A Rainbow of Japanese Snacks

Manufacturer: Bokksu X Daimonji
Common Allergens: None
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Kyoto
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: Yes

This mini candies are crafted to look like itotemari, traditional embroidered balls used in children’s games. Bringing the fun and colorful aspects of that traditional craft to candy making, this sweet also has a variety of flavors. Each candy is different, with flavors like peach, mikan, grape, melon, quince, and more. Can you taste the difference?

Manufacturer: Petite Fleur
Common Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Kanagawa Prefecture
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: Yes

This cake is certainly pretty in pink! It’s flavored with real sakura flowers, and if you’re lucky you may even find a whole blossom baked into your cake. Gentle in flavor, soft in texture, it truly reminds us of Japan’s cherry blossom blooms. If you do stumble upon a flower, you may notice sudden saltiness, and that’s because sakura are often preserved in salt for use in food and drinks.

Manufacturer: Meiji
Common Allergens: None
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Tokyo
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: No

These Kaju Gummies have the tart yet sweet flavor of natural peach juice, captured in an adorable peach-shaped gummy. In Japan unlike the west, momo, which just means “peach”, often refers to white peaches. White peaches are known for being sweeter, making it an obvious choice for a gummy like this whose motto is “like eating real fruit.” And it really is!

Manufacturer: Yamato Seika
Common Allergens: Wheat
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Nagasaki Prefecture
Snack is: Savory
Vegetarian: Yes

These little wheat and potato puffs are both light and flavorful, a combination we love! Savory curry seasoning tops it off for an addicting snack. Curry was first introduced to Japan during the Meiji era (1868-1912) and has since become one of Japan’s most popular dishes, consumed more than sushi or tempura. With such a beloved flavor, you’ll be polishing off this bag before you know it.

Manufacturer: Shindo Shigeharu Shoten
Common Allergens: None
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Ehime Prefecture
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: Yes

While recently growing in popularity around the world, yuzu has been a favorite in Japan for centuries. It’s rarely eaten alone, so this treat is that much more special for elevating our precious yuzu into something fantastically chewy and tart! Don’t worry if you think these candied peels might be too sour since the candying process brings out the yuzu’s natural sweetness. Grab a handful of these little beauties and get to know why yuzu is such a popular and refreshing fruit!

Manufacturer: Denroku
Common Allergens: Milk, Soy
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Yamagata Prefecture
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: Yes

The first step in creating this addictive treat is simmering azuki in sugar syrup to make amanatto, using a process first created in the 1860s. Snack maker Denroku adds a modern twist by coating the beans with white chocolate. However, they do return to traditional Japanese flavors by coating them Kyoto’s famous Uji Matcha powder, which transforms the beans into this dreamy, creamy confection.

Manufacturer: Taiyo Foods
Common Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Osaka
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: Yes

Baumkuchen may not sound very Japanese, it’s originally a german cake, but Japan has fully embraced it. “Baumkuchen” literally means “tree cake”, and is named for the concentric rings it gets during its unique baking process. We love the two-layered design of this cake. In one bite you can experience both the matcha and the milk flavor, or separate the layers and enjoy them one at a time. Either way, this soft cake is sure to please!

Manufacturer: Fritolay
Common Allergens: Milk, Fish, Wheat, Soy
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Ibaraki Prefecture
Snack is: Savory
Vegetarian: No

Mike Popcorn began as Japan’s first domestic popcorn brand, selling popcorn from stalls at amusement parks in 1957. Since then it’s grown to be a national favorite known for its adventurous flavorings. This particular one features a flavor combination unique to Japan: butter and soy sauce. It proudly boasts Hokkaido butter on the packaging, as it’s the premier dairy region in Japan. Whether you’re new to this flavor or not, you’re sure to love it after this!

Manufacturer: Nakajima Taishodo
Common Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy
Also Contains: Alcohol
Product of: Osaka
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: Yes

As you open the package, let the buttery sweet aroma of sweet potato greet you. It’s made with the Naruto Kintoki sweet potato, which has a bright purple skin and golden interior and is known for its rich natural flavor. The natural sweetness of this sweet potato cake is deliciously complemented by hints of cinnamon and rum.

Manufacturer: Yamayo Seika
Common Allergens: Soy
Also Contains: Alcohol
Product of: Aichi Prefecture
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: Yes

Beloved Japanese folktale character, Momotaro, leads his friends across this delicious snack’s packaging. Super soft and chewy mochi dumplings are flavored with kuromitsu, a traditional Japanese black sugar syrup. Then they are rolled in roasted soybean powder for a classic flavor combination. The natural nuttiness of the kinako helps balance the sweetness of the kuromitsu for a subtle flavor. Be sure to eat this mochi as soon as possible to best enjoy its soft texture.

Manufacturer: Sanshin
Common Allergens: Milk, Fish, Wheat, Soy
Also Contains: Alcohol
Product of: Chiba Prefecture
Snack is: Savory
Vegetarian: No

Sweet, savory, and saucy, these shittori (moist) rice crackers are gonna slap you in the face with wallops of flavor as soon as you pop open the bag. Their intense hamu katsu flavor will have you reaching for more and you’ll be filling up before you know it. Hamu katsu gained popularity in Japan during the Showa era, and has remained a favorite ever since! Often topped with a special sauce, these senbei truly recreate this beloved flavor.

Manufacturer: Nakajima Taishodo
Common Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Osaka
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: Yes

This perfectly baked cookie is borderline savory. Black sesame seeds are kneaded throughout the dough, adding both texture and flavor. Black sesame’s nutty aroma makes it a favorite for desserts in Japan. The shortbread-like texture and buttery finish adds just enough richness for this cookie to feel substantial all on its own.

Manufacturer: Nittoh Tea
Common Allergens: Milk, Soy
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Tokyo
Vegetarian: Yes

Black sesame is the star of the show here. It’s ground into a fine powder and blended with roasted soybean powder (kinako) for even nuttier flavor. Milk powder rounds out the trio for an easy instant latte when added to water. Rich and creamy, this might just be our favorite way to enjoy black sesame. If you’re not in the mood for a drink though, we’d recommend experimenting with the powder as a flavoring for pudding!

Brewing Instructions: Pour the powder into a cup and add 100ml/3oz of boiling water. For a cold brew version, add a small amount of hot water to blend. Then add ice and cold water and stir.