Table of Contents
Introduction
The Kit Kat, a classic chocolate bar, has evolved remarkably since its introduction. Among its many flavors, the Green Tea variety, particularly the matcha flavor, stands out as a global sensation.
Kit Kat has released over 300 flavors in Japan since 2000, including unique varieties like green tea, ginger ale, and soy sauce. These flavors are often associated with good luck, as the brand name echoes the Japanese phrase “Kitto Katsu,” which means “surely win”.
Among the plethora of Kit Kat flavors, matcha has emerged as a standout, symbolizing a blend of Western confectionery and traditional Japanese ingredients. The first matcha Kit Kat, Uji Matcha, was introduced in 2004 and remains a popular choice for its unique flavor.
Understanding Kit Kat Green Tea
Kit Kat Green Tea is a refreshing variant made with real Green Tea Matcha Powder, enveloping the classic Kit Kat wafer in a smooth matcha coating.
The European version combines white chocolate with 1% matcha green tea powder, cocoa butter, plant-based fats, and cocoa mass, creating a smooth taste profile.
Green tea has a sacred place in Japanese culture, integral to ceremonies, art, and daily life. It was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks in the 9th century and became a part of aristocratic and samurai culture. The traditional Japanese tea ceremony, involving matcha, is a ritual reflecting Zen Buddhist principles of mindfulness and simplicity.
Kit Kat Green Tea Matcha is produced through a proprietary technology developed by Nestlé in 2004, which allows for the integration of matcha powder into chocolate. For the European market, the production is centralized in Hamburg, Germany.
Nutritional Profile
A standard 35g bar of Kit Kat Matcha Green Tea contains 190 calories, with 20g of carbohydrates, 11g of fat, and 2g of protein.
Taste and Sensory Experience
The sharp taste of matcha is balanced with the sweetness of chocolate, creating a unique flavor experience. The crisp Kit Kat wafer, coupled with the creamy matcha coating, offers a delightful textural contrast. The blend of traditional Japanese flavors with a Western confectionery format makes the Kit Kat Green Tea a unique sensory treat.
Global Popularity and Availability
Originally a hit in Japan, Kit Kat Green Tea has gained popularity worldwide, adapting its taste profile to suit different regional preferences. While originating in Japan, Kit Kat Green Tea is now available globally, with production and distribution centers in different regions, like the one in Hamburg for the European market.
Consumer Reviews and Feedback
Reviews on ChickAdvisor show a mixed response, with ratings ranging from 0.5/5 to 5.0/5. Some consumers praise its unique matcha taste, while others find it overpowering or unpleasant. Overall, 79% of reviewers liked it.
Social media users have shown excitement about Kit Kat Green Tea, especially with its launch in the UK. Posts reflect a positive reception, often highlighting the unique flavor.
Pairing and Culinary Uses
The Green Tea Kit Kat is known for its harmonious blend of chocolate and green tea flavors. It offers a well-balanced confection that can be creatively used in various recipes.
Marketing Strategies
Kit Kat has been successful in Japan due to constant innovation in flavors, including green tea and wasabi. The “Kitto Katsu” phrase, resembling “surely win”, played a role in its popularity, especially during exam times. Kit Kats are often sold as gifts in Japan due to their limited edition status.
Comparisons with Other Flavors
Kit Kat Green Tea vs. Traditional Kit Kat:
The Green Tea Kit Kat offers a subtle and refreshing taste, while the Matcha Kit Kat provides a more intense and earthy flavor. Both are a part of Kit Kat’s Japanese tea culture-inspired range, differing in flavor intensity and overall sweetness. [37†source]
Environmental and Social Impact
Nestlé has pledged to make KitKat, including the Green Tea variety, carbon neutral by 2025. This involves reducing emissions within the value chain and investing in external projects to remove emissions. The brand is focusing on reducing the environmental impact of key ingredients like cocoa and milk, with initiatives like planting shade trees and transitioning to regenerative agriculture. Efforts are also in place to use renewable electricity in KitKat manufacturing sites and reduce energy requirements.
KitKat, including its Green Tea variant, sources 100% certified sustainable cocoa, supplied through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan. This plan aims to improve lives in farming communities and the quality of cocoa beans. Nestlé has also built over 40 schools under this plan, extending access to education for over 10,000 children and young people in cocoa-producing regions like Côte d’Ivoire.
Conclusion
KitKat Green Tea has become a significant success story for Nestlé, especially in Japan where it has become the number one brand in the Japanese chocolate category. The brand’s success is attributed to its ability to cater to various consumption occasions, from being an everyday treat to a gifting option. The KitKat Chocolatory stores, emphasizing the premium range of the product, have also played a crucial role.
Flavor innovation is central to KitKat’s success, with the Green Tea Matcha variant expected to gain popularity worldwide. The international rollout is seen as an opportunity to introduce people to real Japanese culture through flavors. Nestlé believes KitKat, including the Green Tea Matcha variety, has a strong growth potential and is committed to bringing innovative flavors to the market quickly in response to consumer demands
