There is no doubt that Japanese snacks are extremely popular across the world, thanks to a unique blend of eccentricity and odd taste combinations. You might be confused about the dizzying array of Japanese sweets, chips, chocolate, and other snacks available on the market, but we have done the legwork for you. Janbox has put up a list of 20 of the best Japanese snacks. So be ready to dive into the world of Japanese delicacies!
1. Sweet Japanese Snacks
1.1. Pocky
For anyone who enjoys snacks from Japan, Pocky is a likely favorite. Pocky Japan has perfected the combination of biscuit sticks and chocolate, especially with their “luxurious” or zeitaku line, which offers an indulgent experience with extra thick chocolate coating – a fun treat that adds a touch of luxury to snacking.
1.2. Japanese Kit Kats
Alongside Pocky, Japanese Kit Kat is another iconic brand of snacks in Japanese market that has achieved worldwide recognition. Their specialty flavors, including Japanese green tea and sake, are carefully infused into either the chocolate coating or the filling. These flavors are remarkably true to life, like the warm taste of apple pie and the more mature sweetness of raspberry.
1.3. Mochi
Mochi is a delightful rice cake known for its soft, chewy texture and variety of fillings, including sweet red ice cream, bean paste, and fresh fruit. This Japanese snack food is often enjoyed during celebrations and festivals in Japan. The combination of its unique texture and wide array of flavors makes mochi a versatile and enjoyable treat, representing the essence of traditional Japanese sweets.
1.4. Dorayaki
Dorayaki (どら焼き) is best described as a dessert with red bean filling between two slices of sweet fluffy pancakes. If you are familiar with Japanese cartoons from the ’70s, you probably know this dessert from the anime character Doraemon who is crazy about this snack and falls for any trap involving them.
1.5. Tokyo Banana
Tokyo Banana is a banana-shaped sponge cake filled with a delicious cream, and it’s considered Tokyo’s official souvenir treat. These one of the best snacks Japan come in various flavors and are usually wrapped individually in plastic. The original version, known as Tokyo Banana Miitsuketa, is filled with a banana custard cream made from strained banana puree. To ensure a soft texture, the sponge cake is steamed after baking.
1.6. Shiroi Koibito
Shiroi Koibito is a European-style cookie made by Ishiya Co., Ltd., a confectionery company based in Sapporo, Hokkaido. This one of the best Japanese snacks from Japan features a layer of chocolate between two thin langue de chat biscuits.
The two main varieties are Shiroi Koibito Black, filled with milk chocolate, and Shiroi Koibito White, filled with white chocolate. The packaging has a white and light blue design, with a central image of Mount Rishiri on Rishiri Island.
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1.7. Melon Pan
Melon Pan is a sweet, fluffy bread that features a crunchy, cookie-like topping. Even though it’s called “melon” pan, it doesn’t necessarily taste like melon; the name is derived from its appearance, which resembles the rind of a melon. This one of the most popular Japanese snack foods brings together the softness of bread with the crispness of a cookie, making it perfect for any time – whether for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.
1.8. Hi-Chew
Hi-Chew is a well-known Japanese candy recognized for its smooth, fruity texture. It offers a variety of flavors, including classic options like strawberry, grape, and green apple, along with unique varieties like mango, peach, and cola.
The candy’s soft, chewy consistency gradually dissolves in your mouth, providing a refreshing, long-lasting flavor. Packaged in individual pieces, Hi-Chew is loved across the globe and is one of the most popular Japanese snacks.
1.9. Koala no March
Known for being popular Japanese snacks among kids, Koala no March is similar to the globally recognized Hello Panda chocolate biscuits. The biscuits feature a delightful koala design and are filled with a smooth chocolate center, making them an enjoyable snack for children and those young at heart.
1.10. Choco Brownie
When you’re craving brownie snacks in Japan, a choco brownie is a top choice. These small, mass-produced chocolate cakes are incredibly rich and moist, with a velvety texture and a melty chocolate coating underneath. Each one is wrapped separately, making it easier to avoid eating too much.
2. Savory Japanese Snacks
Now, let’s discover some of the most popular and delicious savory Japanese snacks that you need to try.
2.1 Calbee Chips
Calbee Japan goods account for about half of the chip aisle in Japanese stores, so learn to know them! Calbee potato chips come in a variety of tastes, including gently salted, Shiawase “fortune” butter, consomme punch, soy sauce mayo, seaweed salt, and a variety of regional soy sauces. Even if you are not familiar with Japanese tastes, Calbee chips are a good, safe option.
2.2 Calbee Jagariko
When it comes to potato chips in Japan, it is all about Calbee Jagariko, a popular choice among both Japanese and tourists. They come in compact packets and are ideal for satisfying hunger in the hours between studying or working. Or just when you are in the mood for some delicious potato chips. And how could it be otherwise when there are so many distinct flavors in Japan? The good Japanese snacks are the ones that have a cheese taste!
2.3. Senbei (Rice Crackers)
A traditional Japanese cracker made from white rice, senbei is one of the most popular snacks in Japan, especially paired with tea. Available in a range of flavors and styles, some senbei are sweet, such as the delightful black sugar milk flavor, while others are savory, like the flavorful salad senbei. Any variety of rice cracker provides a crispy, authentic Japanese snack that complements a hot drink perfectly.
2.4 Happy Turn Rice Cakes
Happy Turn rice Cakes are crisp rice crackers dusted with a substantial amount of an irresistible sweet and salty soy sauce-based powder. They are a snack you will want to have on hand. While the powdered coating makes them a messy snack, there is no denying that the flavor is irresistible to kids.
2.5. Pizza Potato
No Japanese junk food conversation is truly complete without Pizza Potato, the famous pizza-flavored chip. Unlike the standard cheese chips you find in America, these feature actual (or semi-authentic) cheese baked onto the surface, packing an additional punch of moisture and flavor. It’s the ideal snack to enjoy alongside a drink for a night filled with tasty indulgence.
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2.6. Baby Star
For anyone who enjoys the crunch of uncooked ramen as a snack, Baby Star is the perfect fit. The dried ramen noodle pieces are coated in a savory seasoning, giving you a crunchy and flavorful treat. These best snacks in Japan pair exceptionally well with any alcohol, enhancing your snack experience.
2.7 Kabukiage Rice Crackers
Rice crackers are another classic Japanese food that is enjoyed all over the world. Rice crackers are sold by brands in Korea, Taiwan, and China, and they may also be found in European shops as a lighter, healthier alternative to greasy crisps/potato chips. The most popular and, by far, the best of the group are Kabukiage Rice Crackers. They come in transparent packages of bite-sized nibbles and are deliciously decadent, despite their relative health when compared to other Japanese delicacies.
These rice crackers with soy sauce and red pepper taste are delicious and spicy. Rice Crackers with Uma Kara Spicy is true to its name, named after the classic Japanese dance-drama kabuki. This popular Japanese snack is praised by Bokksu members for its “crunchiness element,” “good spice,” and “great taste.” We like how spicy this snack is without being too hot.
2.8 Arare Rice Snacks
Arare refers to a group of rice snacks and crackers that are considered to pair well with beverages. Hineri-Age, an incredibly crispy twisted fry sprinkled with savory powder, and Ponsuke, thick cubes of a sweet-and-salty herbal taste, are two of many people’s favorite types. But, to be honest, any Rare is a good choice!
2.9 Aerial Cheese Corn Snack
If you are searching for something different to try, Nabisco’s pyramid-shaped, crispy cheese nibbles might do the trick! Aerial snacks are cheesy, crispy, and light maize snacks that are not afraid to show off their taste. Each of the snack’s four layers has a cheddar cheese covering that releases a strong taste as you chew.
2.10. Pretz
Pretz, the savory sibling of Pocky from Glico, is a Japanese snack that’s found almost everywhere, and it’s definitely worth trying. These thin biscuit sticks are loaded with seasoning, giving them a satisfying crunch and addictive flavor. Pair the “mystery flavor” with other Pretz varieties like roast, salad, or tomato to create your own fun flavor mix!
en tea or a cocktail. The multicolored packaging is inspired by the colors of a kabuki theater curtain, making them an immediately recognizable snack.
3. Where to buy Japanese snacks online?
The best Japanese snacks we’ve talked about, along with many others, are available to buy in several places, including retail stores and online platforms. If you’re not in Japan, online shopping is the most straightforward way to get them. There are several websites where you can purchase and import the most famous Japanese snacks. Let’s go over the different options you have for buying the best Japanese snacks online, no matter where you live.
Japanese snack crate
One way to enjoy Japanese snacks is by subscribing to a Japanese snack crate. These monthly delivery boxes contain a selection of Japanese treats and are a favorite among many of us who are already loyal subscribers.
Sugoi Mart
Sugoi Mart, the online store associated with Japan Crate, now lets you explore particular Japanese items. The company, founded in 2014, has its headquarters in Tokyo and Los Angeles and has expanded to provide a wide range of crates to a global customer base.
Bokksu
Bokksu is without a doubt the largest and finest Japanese snack box. Bokksu is a monthly subscription service that ships from Osaka, Japan, with free international delivery. Each month, you’ll receive a fresh assortment of Japanese snacks selected from all around Japan and packed together for your delight.
Janbox
Janbox is a global online marketplace that offers a diverse selection of best Japanese snacks by integrating with popular sites such as Amazon Japan, Mercari Japan, Surugaya, Zozotown, and many more. This platform gives customers the chance to access high-quality snacks that may not be available in other regions.
With secure international shipping, Janbox makes it easy for you to explore both familiar and unique treats from Japan. Whether you’re after something sweet or savory, Janbox provides a straightforward and reliable way to shop for these snacks, with great customer service.
Others
For those who prefer not to subscribe to a Japanese snack crate, websites such as Japan Candy Store and Blippo Kawaii Shop allow you to choose the snacks you want. These platforms offer an array of the best Japanese snacks, with international shipping available. While both are known for their sweet selections, they also categorize their products, allowing you to easily find themed treats like Super Mario chocolates or Hello Kitty biscuits.
>>> Read more: How To Buy From Rakuten Japan? [Guide Step-by-step]
4. Conclusion
If you are looking for a unique snack, these are some of the greatest in Japan in this Janbox’s article. Japanese snacks are becoming increasingly popular throughout the world and for good reason! There are always fresh and best Japanese snacks to try, but these were some of the most popular and must-try products in the snack business. So, the next time you are in a supermarket before heading to the pay station, keep an eye out for any of these delightful snacks you have not yet eaten and let Janbox know.
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