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Top 6 Greatest Japanese Snacks & Sweets of All Time That You Won’t Be Able to Quit!

Created 10/29/2023 9:18:20 PM in snack | food |

Japanese snacks are super popular around the world and we have had a few articles on ZenPlus about some of them. Here, Mariam picks her top six list!


 

Introduction

Japanese snacks are a world of their own, offering an astonishing variety of different types, fun shapes, and flavors that'll pleasantly surprise your taste buds, all wrapped up in stunning packaging that practically begs you to dive in!

 

But wait, if you're craving real Japanese snacks and Japan is miles away, the best way to taste the unmatched authentic flavors is to have these snacks delivered straight from Japan right to your doorstep and into your eager mouth. 

 

So, read on to discover the top 6 famous Japanese snacks that'll keep your snacking spree going (with no guarantees that you'll be able to stop!) and find out how you can easily get your hands on them no matter where you are in the world!

 

Pocky (ポッキー)

One package of the classic Pocky chocolate sticks

You've probably caught a glimpse of those tempting chocolate-covered sticks in anime or on-screen where two people are practically on the brink of a romantic "almost-kiss" while nibbling on them. What's the tasty culprit, you ask? Pocky, of course!

 

Available In a delightful array of flavors, including the classic chocolate, strawberry, matcha, almond,  and more, Pocky proudly holds its title as one of the world's most beloved Japanese snacks. 

 

No growling stomach required to enjoy Pocky—its sweet crunch is so irresistible that you'll find it impossible to resist, whether it's morning, noon, or night! Plus, that iconic red box makes it the perfect gift to bring an instant, joy-filled smile to someone's face!

 

Pretz (プリッツ)


One package of the classic Pretz Salad

If you're munching on sweet Pocky, you've got to pair it with some savory Pretz—it's an unspoken rule in the Japanese snacking universe that you simply must follow! 

 

Pretz sticks are a snack produced by the same company that produces Pocky and are famous for their satisfying crunch and a diverse selection of flavors—from timeless originals to tomato and salad, and even special seasonal choices that you absolutely can't miss. What makes Pretz stand out is its savory seasoning which makes it a top favorite for those craving a salty, umami-packed snack!

 

Taiyaki (鯛焼き)

Three taiyaki on a plate

Whether you've caught its exciting smell from miles away or spotted it in a specialty shop or picture-perfect Instagram posts, chances are you've already laid eyes on this iconic fish-shaped pastry and found yourself instantly craving it. It's none other than the beloved Japanese street food and snack, Taiyaki!

 

This fish-shaped cake is made from a crispy, pancake-like batter that features a sweet filling, often including red bean paste, custard, chocolate, or other refreshing options like ice cream. If its exciting appearance doesn't already have you hooked, one bite will take you to a sweet tooth heaven so divine that you'll never want to come back down!

 

 

KitKat (キットカット)

One package of KitKat matcha flavor

Although Kiktat is just the iconic sweet, crunchy treat around the world, it takes on a whole new level of significance in Japanese culture thanks to its name's similarity to the Japanese phrase "Kitto Katsu," which translates to "You will surely win" or "Good luck."

 

Japan's special fondness for KitKat has turned it into one of the most versatile treats when it comes to flavors. With a treasure trove of exotic, region-specific flavors like matcha (green tea), sake, sweet potato, sakura (cherry blossom), cheesecake, apple, Island lemon, Azuki (red bean) Sandwich. yuzu, hojicha (roasted green tea), wasabi, and even regional specialties such as Hokkaido melon and Kyoto matcha, Japanese Kitkat is undoubtedly a flavor fiesta that caters to every taste.

These daring flavor experiments are what make KitKat the ultimate Japanese good-luck charm, wrapped up and ready to gift or collect!

Read more about KitKat here.

 

Tokyo Banana (東京ばな奈)

Two Tokyo Banana sponge cakes

Tokyo Banana is a snacking gem found at major tourist spots (airports, train stations, and souvenir shops) in Tokyo and is famous for its unique, banana-shaped sponge cake and rich banana-flavored cream filling.

Tokyo Banana souvenir

These iconic treats aren't just about vibrant banana shapes and mouthwatering flavors—they're also sought-after items for Tokyo tourists looking for a memorable souvenir, and their cute packaging makes it nearly impossible to resist bringing these bananas back home!

Read more about Tokyo Banana.

 

Daifuku (大福)

Close up of a Daifuku with a strawberry as filling

Calling all the cute and fluffy Japanese snack lovers! Daifuku, which literally translates to “great luck”, is a traditional Japanese treat featuring a round or oval-shaped glutinous rice cake, often filled with a variety of sweet fillings. Its outer rice cake shell is soft, chewy, and slightly see-through, creating a delightful contrast with the sweet interior.

 

The most popular Daifuku version is the one that features anko (a sweet red bean paste) as the filling, However, in today's world of culinary creativity, you'll find a dazzling array of flavors that caters to everyone’s taste. ranging from the famous strawberry to exotic matcha, and even exciting ice cream-filled options. 

 

But it's not just a tasty treat—Daifuku is also a symbol of good luck and the arrival of prosperity in the New Year, making it an iconic representation of the joyous festive season and springtime celebrations!

 

 

Don't Wait Any Longer – Order Tasty Snacks from Japan Now!

Feeling those hunger pangs for some irresistible Japanese snacks? Look no further than ZenPlus to turn your snack dreams into a delicious reality! 

 

ZenPlus is an e-commerce paradise that has been making international shoppers' dreams of owning every authentic Japanese product a reality for nearly a decade.

 

With an astonishing array of over 5 million Japanese products offered by more than 3,000 Japanese retail shops, ZenPlus becomes the ultimate one-stop destination to fill your cart with 100% authentic Japanese goodies and have them shipped from Japan and arrive at your comfy home—no complex order steps or shipping headaches!


Don't let those tasty Japanese snacks wait in Japan any longer. Hurry over to ZenPlus,  type in the snack name, scroll through the numerous options, pick what you crave, hit that order button, and faster than you can say "Japanese snacks," you'll find them ringing your doorbell!

 

 

About The Writer

Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.

10/29/2023
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