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What is matcha chocolate?

Matcha chocolate is chocolate with matcha powder mixed in. The matcha gives it a green colour, a fresh, grassy taste and a gentle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the chocolate.

How much matcha can chocolate hold?

Matcha is a very fine powder without fat. The more matcha you add, the drier the chocolate becomes, until it no longer holds its shape. Around 25% is about the limit. That is why the darkest stick in 7 Shades of Matcha stops at 25%. We make it with Japanese matcha.

Why seven strengths?

With a little matcha the chocolate is soft, creamy and only lightly green. With every step the colour gets deeper and the taste fresher and more intense, with a longer, slightly bitter finish. Tasting the strengths side by side shows how much the amount of matcha changes the flavour.

What is hojicha?

Hojicha is green tea that is roasted after the leaves have been steamed and dried. The roasting turns the tea brown and takes away most of the grassy freshness. What remains is warm, nutty and a little like caramel, with hardly any bitterness. That makes hojicha chocolate the natural counterpart to bright green matcha.

How to taste matcha chocolate

1. Let the chocolate reach room temperature first, so the flavour opens up.
2. Start with the mildest strength and let each piece melt slowly.
3. Drink a little water between strengths.
4. End with hojicha as a warm, roasted finish.

Frequently asked questions

Is matcha chocolate the same as green tea chocolate?

Not always. Matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder. Chocolate sold as green tea chocolate can also be made with other green tea powders.

Does matcha chocolate contain caffeine?

Yes, a little. Matcha is made from tea leaves, so matcha chocolate contains some caffeine. The more matcha, the more caffeine.

How do I store matcha chocolate?

In a cool, dry and dark place between 15 and 18 °C, away from strong smells. Light fades the green of matcha.

Where can I buy Hito matcha chocolate?

At shops, cafes and online stores that stock Hito Matcha. See where to buy.