Yokan with matcha
Yokan with matcha is a traditional Japanese wagashi (sweet confection) made from red bean paste, agar-agar, sugar, and matcha green tea powder. It is a firm, jellied dessert with a smooth, dense texture and a deep, earthy sweetness balanced by the slight bitterness of matcha. It is typically enjoyed during tea ceremonies or as a seasonal treat, especially in spring.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates, primarily from sugar and red beans, with minimal fat and a small amount of plant-based protein. A typical serving provides key nutrients like iron and potassium from the beans, along with antioxidants from matcha, and contains roughly 150-200 calories per piece.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Potassium | 180 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Manganese | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.5 mg |
| Copper | 0.15 mg |
| Phosphorus | 55 mg |
| Zinc | 0.5 mg |
Per 1 piece (80 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Yokan is culturally significant as a formal tea ceremony sweet, designed to complement the bitterness of matcha tea. Nutritionally, the combination of red beans and matcha offers a unique blend of fiber, plant protein, and antioxidants in a low-fat format.
