Green Tea ice cream

Price: ¥351
Häagen-Dazs Green Tea ice cream is the result of seven years of dedicated development. By blending carefully selected “first flush” tea leaves with a touch of “second flush” for the perfect balance of bitterness, this ice cream maximizes the rich flavor of matcha. Since tea is harvested four times a year, a skilled blend is required to balance the unique taste and quality of each harvest.

To protect the delicate flavor of matcha, Häagen-Dazs grinds the tea leaves using a stone mill, a meticulous process that avoids generating heat. This method ensures the vibrant green color and rich aroma of the matcha remain intact.

With each bite, the deep aroma of matcha envelops your senses, followed by a robust umami and a subtle bitterness. The sweetness is understated, leaving a clean and refreshing aftertaste.

The firm texture that Häagen-Dazs is known for gradually softens in your mouth, creating a delightful and indulgent experience. This is a truly exceptional treat that sets itself apart from other matcha ice creams with its rich and authentic matcha flavor.

Almond Chocolate Matcha【Meiji】

Price: ¥270
Almond Chocolate is a long-standing brand from Meiji, first released in 1962. Almond Chocolate Matcha is a luxurious treat featuring roasted almonds enveloped in a rich chocolate made with a blend of two aromatic Uji matcha teas.

The almonds used are carefully selected from a premium nut selection and roasted over an open flame, giving them a crispy, fragrant texture. This is one of the secrets to the enduring popularity of this brand.

As you take a bite, the delicate, mellow sweetness of the slightly bitter matcha chocolate spreads across your palate, followed by the crunchy texture and nutty aroma of the almond. A hint of matcha bitterness lingers in the aftertaste, making each piece truly satisfying.

The perfect blend of the long-loved Almond Chocolate brand and the elegant flavor of matcha is sure to delight both matcha and nut lovers.

Alfort Selected Gensensabou【Bourbon】

Price: ¥181
Indulge in the harmonious blend of Uji matcha chocolate and whole-grain biscuits. The matcha chocolate is rich and sweet, with a satisfyingly crisp texture.

The whole-grain biscuit offers Alfort’s signature crunchy bite. Overall, this treat is a delightful combination of contrasting textures—the smoothness of the matcha chocolate and the crunch of the biscuit and a rich, sweet flavor.

Takara Soft Ochawari【Takara Shuzo】

Price: ¥167
Takara Soft Ochawari offers a smooth and refreshing taste with a delicate aroma of green tea. With a modest 4% alcohol content, this drink is light and easy to enjoy, making it perfect for those who are new to sake or prefer a milder taste.

Enjoy a smooth, slightly bitter taste and a refreshing aroma with this tea, making it the perfect pairing for any meal. Its clean flavor profile refreshes your palate between bites, enhancing your overall dining experience.

What’s more, this product is a fantastic choice for health-conscious individuals, as it’s both sugar-free and purine-free. By using no artificial flavors or colors, the drink allows you to savor the authentic taste of the ingredients. The elegant, pale green can design adds a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.

NIPPON PREMIUM Shizuoka Green Ocha Wari【GODO SHUSEI】

Price: ¥167
Shizuoka is renowned for its tea, and this “authentic green ocha(tea) wari” made with premium Shizuoka green tea is a testament to that. Enjoy this healthy drink with zero sugar, free from any artificial flavors or colors.

Tea consumption is deeply ingrained in Shizuoka’s culture, and it’s a common mixer for alcoholic beverages. In fact, green ocha(tea) wari are a staple on many menus in Shizuoka City. This “Shizuoka Green Ocha(tea) Wari” encapsulates the essence of Shizuoka’s tea culture, offering a convenient way to experience an authentic green ocha(tea) wari.

Give the can a gentle shake before drinking to mix the settled green tea powder for a richer flavor. The deep green color reminiscent of deeply steamed tea, combined with a balanced bitterness, sweetness, and umami, is perfectly complemented by the “ooika”(The Aroma of tea leaves have been carefully cultivated under cover to be hidden from sunlight) of kabusecha and the subtle scent of shochu. You’ll be amazed at how closely this drink replicates the authentic Shizuoka green tea highball experience.

Report on recommended matcha sweets available at Family Mart

FamilyMart has been hosting its annual “Uji Matcha Fair” every spring since 2021, and the event’s popularity continues to soar. In the past three fairs alone, over 16 million items featuring Uji matcha have been sold, showcasing the widespread fascination with this unique green tea.

For 2024, FamilyMart has introduced the “Intense Uji Matcha Festival,” offering a variety of products made with a richer, more flavorful Uji matcha. This is the perfect opportunity to experience the depth and complexity of matcha flavors at your local FamilyMart.

Chilly Uji Matcha Jelly【Family Mart】

Price: ¥298
This visually appealing cup dessert is a delightful blend of Uji matcha jelly, white bean paste, sweet red bean paste, and clear jelly. The vibrant green Uji matcha jelly boasts a rich yet pleasantly bitter flavor, while the translucent green jelly offers a subtle sweetness and syrup flavor.

The soft, bouncy texture is truly satisfying, and the enjoyment of mixing the two types of jelly adds to the experience.

Two chewy mochi balls provide a fun texture, and the generous layer of sweet red bean paste at the bottom complements the matcha flavor beautifully.

The beauty of this dessert lies not only in its taste but also in its appearance. The rich matcha jelly encased in clear jelly, layered with sweet red bean paste, is visually appealing from every angle. This matcha dessert is a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Rich Matcha Shimi Choco Corn Mini【Family Mart】

Price: ¥168
Indulge in the rich, robust flavor of matcha with the new “Rich Matcha Shimi Choco Corn Mini” from FamilyMart, developed in collaboration with Ginbis. These bite-sized corn puffs are generously soaked in a decadent matcha chocolate made with premium Uji matcha. With matcha powder infused into the dough, the aroma of matcha fills the air as soon as you open the bag.

The light, crispy texture of the corn puffs perfectly complements the bittersweet notes of matcha and the smooth sweetness of the chocolate, creating a rich and indulgent matcha experience. Once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop! The lingering aftertaste of matcha ensures a satisfying treat.

Take no Ko no Sato with Nishio Matcha【Meiji】

Price: ¥133
Indulge in the harmonious blend of traditional Japanese flavors with Take no Ko no Sato, a delightful matcha chocolate snack generously infused with premium Nishio matcha. As soon as you open the bag, you’ll be captivated by the rich, aromatic scent of matcha that will tantalize your taste buds.

With each bite, savor the elegant umami and depth of flavor of matcha, perfectly complemented by the buttery richness of the cookie. The crumbly texture and the smooth, velvety matcha flavor create a delightful sensation that will leave you wanting more.

Kinoko no Yama Uji Matcha【Meiji】

Price: ¥244
The eye-catching package of Kinoko no Yama Uji Matcha Chocolate drew me in, and I couldn’t resist trying it. The top part, made of rich Uji matcha chocolate, has a satisfying thickness and offers a well-balanced sweetness and bitterness. The crunchy cracker base has a subtle saltiness that enhances the matcha chocolate flavor.

While it’s perfectly enjoyable for those who appreciate matcha, those who prefer a stronger matcha taste might find it a bit mild. However, for those who don’t often eat matcha or are curious about its unique flavor, this is a great option to satisfy your cravings.

Matcha Chocolate【Meiji】

Price: ¥339
Wrapped in creamy milk chocolate, our matcha chocolate features premium first-flush matcha cream. Harvested at the beginning of the tea season, first-flush matcha is renowned for its exceptional flavor and aroma. Experience the delightful contrast of the milk chocolate’s sweetness and the matcha cream’s subtle bitterness in every bite.

Individually wrapped for your convenience, our matcha chocolates are perfect for a quick pick-me-up during a busy day. As you unwrap each piece, the sweet aroma of chocolate fills the air, followed by the refreshing scent of matcha. The two-layer design – a rich brown milk chocolate exterior and a deep green matcha chocolate interior – is visually appealing and creates a delightful sensory experience.

The moment it melts in your mouth, you’re greeted with the sweetness of milk chocolate, followed by a subtle hint of matcha. With a smooth, creamy texture and a refreshing aftertaste, you’ll find yourself craving more and more.

While it may not satisfy those seeking a truly intense matcha flavor, this chocolate is perfect for those who enjoy sweet treats and the mild taste of matcha latte.

Report on recommended matcha sweets available at Lawson

Lawson, a popular convenience store chain in Japan, launched its Uchi Café brand with the aim of creating a cozy, café-like atmosphere at home through a variety of ready-to-eat sweets and bakery items.

Recently, Lawson has partnered with Morihaan, a renowned Kyoto Uji tea brand established in 1836, to offer a series of matcha sweets and bakery products under the theme Tea Ceremony at Lawson. This collaboration has resulted in a wide range of rich and flavorful matcha products. Let’s take this opportunity to explore Lawson’s latest matcha offerings.

Kamaage Warabi Mochi with Matcha【Tokushima Industry Kanazawa Kenrokuan】

Price: ¥339
The Kamaage Warabi Mochi with Matcha comes in an elegant package and is filled to the brim with whole warabi mochi, rather than pre-cut pieces. As soon as you open the lid, a refreshing aroma of matcha and mugwort fills the air, stimulating your appetite. The jiggly appearance further heightens your anticipation.

The warabi mochi is best enjoyed with a generous amount of the accompanying matcha kinako (roasted soybean flour). When you take a bite of the warabi mochi alone, you’ll experience a cool, soft texture and a subtle sweetness, with a hint of matcha flavor.

The matcha kinako has a perfect balance of sugar and salt, and its slightly crunchy texture is delightful. When sprinkled over the warabi mochi, the contrast between the jiggly warabi mochi and the crunchy matcha kinako is a real treat.

The overall flavor is characterized by a subtle saltiness, a honey-like sweetness, and a perfectly balanced matcha flavor. Enjoying it chilled enhances the delightful texture even more. At 120 grams, it’s a satisfying portion, and with only 144 calories, it’s a guilt-free treat.

Uchi Café × Kocco Matcha × Matcha Choux Cream【Lawson】

Price: ¥200
This matcha dessert is a delightful take on the popular Shizuoka confectionery, Rich Matcha Kocco, reimagined as a choux cream. Exclusively available in the Chubu region, this cream puff is generously filled with high-quality Shizuoka matcha, renowned for its rich aroma and balanced bitterness.

Slightly smaller than your average cream puff, these treats offer a delightful contrast of textures. The pastry shell is both airy and crisp, giving way to a chewy interior. The creamy filling boasts a harmonious blend of milky sweetness and a subtle hint of matcha, balanced by a touch of saltiness.

▲ The matcha whipped cream is packed inside, providing a light and airy texture with just the right amount of sweetness.

Indulge in the airy lightness of these matcha cream puffs. The subtle sweetness of Shizuoka matcha, both in the pastry and cream, creates a harmonious and unforgettable taste experience.

Matcha Butter Torayaki【Chateraise】

Price: ¥207
Chateraise’s Matcha Butter Torayaki is a delightful treat made with rich, vibrant green matcha from Uji, Kyoto. The soft, fluffy torayaki skin is infused with matcha and filled with a luscious matcha butter cream and Chateraise’s homemade sweet red bean paste made with Hokkaido-grown azuki beans.
The intricate tiger(tora)-striped pattern on the cake’s surface may well be the inspiration behind its name, torayaki.

With your first bite, you’ll be greeted by the rich aroma and robust bitterness of matcha. The cream contains a generous 67% butter content, yet the matcha flavor remains the star, creating a balanced and light texture.

The matcha-infused skin is soft and moist, enhancing the overall matcha flavor. The subtly sweet red bean paste perfectly complements the bitterness of the matcha, creating a harmonious and satisfying flavor profile. Whether you’re enjoying the skin, cream, or red bean paste, every bite of this torayaki is a celebration of matcha. It’s a must-try for any matcha lover.

Kodawari Sakaba Ocha Sour【Suntory】

Price: ¥162
Launched in 2018 by Suntory, the Kodawari Sakaba brand has gained widespread popularity for its selection of food-friendly drinks like lemon sour and tako high, aiming to enhance the enjoyment of evening drinks. The newly released Ocha Sour ~Iemon~ is a food-pairing beverage that masterfully blends Gyokuro shochu (distilled spirit made from Gyokuro green tea) and Gyokuro and matcha infusion, both using 100% tea leaves from Kyoto Fukuzyuen.

The beautiful golden hue reminiscent of shallow-steamed tea cultivated in mountainous regions. The taste is refreshingly dry with a subtle tea aroma (similar to a covered tea fragrance) that harmonizes with the fine carbonation, elevating its coolness. The fine carbonation effectively cleanses the palate, making it a perfect companion for any meal.

With a delicate alcohol content of 5%, it strikes the perfect balance, enhancing the flavors of your food. This is truly a beverage that complements any meal.

Rich Matcha Chocolate Sandwich【Meiji】

Price: ¥340
Rich Matcha Chocolate Sandwich is a delightful treat that perfectly pairs rich matcha chocolate with a crunchy cocoa biscuit. Crafted with a generous 51% of premium Nishi-o Uji matcha, meticulously ground using stone mills, this product boasts a deep green hue and an exquisite aroma. The rich, bittersweet flavor that unfolds on your palate, followed by an elegant aftertaste, is a true indulgence for adults.

As soon as you open the package, the enticing aroma of matcha fills the air, instantly awakening your taste buds. The biscuit and chocolate layers are substantial, and the Matcha chocolate is generously packed from edge to edge, heightening anticipation.

Crunchy cocoa biscuits give way to a smooth, creamy matcha chocolate filling, creating a truly unforgettable texture and flavor combination.

This rich and satisfying treat is perfect for matcha lovers seeking a sophisticated taste experience.

Rich Matcha Chocolate【Meiji】

Price: ¥340
Meiji, a renowned Japanese confectionery company, has introduced a new series of premium chocolates targeting foreign tourists. One of its standout products is Rich Chocolate Matcha a rich and authentic chocolate that truly captures the essence of Japan.

This matcha chocolate boasts a vibrant green hue, thanks to the generous use of 51% first-flush matcha from Nishio, Aichi Prefecture. As you savor each bite, the sweetness of the chocolate is followed by a sophisticated bitterness and umami flavor, along with the fragrant aroma of high-quality matcha.

First-flush tea leaves, harvested only once a year, are renowned for their superior quality. By using an abundance of these precious leaves, ‘Rich Chocolate Matcha’ offers a convenient way to experience the full depth of flavor that matcha has to offer.

Convenience Store Matcha Sweets Special: Unveiling the Matcha Craze -summary –

This article featured an array of matcha sweets (and a few other matcha-flavored treats) that you can easily find at convenience stores. These products not only offer the convenience of a quick purchase but also deliver an authentic and high-quality matcha experience.

Major convenience store chains like Seven Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson have each developed unique matcha products, showcasing their commitment to bringing out the best in this beloved green tea. I was truly impressed by the creativity and quality of these offerings. With regular matcha fairs and limited-edition products, the evolution of convenience store sweets continues, and the popularity of matcha sweets is sure to soar.

In our busy lives, convenience store matcha sweets are the perfect treat for yourself or to share with friends. The next time you stop by a convenience store, be sure to try one of these recommended matcha products. I hope this guide helps you discover your new favorite matcha sweet.

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Writer	Norikazu Iwamoto
Career	Ochatimes chief editer. Meeting with Vice Governor of Shizuoka prefecture. Judge of Shizuoka 100 tea’s award in 2021~23. Ocha Times link introduced at website of World O-CHA(Tea) Festival 2022, Tea Science Center, The City of Green Tea Shizuoka,  Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.