Amazing 17 Japanese Snacks 2023 You Have To Try!

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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!

Amazing Japanese snacks 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

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

Without further ado, here are the best Japanese snacks for you to try!

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: Best Japanese Candy
• Related: Best Japanese Potato Chips
• Related: Top Japanese Ice Cream Brands
• 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.

Organic Pea Chips

I recently had the pleasure of trying Organic Pea Chips, and I must say, they left quite an impression. 

As a health-conscious snacker, I’m always on the lookout for tasty alternatives to traditional chips, and these pea chips did not disappoint. Here’s my detailed review of this wholesome snack.

First and foremost, the fact that these chips are organic immediately caught my attention. It’s reassuring to know that the ingredients used are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals, making them a healthier choice compared to many conventional snacks on the market. 

The dedication to organic farming methods is commendable and adds an extra level of trustworthiness to the brand.

One of the standout qualities of Organic Pea Chips is their unique main ingredient, peas. Made from whole green peas, these chips provide a refreshing change from the typical potato or corn-based snacks. 

The use of peas not only contributes to the distinct flavor but also enhances the nutritional profile. Peas are naturally high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, making these chips a satisfying and nourishing option.

In terms of taste, I found the Organic Pea Chips to be quite enjoyable. They possess a light and crispy texture with a subtle, natural sweetness. 

The chips are delicately seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, resulting in a well-balanced flavor that is neither overpowering nor dull. The seasoning enhances the taste of the peas without overshadowing their inherent goodness.

Furthermore, the chips have a satisfying crunch that makes them a delightful snack to munch on. They hold up well to dipping, making them a versatile choice for pairing with your favorite dips, salsas, or hummus.

 Whether you enjoy them on their own or as part of a larger snack spread, these chips are sure to please your taste buds.

Another notable aspect of Organic Pea Chips is their commitment to sustainable practices. The packaging is eco-friendly, made from recyclable materials, which aligns with the values of conscious consumers who strive to reduce their environmental impact.

The only minor drawback I noticed is that the chips can be a bit fragile, so handling them with care is necessary to prevent breakage. However, this is a small inconvenience considering the overall quality and taste of the product.

In conclusion, Organic Pea Chips offer a refreshing and nutritious snacking experience. From their organic certification to their unique pea-based ingredient, these chips stand out among the crowded snack aisle. 

With their delicious flavor, wholesome ingredients, and commitment to sustainability, Organic Pea Chips are an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals seeking a guilt-free and enjoyable snack option.

Dried Konyaku Chips: A Unique and Healthy Snack Option

I recently had the opportunity to try Dried Konyaku Chips, and as an adventurous snacker, I was intrigued by this unconventional snack. 

Konyaku, also known as konjac, is a traditional Japanese ingredient with a unique texture and nutritional profile. Here’s my review of these dried konyaku chips.

One of the notable aspects of Dried Konyaku Chips is their health benefits. Konyaku is known for its low-calorie and high-fiber content, making it a popular choice among individuals seeking healthier snack alternatives. 

These chips offer a guilt-free snacking experience, especially for those watching their calorie intake or following a specific dietary plan.

In terms of taste, Dried Konyaku Chips have a mild and subtle flavor. The chips themselves don’t possess a strong taste, allowing other flavors to shine if paired with dips or seasonings. 

The appeal of these chips lies more in their unique texture than their flavor. They have a chewy and slightly rubbery consistency, which may take some getting used to for those unfamiliar with konyaku. 

However, if you enjoy foods with interesting textures, these chips might pique your interest.

One advantage of Dried Konyaku Chips is their versatility. They can be enjoyed on their own as a light and crunchy snack, or used as a base for dips, spreads, or even in stir-fries and soups. 

The lack of an overpowering flavor allows them to complement various ingredients and dishes, making them a flexible addition to your culinary repertoire.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the unique texture of konyaku may not appeal to everyone. 

Some individuals may find it too chewy or rubbery, which could affect their overall enjoyment of the chips. It’s advisable to try a small portion before committing to a larger package to ensure it aligns with your personal preferences.

The packaging of Dried Konyaku Chips is typically convenient, with resealable bags that help maintain freshness. 

However, due to their delicate nature, the chips can break easily, resulting in smaller, less satisfying pieces. It would be beneficial for the manufacturer to improve the packaging or reinforce the chips to minimize breakage during transportation and handling.

From a nutritional standpoint, Dried Konyaku Chips offer a low-calorie and low-fat snack option. They are also gluten-free and suitable for individuals following gluten-free diets. 

The high fiber content can contribute to a feeling of fullness and aid in digestion, making these chips a potentially healthier alternative to other snacks.

In summary, Dried Konyaku Chips are a unique and healthy snack option for those seeking a different experience. While their taste may be mild and the texture may require some adjustment, the nutritional benefits and versatility make them worth exploring. 

If you’re open to trying new flavors and textures, Dried Konyaku Chips could be an interesting addition to your snacking repertoire.

Goya Chips

I recently had the pleasure of trying Goya Chips, and I must say, they left quite an impression on me. Goya, known for its quality food products, has once again delivered a savory delight in the form of these crispy snacks. 

Here’s my review based on their taste, texture, and overall appeal.

Let’s start with the flavor. Goya Chips come in a variety of flavors, ranging from classic to unique combinations. The ones I tried were the traditional sea salt flavor, and I must say, they were delicious. 

The chips were adequately seasoned, striking a perfect balance between saltiness and the natural taste of the potatoes. 

The flavor was not overpowering, allowing the natural potato goodness to shine through. The result was a satisfying and addictive taste that had me reaching for more.

Moving on to the texture, Goya Chips certainly didn’t disappoint. The chips had a fantastic crunch that was both satisfying and addictive. They were thin and crisp, providing a delightful mouthfeel with every bite. The texture was consistent throughout the bag, which is always a plus when enjoying a snack like this.

One thing that stood out to me about Goya Chips was their quality. The chips were made from real potatoes, and you could taste the authenticity. 

They were free from any greasiness or oily residue, which often plagues inferior chips. The ingredients were simple and straightforward, which added to their appeal.

In terms of presentation, Goya Chips come in eye-catching packaging that is both vibrant and inviting. The bags are resealable, which is a thoughtful feature, allowing you to keep the chips fresh and crispy for longer.

While Goya Chips are undeniably delicious, I do have one small criticism. The range of flavors, while enjoyable, could be expanded to cater to a wider audience. 

Adding more adventurous options or exploring unique seasoning combinations would make Goya Chips even more exciting.

In conclusion, Goya Chips have earned my recommendation. They deliver on flavor, texture, and quality, making them an excellent choice for snacking. 

Whether you’re looking for a classic chip experience or something a little different, Goya Chips are a reliable and satisfying option. Grab a bag and prepare to indulge in these crispy delights.

Black Pepper Broad Beans (Sora Mame)

Recently, I had the pleasure of trying Black Pepper Broad Beans, specifically the Sora Mame variety, and I must say, they provided a unique snacking experience that left a lasting impression. 

These flavorful legumes from the Sora Mame brand brought together the goodness of broad beans with a delightful black pepper twist. Here’s my review based on their taste, texture, and overall appeal.

Let’s start with the flavor. The black pepper seasoning on these broad beans adds a distinctive kick that sets them apart from other snacks. 

The spiciness is moderate, allowing the natural taste of the broad beans to shine through. The black pepper enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a satisfying balance of heat and savory notes. 

If you enjoy a bit of spice, these beans will surely pique your taste buds and keep you reaching for more.

Moving on to the texture, Black Pepper Broad Beans deliver a satisfying crunch. The beans are firm and substantial, providing a pleasant bite. They have been roasted to perfection, resulting in a crispy texture that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to each mouthful. 

The beans are neither too hard nor too soft, striking a perfect balance that makes them addictive to snack on.

In terms of quality, Sora Mame brand ensures that their Black Pepper Broad Beans are made from high-quality ingredients. The broad beans are carefully selected and roasted to retain their natural goodness. 

The packaging is resealable, which is convenient for keeping the beans fresh and crunchy for longer periods.

One small criticism I have is that the black pepper flavor might be a bit intense for some individuals who prefer milder seasonings. However, if you enjoy a robust pepper taste, these beans will certainly satisfy your cravings.

Presentation-wise, the packaging of Sora Mame’s Black Pepper Broad Beans is simple yet attractive. 

The branding is clear, and the bag is conveniently sized for on-the-go snacking. It’s worth mentioning that the beans are a healthy snack option, as they are a good source of protein and fiber.

In conclusion, Black Pepper Broad Beans (Sora Mame) offer a delightful snacking experience. The combination of the distinctive black pepper flavor with the satisfying crunch of the broad beans creates a unique and addictive treat. 

Best Japanese Snacks: FAQs

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!