Wagashi was developed as a foodstuff to be eaten during the tea ceremony with light green tea or fuller-bodied green tea and, was expected to be appealing to taste as well as visually attractive.
茶道に於ける薄茶（うすちゃ、お薄（おうす）とも）や濃茶（こいちゃ）とともに食べることもあり、味覚は元より美的鑑賞にも堪えることを期待されて発達した食品。