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Home / Reviews / Snack Reviews

41 Best Japanese Snacks To Try: Popular, Cute & Weird Snacks

Last Updated: Nov 9, 2022 · Author: Amaya Oke ·

Japanese snacks are loved worldwide by foodies for their quirky, curious, and interesting varieties. And, it's for a good reason too - they are extremely delicious!

Maybe you would have found it difficult to find most Japanese treats outside the country 30 years ago but now most of these are available online! Here are our favourite Japanese snacks!

japanese snacks
Japanese snacks graphics | Image from Honest Food Talks

However, which Japanese snacks are worth the cost of international shipping? And more importantly, which of them are truly unique compared to the snacks back home? We'll tell you which ones are truly worth it in this article.

Our Favourite Japanese Snacks

Having tried all the treats on our list, we absolutely loved them all. However, our choices for the highest-rated, all-around best Japanese snacks are Umaibo and Strawberry Pocky.

Best Japanese Snack (Savoury)

Umaibo is the winner in this category because it is a crowd-pleaser and truly has something for everyone. It is crunchy, light, filling, full of flavouring, and perfect for anyone who likes savoury Japanese snacks. So whether potato chips or rice crackers are your favourites, you are sure to love umaibo.

Best Japanese Snack (Sweet)

Strawberry Pocky is the clear winner here! They are sweet, fruity, crunchy, creamy, and filling. Best of all, strawberry Pocky is also available almost everywhere in the world! So, if you have never had them, go try them today, and if you have had them try them anyway.

Read on to find, in no particular order, our full list of the best Japanese snacks. You will discover some treats that are sweet, savoury, traditional, modern, popular, hidden gems or weird! However, they all will have you screaming "kawaii" with delight!

Jump to:
  • Our Favourite Japanese Snacks
  • Jagariko Sticks
  • Tokyo Banana KitKat
  • Caramel Corn Chips
  • Hoshiume Dried Plums
  • Takenoko no Sato
  • Konpeito Sugar Candy
  • Shredded squid
  • Bakauke Senbei Pack
  • Matcha KitKat 
  • Strawberry Pocky
  • Roasted seaweed strips
  • Bourbon Alfort
  • Almonds and Dried Fish
  • Kasugai Peach Gummy
  • Melty Kiss
  • Daifuku
  • Kinako mochi
  • Konjac Drink
  • Kinoko no Yama
  • Kaki no Tane Rice Cracker
  • Jagabee Potato Sticks  
  • Himemaru Rice Crackers
  • Umaibo Variety Pack
  • UHA Mikakuto E-ma
  • UHA Shigekix Sampler
  • Ramen Candy 
  • Otoko Ume Gummy
  • Ramune Soda Candy
  • Apollo Strawberry Chocolate
  • Mint Chocolate Pocky
  • Seaweed Salt Chips
  • Cheese Corn Snack
  • Hi-Chew
  • Kasugai Sumiyaki Japanese Roasted Coffee Candy
  • Pizza Potato Chips
  • UHA Kororo
  • Soft Senbei
  • Morinaga Caramel
  • Dorayaki
  • Cream Collon
  • Toilet Candy
  • Roundup of the Best Japanese Snacks

Jagariko Sticks

These Japanese snacks are savoury potato sticks that are packed with flavour. Not only Japanese people, but tourists from all over the globe also love this snack due to its deliciousness.

The company Calbee produces the potato sticks through a process of teaming, mashing, extruding, and deep-frying the individual spuds. This process creates a very crispy exterior that many people love! Moreover, we love that they make excellent vegetarian or vegan Japanese snacks.

Jagariko Sticks
Jagariko sticks! A classic Japanese snack | Image from tokyo.mimo

Jagariko Sticks
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However, manufacturers produce them on common equipment with items containing egg, dairy, wheat, shrimp, and crab. Therefore, if you are sensitive to allergens this Japanese snack may not suit you. 

The packages shaped like Pocky are smaller in size, but larger packs of this Japanese snack are available in bag form. The company Calbee releases new flavours regularly on a limited-time basis. However, they also have a few staples, such as Salad and Butter.

So if you wish potato chips were crunchier and more substantial, this is the Japanese snack for you!

Tokyo Banana KitKat

Tokyo Banana is the official souvenir sweet of Tokyo. It is a banana-shaped sponge cake with cream filling. It is a cultural touchstone among Japanese snacks due to its ubiquity in the city of Tokyo.

We love this treat for its delicate, banana-flavoured custard filling. Not only so, but it also comes in various other flavours and fillings, such as chocolate, caramel, mint, and even anko. 

Banana Kitkat Japanese snack
Delicious banana flavoured KitKat | Image from _c.andre

Tokyo Banana KitKat
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Recently, it initiated a collaboration with KitKat to produce a delectable series of chocolate bars. Based on the original banana custard flavour, the bars make up the classic KitKat bar. This created a Japanese snack of chocolate enrobing a delicious cream and wafer layered filling. 

Along with the standard banana flavour, there is also a limited edition line with new flavours released annually near the end of every year. One of the most recent flavours was Banana Caramel, which you can still buy online. Stay tuned to find out which flavour releases near the end of every year! It gets us excited each time!

Caramel Corn Chips

This isn't popcorn like you might have assumed from the name. Instead, these Japanese snacks are light "puff" chips made from corn, manufactured by the company Tohato. It contains corn, peanuts and caramel flavouring.

Tohato caramel corn chips
Try the infamous Tohato caramel corn chips | Image from tohato_caramelcorn

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For us, these were definitely sweet but not overwhelmingly so. In addition, it was light, and crunchy, with notes of earthiness from the whole roasted peanuts. Along with the standard caramel flavour, there are other staples. For example almond caramel and bitter caramel.

In addition, several limited-edition seasonal flavours are also released, such as mixed berry and pistachio. With their adorable packaging and winning texture, these are sure to be a hit!

Hoshiume Dried Plums

Most self-proclaimed Asian foodies will have at some point tried umeboshi, the pickled fruit of the ume tree. However, few have heard of hoshiume, the classic sweet based on umeboshi. The hoshiume is made from pitted plums, which are first pickled in a sweet brine and then sun-dried.

Hoshiume Dried Plums
Hoshiume dried sour plums | Image from uwajimaya

Hoshiume Dried Plums
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They are sweet, salty, and sour, with a chewy texture due to being dried. More importantly, they last a very long time. We love that these are also completely vegan and free from most major allergens. It's easily one of the healthiest Japanese snack options on this list. Therefore, if you enjoy fruit, this is the one for you!

Takenoko no Sato

Meiji is the producer of this product. They are arguably the most internationally famous Japanese snacks company and for good reasons too! Meji is behind some of your favourites like Pocky!

Takenoko no Sato are small chocolate dipped biscuits. The upper part of each cookie is coated with soft, bittersweet chocolate. Meanwhile, the base is made of crunchy and barely sweet biscuits. We would generally consider these candy rather than cookies. 

Takenoko no Sato Snacks classic Japanese snacks
Sweet, chocolate-coated Takenoko no Sato! | Image from camp_w.shoo

Takenoko no Sato
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This specific product is available as Chococones in the USA. However, the original name listed here (Takenoko no Sato) refers to each biscuit's pointed, arrowhead shape. Takenoko no Sato means "Bamboo Shoot of the Village", as the chocolate section resembles a bamboo shoot while the biscuit base resembles the stalk. 

This product resembles another Meiji product, Kinoko no Yama ("Mushroom mountain"), shaped like mushrooms instead, so you can get those if you can't find these. Nevertheless, we think these are a great introduction to the world of less sweet Japanese snacks.

Konpeito Sugar Candy

These are one of the most culturally iconic Japanese snacks. The technique for making this sugar candy came from Portugal in the early 16th century. However, they rapidly assimilated into the culture of Japan.

In fact, the character of the "Sugar Plum Fairy" from the ballet The Nutcracker translates to Japanese as 金平糖の精 or "fairy of konpeito". 

Konpeito Sugar Candy
Adorable Sugar Candy from Konpeito | Image from gionryokujuanshimizu

Konpeito Sugar Candy
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Flavour-wise, we think it is generally a plainly saccharine, sugar flavour. It's nothing too elaborate or complex. However, it is one of the most culturally significant candies in the country!

You often see them gifted in bonbonniere (celebratory candy boxes) and also as offerings to shrines and temples. Hence, as a certified classic in Japanese snacks, this is one candy you should be sure not to miss!

Shredded squid

The shredded squid is distinctly in the non-vegan territory, so you can safely skip this section if you are vegan. This Japanese snack produced by the company Shirakiku consists mainly of cooked, dried and shredded squid in various flavours.

Despite how simple it is, it is one of the most healthy snacks and tasty ones out there. In addition, you can keep it for a long time as well. 

Dried shredded squid
For seafood lovers, try shredded squid! | Image from vancouver_foody_kitty

Shredded squid
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It has a chewy, tough texture and a seafood-ish umami taste. Although the plain squid flavour is most common, other flavours include garlic and chilli.

Shredded squid is one of the classic savoury Japanese and traditional Chinese snacks known throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific. So, if you love beef jerky and are looking for a healthy snack option, this is your call! 

Bakauke Senbei Pack

We love these snacks that are manufactured by the company Befco. They are also considered one of the classic traditional Japanese crackers.

These are made from non-glutinous rice, which is steamed and then pounded into cracker shapes. They are low in calories and crunchy, and light in texture. Moreover, their taste is simple and focalized mainly around the taste of the rice. 

Japanese rice crackers
Japanese traditional snack! Rice crackers! | Image from kawashimathejapanstore

Bakauke Senbei Pack
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Generally, these are flavoured with salt and soy sauce. However, modern times have brought many weird and esoteric flavours. For example, curry, corn soup, cheese, sesame soy sauce, and nori seaweed with soy sauce. 

Although not as bombastic and exciting as some other snacks on this list, it's nice to relax and unwind with rice crackers' light crunch and mild flavour. These are great for picky eaters or someone who loves to nibble!

Matcha KitKat 

Although KitKat's collaborations with Japanese snacks companies have already been listed, KitKat's own flavours, which are released in the country, also warrant some recognition. 

An opened back of matcha kitkat
Match Kitkat! A must-try for any Japanese food lover! | Image from tempsec

Matcha KitKat
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KitKat is hugely successful in Japan. This is because of its similarity in sound to the phrase Kitto Katsu, meaning "you will surely win" in Japanese. As a result, the brand has a presence as a good luck charm. 

The brand has capitalized on this by releasing many localized flavours, such as soy sauce, wasabi, cherry blossom (sakura), strawberry cheesecake, and adzuki.

Matcha is the most common and well-known of them all. It is famous worldwide as one of the most popular Asian snacks for its mild, herbal flavour and the bright green chocolate on the outside of the bar. It's definitely an instant classic and sure to impress! 

Strawberry Pocky

Pocky is possibly the most well-known Japanese snack outside of Japan. These thin, crispy wafer sticks are dipped in a cream coating that can have a variety of flavours. For example, strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla are the most common. 

Strawberry pocky with tea classic Japanese snacks
Enjoy a packet of strawberry flavoured pocky! | Image from isweets_russia

Strawberry Pocky
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Still, there are more curious and unusual flavours such as matcha, banana, cookies and cream. In addition, there are also flavours like coconut, brown sugar, and even pineapple and melon. In fact, there are over 50 varieties of Pocky! They compete against their Korean snacks’ counterpart Pepero stick biscuits!

Strawberry is our personal pick because it is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy without being too cloyingly sweet. For us, we recommend it as the first foray into the world of Pocky. One of the greatest and most iconic Japanese snacks of all time, this is sure to be a hit!

Roasted seaweed strips

Seaweed has become very popular thanks to it being a great source of fibre and, flavour-wise, a great umami bomb in many dishes. In many Asian countries, different types of seaweed are eaten as a snack. 

Roasted seaweed
Crispy roasted seaweed | Image from haiinkim

Roasted Seaweed Strips
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Roasted seaweed is somewhat less common but is still sold in Japan and Korea. It is deeper in flavour and also drier in texture.

This specific seaweed is packaged and sold by the company Jayone. The plain flavour is common (flavoured with salt). But other flavours such as spicy and nutty are also available. They are completely vegan and gluten-free. For us, this makes them the perfect grab and go Japanese snack for the health-conscious, too. Give it a try!

Bourbon Alfort

Bourbon biscuits are the iconic brown rectangular cookies with a chocolate buttercream filling. They are very popular in Europe, the UK, Australia, and the USA.

However, Alfort is a Japanese snack produced by this company exclusively in Japan. Therefore, this is a unique chocolate cookie that you won't find anywhere else!

Bourbon Alfort
Sweet Bourbon Alfort chocolate coated cookie | Image from asiahouseamericana

Bourbon Alfort
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These are digestive biscuits with a chocolate coating on only one side, leaving the other side of the biscuit completely visible. We like that it gives you both flavours in each bite. The smooth bittersweet chocolate and the light, crunchy cookie. 

The distinctive sailboat print on the chocolate coating of each biscuit is what makes it unique. Along with the plain milk chocolate flavour, there are loads of others, such as white chocolate, dark chocolate, strawberry, pistachio, and even banana.

With higher quality chocolate than most dipped cookies, these are one of those sweet Japanese snacks you should be sure not to miss. 

Almonds and Dried Fish

This is also one of those snacks that aren't vegan, so if you are vegan, vegetarian, or just hate seafood, you can skip this section. Packaged dried fish foods are almost omnipresent in Japan and are generally among the more healthy options as far as Japanese snacks are concerned. This specific one comes from the company Natori. 

Almonds and dried fish snack
For our savoury lovers out there! Almonds and Dried fish! | Image from pinkoi

Almonds and Dried Fish
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It consists of dried almonds and dried sardines (whole). The taste might come as a surprise because besides the overwhelming seafood flavour, the most prominent one is that of sugar (it is the third listed ingredient on the package besides fish and almonds). 

This might not be your cup of tea unless you have an intense love for seafood. If you do, it is definitely worth a try!

Kasugai Peach Gummy

These sweet candies are also much simpler than some of the more elaborate treats on this list. This Japanese snack is made by the company Kasugai. Essentially, they are peach flavoured gummy candies. However, this doesn't make it inferior by any means! 

Peach gummy snack
Soft and fruity peach gummies | Image from lovesnackoo

Kasugai Peach Gummy
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The sweet, refreshing taste of a fresh white peach is perfectly captured within this gummy but it doesn't taste artificial at all. The texture is firm with just the right amount of chew. 

They come in eight other flavours, including kiwi, strawberry, melon, and yuzu. All of which we think are great flavours. However, their peach variety is top-selling and one of the most popular Japanese snacks by far. If you love peaches and candy, this is one you should be sure not to miss. 

Melty Kiss

Meiji appears on this list once again with their divine chocolates called Meltykiss. With the tagline "Gently melts in your mouth like a snowflake", these are examples of seasonal Japanese snacks. 

Melty kiss chocolate snack
Melty kiss, just a cube of chocolate goodness! | Image from enjoylifestyle.yolo

Melty Kiss
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You can only find these tiny cubical bites of heaven in wintertime! Meiji only releases them in winter because they claim that "the distinct, smooth textures of the chocolate treat only come out when stored at temperatures lower than 23℃". 

These are small, creamy bites of chocolate with a centre of flavoured filling. The most common flavours are milk and dark chocolate, but others like strawberries and matcha are also available.

They are light, sweet, and truly do melt in the mouth. They are highly sought after when they release in the winter, so be sure to grab a box if you decide to try them!

Daifuku

Daifuku is a traditional Japanese snack or wagashi (sweet). It consists of mochi with a sweet filling stuffed into it. This specific daifuku is from The Daifuku Store and comes in 3 flavours: strawberry, orange, and melon. 

Ichigo Daifuku Japanese Snacks
Ichigo Daifuku! A classic Japanese snack. | Image from hitsujiya__

Daifuku
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However, there are loads of other daifuku brands and flavours on the market for you to try. Some other common flavours include matcha, anko, and ume. Since this is composed mostly of mochi, you will find them extremely soft and chewy.

Meanwhile, the filling inside perfectly meshes with the pillowy exterior. It's one of the all-time classic sweets in Japan, and you are sure to love it! 

Kinako mochi

This soybean flour mochi (or Inejolmi in Korea) is salty, nutty, and crunchy. We liked how it was an excellent textural contrast to the soft, sweet, and chewy mochi.

In addition, this traditional Japanese snack is also high in protein due to the inclusion of soybeans. 

Kinako mochi Twisted candy
Deliciously sweet and soft Kinako mochi | Image from Kaldi.Co

Kinako Mochi
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This specific brand of kinako mochi is from the company Chaganju or Yamasan Co. They are twisted into cuboidal pieces in order to resemble the traditional Shimenawa rope found in Japanese shrines. Hence, they symbolise longevity and unity. 

This brand mixes kinako powder into their mochi instead of using it to coat the outside; you can find the other variety on the market as well if you prefer. They are totally vegan as well. Be sure to give them a try if you like mochi! 

Konjac Drink

Konjac comes from the tuber of the plant of the same name, which is endemic to Asia. Its taste is somewhat salty but mostly neutral.

However, its texture, on the other hand, is what it is known for. You can use it to make a jelly, as it is smooth and wobbly, perfectly gelatinized. 

Konjac Jelly
Cool and refreshing Kojac jelly drink | Image from missfoodaddict

Konjac Drink
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Its flour can also be used as a vegan substitute for gelatin. It has a variety of health benefits due to its vast fibre content. However, it also has side effects for the same reason: it is difficult to digest and may block the gastrointestinal tract and cause a variety of issues. For this reason, many experts usually advise consuming them in great moderation. 

Fruit flavoured konjac jelly is added to drinks in precise, measured quantities. It is found in many different Japanese snacks, but these drinks are where its texture really shines. If you've ever had grass jelly (or boba tea), you will enjoy the chewy texture of the konjac paired with the sweet, fruity drink. Hence, be sure to give this a try!

Kinoko no Yama

As mentioned back in the Takenoko no Sato section, this is another variety of chocolate dipped biscuits that are a common Japanese snack. 

Kinoko no Yama
Cute Kinoko no Yama coated in chocolate! | Image from lazada

Kinoko no Yama
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Shaped like a mushroom, they come from Meiji and have had a longstanding rivalry with Takenoko no Sato due to their similarity. But, which is better? Only you can decide! 

They are sweet, crunchy, chocolatey, and also butterscotch! Therefore, if you like biscuits and chocolate, don't miss out on these! 

Kaki no Tane Rice Cracker

Kaki no tane or Kake-pi are common Japanese snacks consisting of small pieces of senbei (or soy-flavoured rice crackers) and peanuts. It is a favourite at bars due to its extremely savoury yet simple flavour. 

Kaki no Tane Rice Cracker
Crispy Rice Crackers! | Image from teart_handmade

Kaki no Tane Rice Cracker
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This one is from the brand Uegaki. They are crunchy, salty, and full of umami flavour. In addition, this is vegan and is lower in calories than regular potato chips. It's sure to be a hit if you like rice crisps!

Jagabee Potato Sticks  

This is another great savoury potato stick Japanese snack from the company Calbee! However, there are some marked differences between these and Jagariko sticks (mentioned above), which might make you choose Jagabee instead. 

Jagabee Potato Sticks Japanese snacks
The infamous Jagabee potato sticks! | Image from ra_men_daisuki

Jagabee Potato Sticks
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For example, jagariko sticks are harder while Jagabee sticks are more brittle - this means Jagabee are crunchier. Jagabee sticks are also slightly saltier than Jagariko. They also come in many flavours - this one is Butter Soy Sauce. 

Check out the seasonal and fixed flavours, and then give it a try!

Himemaru Rice Crackers

These Japanese snacks from the company Amanoya are a new spin on an old classic. These rice crackers are called Himemaru and are shaped like shells. They are deep-fried after being dipped in soy sauce. 

Himemaru Rice Crackers
Crunchy Himemaru Rice Crackers! | Image from Jaffood

Himemaru Rice Crackers
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They are salty, crunchy, and savoury, with a light umami taste from the addition of soy sauce. They are also slightly sweet for the perfect balance of flavour. 

These are vegan and light on the stomach. However, you should know that they are not as healthy as they are deep-fried Japanese snacks. A bit more flavourful than some of the options on this list, but still simple and classic, this is sure to be a hit!

Umaibo Variety Pack

Umaibo is a popular junk food among a variety of the best Japanese snacks. They are potages made of puffed corn. This variety pack contains a number of the most popular flavours, such as cheese, salad, curry, and tonkatsu sauce. 

Different Umaibo
Try Umaibo in various different flavours! | Image from wowbox_jp

Umaibo Variety Pack
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If you love potato chips but hate getting your fingers covered with flavour dust, this is a great choice. Be sure to give them a try!

UHA Mikakuto E-ma

You've probably had lozenges before but never like this. These perfectly spherical and smooth lozenges come from the brand UHA.

Grape flavour Mikakuto E-ma
A smooth lozenge that is uniquely Japanese. | Image from cahroonjapan

UHA Mikakuto E-ma
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They come in several rich flavours, which are sure to soothe your throat, such as apple and strawberry. Furthermore, they are also infused with vitamins A, C, and D! 

Give them a try if you're tired of plain old Fisherman's Friend or Hicks. 

UHA Shigekix Sampler

These gumdrop shaped candies are extremely sour and hard, perfect for those who want jawbreakers without the massive size (and stickiness). 

Shigekix
Lemon flavoured Shigekix candy | Image from engiinc.jp

UHA Shigekix Sampler
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These come in 2 flavours, lemon and cola. However, you can find and try many more flavours. So if you love sour candy, these are the best Japanese snacks for you!

Ramen Candy 

This rather bizarre DIY candy kit comes from Kracie. The kit contains powders and moulds to make your very own ramen-shaped sour candies. 

Ramen candy kit Japanese
Fun ramen candy kit! | Image from yumihngw

Ramen Candy 
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The fun here is more in the experience of shaping and pouring and less in the taste, which can be best described as "interesting". 

These are one of the weirder, quirkier Japanese snacks on this list. They are definitely not for everyone. Nevertheless, it is extremely fun to make and look at!

Otoko Ume Gummy

Made by the brand Nobel, these sour chews come specifically in the flavour of ume, pickled sour plums. 

Otoko Ume Gummy
Sour | Image from yumihngw

Otoko Ume Gummy
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The speciality of these candies is that their taste becomes stronger instead of weaker the more you chew them. So if you love ume, this is undoubtedly one of the best candies you can find.

Ramune Soda Candy

Ramune is a popular, nostalgic Japanese soda. These candies evoke the taste and image of this old-time drink. 

Ramune Soda Candy
Sweet Ramune Soda Candy | Image from takujinagasaki

Ramune Soda Candy
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You will find them packaged in a bottle-shaped container and have distinctive blue ramune colour. Many describe the flavour of these as sour, sweet, and fizzy. You should definitely add this to your must-try Japanese snacks list if you enjoy soda.

Apollo Strawberry Chocolate

Meiji once more makes this list with their adorable and delicious Apollo Strawberry Chocolate. There is very little not to like about this chocolate from the delightful packaging to its space capsule-shaped appearance. 

Apollo Strawberry Chocolate
Cute Strawberry Chocolate | Image from Flickr

Apollo Strawberry Chocolate
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One of the vintage, iconic and best Japanese snacks still in production today, these are sure to be a hit. Be sure to give it a try!

Mint Chocolate Pocky

Yet another Pocky appears on this list. Mint and chocolate are a classic combination. 

Mint chocolate pocky
Japan’s infamous mint chocolate pocky | Image from Pinterest

Mint Chocolate Pocky
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If you don't like how mint tastes like toothpaste, this one will surprise you as it tastes somehow fresher and less toothpaste-like than regular mint. They look adorable too. Don't miss it!

Seaweed Salt Chips

These are THE potato chips for you if you like umami. Flavoured with seaweed salt, they are salty, tangy, and pack a real umami punch. 

Seaweed Salt Chips
Seaweed salt flavoured chips | Image from De Japan

Seaweed Salt Chips
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Moreover, they are crunchy and satisfying to bite into, and the bag is not half-full of air. So if you love salty umami, these are the Japanese snacks for you!

Cheese Corn Snack

These stick-shaped Japanese snacks come from the company Yaokin and are called Umaibo, meaning "tasty stick". These are light and fluffy puffed corn sticks with flavourings. 

Cheese corn snack
Umaibou cheese corn snack | Image from The mainichi

Cheese Corn Snack
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They come in many flavours: this is the cheese variety, but many others are also available. They are also one of the less healthy options on this list. Give it a try if you like corn or crunch!

Hi-Chew

If you've ever had Starburst, Now and Later, Mamba, or any other similar fruit chew, you are sure to love these delectable candies. Hi-Chews, made by the company Morinaga, are some of the best fruit chews on the market. 

Hi-chew Japanese snack
Famous Hi-chew candy! | Image from oliverglobalgrocers

Hi-Chew
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Their texture is unbelievably smooth and soft, while their taste is fruity, intense, and not overly sweet. They come in over 150 flavours, with new ones launching all the time. So be sure to give them a try!

Kasugai Sumiyaki Japanese Roasted Coffee Candy

Although hard candy flavoured like coffee is nothing new, this candy is special! It tastes specifically like roasted coffee. In addition, they are smooth with just the right amount of sweetness. 

Kasugai Sumiyaki Japanese Roasted Coffee Candy
For coffee lovers out there! Try Japanese Roasted Coffee Candy | Image from gigazine

Kasugai Sumiyaki Japanese Roasted Coffee Candy
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This is definitely one of the Japanese snacks you should try if you love coffee and hard candy.

Pizza Potato Chips

Calbee once again makes an appearance on this list, this time with their delicious pizza-flavoured potato chips. Most of you have probably had pizza flavoured chips at one point. You might remember Pringles and Lays both made this flavour. However, these are a level above what you may have come to expect. 

Calbee Pizza potato chips
Addictive Calbee pizza potato chips! | Image from yuuko1800

Pizza Potato Chips
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Not only are the chips thick, crunchy and substantial, but they come topped with real cheese! As a result, they taste not just like cheese and herbs but also like tomato and pepperoni. This is a must-try Japanese snack if you love potato chips or pizza!

UHA Kororo

These are one of the varieties of UHA brand gummies that are popular throughout Japan. This particular one is grape flavoured and even mimics the texture of a grape. It has a thicker jelly "skin" on the outside. However, the inside is filled with a thinner, more flavourful gummy. Just like a grape!

UHA Kororo Gummy Candy - Grape Flavor
Sweet and delicious Japanese grape flavoured gummy candy | Image from Lung Tai Machinery

UHA Kororo
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So if you love grapes but haven't been able to find a candy that tastes convincing, this is the best Japanese snack for you.

Soft Senbei

These rice crackers are from the brand Kameda Seika. "Senbei" are traditional Japanese rice crackers, which there are several varieties. This product is one such variety: instead of being hard and crunchy, these are relatively soft, light, and crispy. 

Kameda Soft Salad Rice Crackers
Delicious slightly salted rice crackers | Image from foodmooduk101

Soft Senbei
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In addition, they are flavoured with sea salt, making them more umami-rich than other brands of senbei. If you love savoury Japanese snacks, be sure to give these a try!

Morinaga Caramel

These Japanese snacks come from the company Morinaga. These are small square chunks of caramel that come in a variety of flavours, such as milk and salt. 

Morinaga Milk Caramel Japanese Snacks
Chewy and milky caramel flavoured sweets | Image from Butterfingers food blog

Morinaga Caramel
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They are sweet, milky, delectable treats. So, give them a try if you can!

Dorayaki

Dorayaki is a common Japanese snack traditionally found in the country. It consists of a filling sandwiched between two thin pancake-like layers made of castella. The Japanese cheesecake is renowned for being "jiggly". You might have seen it in the anime Doraemon, who loves it. 

Dorayaki with chocolate filling
Soft and fluffy Dorayaki! | Image from don_photomax

Dorayaki
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Usually, the filling inside consists of anko. However, today many other flavours like matcha, custard and chocolate can be found.

Moreover, the soft, firm cake perfectly contrasts the pasty filling inside. The filling is sweet, while the cakes are not as flavourful. Be sure to pick up one of these if you haven't had them before. They are an important part of Japanese food culture!

Cream Collon

These cream collons are basically a biscuit roll filled with fluffy and soft cream. The outer shell is made of a wafer cone-like biscuit with dairy-based cream inside it. Although some people might find it excessively sweet, the textural combination is delicious. The company Glico makes these Japanese snacks.

Glico Collon Biscuit Roll - Cream Flavoured
Soft and creamy Glico Collon Biscuit Roll | Image from Tofu cute

Cream Collon
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They are not particularly healthy, however, the cream and biscuit are extremely filling and are a great option for those who value texture over taste.

Toilet Candy

Finally, we have these quirky and frankly weird Japanese candy kits from the company Moko Moko Mokolet designed specifically to look like a toilet. This kit comes with instructions on how to make your very own candy foam. 

DIY toilet foam candy Japanese snacks
Fun DIY toilet foam candy | Image from The smart local Japan

Toilet Candy
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Honestly speaking, there isn't much great about this candy taste-wise. If you bought it, it would be for the novelty factor. These newer Japanese candies are great for gag gifts or just if you find them funny but don't necessarily taste good. So, give them a try!

Roundup of the Best Japanese Snacks

Here is a quick summary of the best Japanese snacks we've found based on their popularity and category.

Popular Japanese Snacks

  • Tokyo Banana KitKat
  • Matcha KitKat
  • Strawberry Pocky
  • Bourbon Alfort
  • Kasugai Peach Gummy
  • Melty Kiss
  • Ramune Soda Candy
  • Apollo Strawberry Chocolate
  • Mint Chocolate Pocky
  • Seaweed Salt Chips
  • Cheese Corn Snack
  • Hi-Chew
  • Kasugai Sumiyaki Japanese Roasted Coffee Candy
  • Pizza Potato Chips
  • UHA Kororo

Traditional Japanese Candy

  • Konpeito Sugar Candy
  • Daifuku
  • Kaki no Tane Rice Cracker
  • Himemaru Rice Crackers
  • Soft Senbei
  • Moringa Caramel
  • Dorayaki

Healthy Japanese Snacks

  • Hoshiume Dried Plums
  • Shredded squid
  • Roasted seaweed strips
  • Almonds and Dried Fish
  • Kinako mochi

Kawaii (Cute) Japanese Snacks

  • Jagariko Sticks
  • Caramel Corn Chips
  • Takenoko no Sato 
  • Bakauke Senbei Pack
  • Kinoko no Yama 
  • Jagabee Potato Sticks
  • Umaibo Variety Pack
  • UHA Shigekix Sampler
  • Ramen Candy

Weird Japanese Snacks

  • Konjac Drink
  • UHA Mikakuto E-ma
  • Otoko Ume Gummy
  • Cream Collon
  • Toilet Candy

Did we miss out on any amazing Japanese snacks that you think deserve a spot on this list? Share with us by emailing us at contact@honestfoodtalks.com or dropping us a DM on Instagram @honestfoodtalks!


Looking for different types of snacks to try out? If so, discover the vast world of Asian snacks by checking out our guides on the best Korean snacks and traditional Chinese snacks.

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