I love Japanese snacks! And here’s a list of my absolute favorite best Japanese snacks from yummy potato chips to rice crackers for you to try the next time you visit Japan!
Japanese snacks are my absolute favorites. I love munching on them whenever and wherever. They are a perfect blend of quirkiness and unusual flavors that you would not find anywhere else. And the snacks list is not limited to a few items; they have a plethora of assorted snacks that have the power to satisfy everyone, no matter what their taste preferences are.
I especially love having Japanese sweets and candies after a heavy meal of spicy ramen or some udon noodles!
- Related: Best Japanese Candy
- Related: Best Japanese Potato Chips
- Related: Top Japanese Ice Cream Brands
I have some favorites that I always need around me, to curb those sudden hunger pangs. I have listed some of the most unique and best Japanese snacks down below. Check it out!
- Top Japanese Snacks
- Puré Fruits Gummy
- Meiji Macademia Chocolate
- Morinaga Caramel – Most Popular Snack In Japan
- Matcha KitKat – Best KitKat Flavor In Japan
- Meiji Kinoko no Yama – Best Japanese Chocolate Candy
- Meiji Takenoko no Sato
- Calbee Seaweed Salt Chips
- Calbee Jagariko Sticks
- Calbee Jagabee Fries
- Almonds and Dried Fish
- Seaweed Strips
- Hoshiume Dried Plums
- Kameda Soft Senbei Japanese Rice Crackers
- Himemaru Rice Crackers
- Kaki No Tane Rice Cracker
- Apollo Strawberry Chocolate
- Pocky Strawberry
- Tohato Caramel Corn Chips
- Best Japanese Snacks: FAQs
Top Japanese Snacks
Without further ado, here are the best Japanese snacks for you to try!
| Best Japanese Snacks | Type and Flavor Profile |
| Puré Fruits Gummy | Candy, Sweet or Sour |
| Meiji Macadamia Chocolate | Chocolate |
| Morinaga Caramel | Caramel, Sweet |
| Matcha KitKat | Chocolate Wafers |
| Meiji Kinoko no Yama | Chocolate |
| Meiji Takenoko no Sato | Chocolate |
| Calbee Seaweed Salt Chips | Potato Chips, Savoury, Seaweed |
| Calbee Jagariko Sticks | Salad Potato Sticks, Carrot and Parsley |
| Calbee Jagabee Fries | Potato Sticks, Salty |
| Almonds and Dried Fish | Dried Sardines |
| Seaweed Strips | Seaweed, salty |
| Hoshiume Dried Plums | Dried fruit, sweet |
| Kameda Soft Senbei Japanese Rice Crackers | Rice Crackers, Salty, Crispy |
| Himemaru Rice Crackers | Rice Crackers, Salty, Crispy |
| Kaki No Tane Rice Amanoya Himemaru | Rice Crackers, Salty, Crispy |
| Apollo Strawberry Chocolate | Sweet |
| Pocky Strawberry | Sweet, slighlty salty |
| Tohato Caramel Corn Chips | Sweet, Caramel |
Puré Fruits Gummy
Best Japanese Candy
I love keeping a small sweet treats around to have after my meals. And these candy treats are my absolute favorite to just pop in when I don’t feel having a full-blown dessert but just a little something to refresh my taste buds.
On Amazon, you can get a pack of 6 with assorted flavors. My favorite flavors are lemon and strawberry! Try all the flavors and see which ones you like the best!
Key features:
- Type: Candy
- Flavor: Sweet or Sour
Related: Indulge yourself in these yummy Japanese ice creams. Check it out!
Meiji Macademia Chocolate
Best Japanese Chocolate Snack
Okay, I think I’m seriously addicted to these cause I can’t stop at just one. These Macadamia nuts covered in milk chocolates are definitely one of the best Japanese snacks to have! It costs about $8.00 for a pack of 12 of these. And they are absolutely delish!
Key Features:
- Type: Chocolate
- Flavor: Sweet, chocolate
Related: Now bake your favorite Japanese dessert with these baking tools from Japan. Check it out!
Morinaga Caramel – Most Popular Snack In Japan
Best Sweet Japanese Snacks
Caramel is my favorite; this western treat offers a chewy delight that is unmatched for. It first came to Japan in the late 19th century and was first sold by the Moringa company in 1913. The candies come in a recognizable yellow box and are all individually packed.
Today, it is one of the most popular brands of candies in Japan. Despite Moringa releasing several variants of the candy including, Red Bean and Matcha, these chewy delights still remain the most popular amongst the people. This one is considered one of the best Japanese snacks here in Japan!
Key Features:
- Type: Candy
- Flavor: Sweet, Caramel
Related: Love Japanese food? Check out these rice brands from Japan to make authentic Japanese food at home!
Matcha KitKat – Best KitKat Flavor In Japan
Best Japanese Snacks To Buy As Souvenir
Nestle has produced about 300 different flavors of KitKat for the Japanese market, and the Matcha one is by far the most popular and probably, according to me, the most delicious. It takes a few bites to forget the chocolatey taste of KitKat and get used to the subtle taste of Matcha, but trust me, once your taste buds adjust to this, you will be asking for more.
The Matcha KitKat combines the subtle taste of Matcha with the delicate sweetness to create this gem. This is definitely the best KitKat flavors in Japan and one of the best Japanese snacks to buy online!
Key Features:
- Type: Wafer, chocolate
- Flavor: Matcha
Related: Your Japanese dish is incomplete with these spices and herbs. Check it out!
Meiji Kinoko no Yama – Best Japanese Chocolate Candy
Best Japanese Snacks On Amazon To Buy
Have you ever tried chocolate-covered biscuits? The Kinoko no Yama takes this concept to a whole new level. What this company has done is, it has taken mushrooms and converted them into delectable snacks. The mushroom-shaped treat comes with a smooth stem and chocolate-covered cap. You can enjoy the biscuit and the chocolate top together, or separately. Use whatever method you love. Doesn’t this Japanese snack deserve to be in the best Japanese snacks list?
Key Features
- Type: Chocolate covered biscuits
- Flavor: Sweet, Chocolate
Meiji Takenoko no Sato
Most Popular Japanese Candy
Takenoko no Sato is the rival of Kinoko no Yama. If you try the mushroom-shaped snacks, you must give a try to this snack as well. The bamboo shoot snacks are generously covered in chocolate. Unlike Kinoko no Yama, there is no option of enjoying the cookie and the chocolate separately.
Want to find out the difference between the two yourself? Get this sweet Japanese snack souvenir during your visit to Japan!
Key Features
- Type: Chocolate covered biscuit
- Flavor: Sweet, Chocolate
Calbee Seaweed Salt Chips
Best Japanese Chips Snacks
The combination of seaweed and salt is probably one of the most popular in Japan. The Seaweed & Salt chips from Calbee is Japan’s number one snack option. Each crisp is coated with salt and seaweed flakes to give it the distinct taste that it is known for. Mind you, these chips taste so good you can get addicted! Definitely, one of the best Japanese snacks to bring back with from Japan!
Key Features
- Type: Potato Chips
- Flavor: Savoury, Salty, Seaweed
Calbee Jagariko Sticks
Best Japanese Snacks By Calbee
Jagariko Sticks come in a colorful cup sealed with a foil lid. This snack is going to be your favorite munching item. The potato sticks are crunchy on the outside and soft on the core. Jagariko Sticks are available in seasonal limited-edition flavors as well. Make sure you buy plenty of these when you get your hands on them ’cause you’ll be surprised at how quickly they can get over! Because this best Japanese snack is so yummy!
Key Features:
- Type: Salad Potato Sticks
- Flavor: Carrot and Parsley
Calbee Jagabee Fries
Best Japanese Savoury Snacks
Jagabee fries or Potato Sticks is another popular potato snack by Calbee. However, the texture of Jagabee Potato Sticks completely differs from the Jagariko potato sticks. The Jagabee Potato Sticks resemble fries and are crunchy both on the outside and the inside. Definitely one of my favorite and best Japanese snacks!
Key Features
- Type: Potato Sticks
- Flavor: Savoury
Almonds and Dried Fish
Best Healthy Japanese Snacks
The Almonds and Dried Fish may not be what you would think of grabbing when you want to munch on something. The dried sardines mixed with almonds create a peculiar taste that you get used to after the first few bites. Coated in sesame seeds, this healthy Japanese snack is slightly sweet in taste. The almond fish, as it is commonly called in Japan, serves as a great snack to go with alcohol.
Key Features
- Type: Seafood
- Flavor: Dried Sardines
Seaweed Strips
Top Japanese Healthy Snacks
Seaweed is used extensively in Japanese cuisine, but one popular form is the dried salty seaweed. The dried seaweed sheets are a healthy snacking option instead of potato chips.
Key Feature:
- Type: Seaweed strips, crispy
- Flavor: Seaweed, salty
Hoshiume Dried Plums
Best Japanese Snacks For Kids
Dried plums or apricots are quite sour as fruit need to be processed before consumption. One common way of eating plum is in the form of a pickle. But Hoshiume dried plums are sweeter in taste and are seedless. It is a healthy snacking option that also comes in a resealable bag so you can munch on the go.
Kameda Soft Senbei Japanese Rice Crackers
Best Japanese Senbei Snacks
Senbei, or hard rice crackers, are popular street snacks enjoyed by Japanese people right off the grill at roadside stands. But they are hard. The Soft Senbei is a popular snacking option. Unlike traditional Senbei, the soft one is easier to eat. The crackers break apart with ease and have a light flavor. They are seasoned with oil and salt. You have to take these best Japanese snacks back home from Japan so your friends and family can try too!
Key Features
- Type: Rice Crackers, Crispy
- Flavor: Salty
Looking for more Japanese rice crackers? Check out this list of best Japanese rice crackers for a tasty yet healthy snacking option!
Himemaru Rice Crackers
Best Japanese Mochi Crackers Snacks
Himemaru Rice Crackers are unlike the traditional hard rice crackers. They are deep-fried, crunchy, and have a rich coating of soy sauce. They are very delicious and are great snacks to go with alcohol. I bet you, you won’t stop munching on these! They are one of my absolute favorites to have and definitely one of the best Japanese snacks you could take back home from Japan!
- Type: Rice Crackers, Crispy
- Flavor: Salty
Kaki No Tane Rice Cracker
Best Japanese Snacks With Alcohol
Kaki no Tane Rice cracker is a simple snack with a blast of bold flavors. The packet of crescent-shaped rice crackers also has almonds for added crunchiness with each bite. You will find a perfect blend of textures and seasonings that can be enjoyed with alcohol. It’s one of the favorite Japanese snacks amongst the Japanese. It has a lot of flavors in it and is just fun to munch on which is why it’s in this list of best Japanese snacks!
Key Features
- Type: Crispy
- Flavor: Salty, almond
Apollo Strawberry Chocolate
Best Japanese Snacks 2020
The strawberry chocolates are a classic Japanese treat that combines the delicious flavors of chocolate and strawberry. Your favorites come together as one conical treat. The design of the quirky box takes you back to the 1960s. The name, Apollo, and the cone-shaped chocolates give a Space Age vibe. These delicious snacks are my personal favorite and one of the best Japanese snacks you’ll taste. They’re absolutely tasty and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Key Features
- Type: Chocolate
- Flavor: Strawberry. Chocolate
Pocky Strawberry
Best sweet Japanese snacks
Pocky is literally the best Japanese snack that’s popular worldwide. There are numerous flavours of pocky like matcha, chocolate etc. and they have been in the market for about 45 years now. The strawberry one came out after 10 years but still is a popular flavour.
The savoury biscuit-like taste goes along very well with the sweetness of strawberry flavour. Trust me, this is the most addictive Japanese snack I’ve ever tasted.
Tohato Caramel Corn Chips
Tohato Caramel Corn is one of the best Japanese snacks if you want something sweet to devour. It has a crunchy caramel flavour and tastes delicious. It’s toasted caramel corn with peanuts.
Tohato Caramel Corn chips are gluten free so if you’re avoiding gluten and want a perfect snack for yourself, don’t think twice about getting this one. They’re quite addictive.
Best Japanese Snacks: FAQs
What Is The Most Popular Snack In Japan?
The most popular snacks in Japan are: Matcha KitKat, Jagariko Potato Sticks, Jagabee Fries Calbee, Kaki No Tane Rice Crackers, and Apollo Strawberry Chocolate.
What is the best Japanese candy?
The best Japanese candy is the apollo strawberry chocolate. It’s a mix of strawberry flavor and chocolate. It’s delicious chocolate favored by many in Japan!
What is a good Japanese snack?
Pocky is a great Japanese snack and is famous worldwide. The crunchy biscuit sticks dipped in sweet different kinds of flavour are lovely to have. They are available in various flavours like chocolate, matcha, honey etc.
How many Japanese snacks are there?
There are more than 2000 original Japanese snacks. The different types of Japanese snacks include seaweed chips, pocky, kitkat, gummy etc.
Why are Japanese snacks so good?
Japanese snacks are so good because they don’t use excessive amounts of chocolate, nougat or caramel. Most of their sweet snacks are made with sweet beans or sweet potato. They’re also lower in calories.
Why are Japanese snacks popular?
Japanese snacks are popular because they include all types of tastes and seasonings like spicy, nutty, savoury and sweet.
Are Japanese snacks healthy?
Japanese snacks are both healthy and unhealthy depending on what and how much you’re consuming. However, Japanese snacks are healthier compared to other snacks because of less preservatives and beneficial ingredients.
Ready to delve into the deliciousness of the best Japanese snacks?
These were some of the best Japanese snacks that you can easily find online. I have most of these snacks lying around to satisfy my sudden cravings. Out of the whole lot, I have a few biased preferences. I would recommend the almond fish for its unique taste.
The dried sardines taste amazing. You must definitely stock up on the Matcha KitKat, which is not just a healthier alternative but is also delicious. The Jagariko potato sticks are also a great option to carry around for times when you crave something savoury.
These were some of the best Japanese snacks that you can buy on Amazon). Get them, and let me know which is your favorite from the list in the comment section down below!
Takashi Nomoni is a proud Japanese and loves everything about Japan – be it food, culture, or movies! She’s a passionate about writing and her love for writing and Japanese products makes her the best fit at Best Japanese Products. Takashi is a total workaholic so you’ll always find her with her laptop researching or testing the next best Japanese product. When she’s not working, you’ll find Takashi exploring local cafes and restaurants (where she can work out of!)