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Introduction
Umaibō means never-ending flavor and mascot adventures in every snack package!
Tired of the same old snacks? Time to jazz up your snack routine with Japan's beloved "delicious stick," Umaibō! Read on to learn everything about this insanely popular snack that's been a hit for decades among both kids and kids at heart.
Just a heads-up: drool-worthy content ahead!
Japan’s Famous ‘Delicious Stick’
A picture of Umaibō featured on ZenPlus
Umaibō (うまい棒), affectionately known as "delicious stick," is Japan's bite-sized, tube-shaped corn puff snack. Born as a revamped version of "Umaimai Bar," Umaibō first captured hearts in 1979 with its modest price and satisfying crunch.
The appeal of Umaibō extends beyond its flavors to include its price. With a cost so low it's almost comical (10 yen, 9 cents in US currency as of 2022), it's been a budget-friendly favorite for decades.
A picture of Umaibō featured on ZenPlus
But in a plot twist, January 2022 saw a notable shake-up – after four decades of steady pricing since its debut, the price tag jumped to 12 yen. Still, Umaibō's slight price bump doesn't dim its shine as a budget-friendly, flavor-packed treat!
Along with its wide array of flavors and appealing price tag, Umaibō rocketed to success thanks to its individual wrapping, a novel approach among Dagashi, traditionally sold unwrapped in family-owned stores. This packaging, combined with a charming mascot, made this snack easy to store, transport, and sell at low prices in Japan’s stores.
+60 Flavors to Pick from!
An image of Umaibō found on ZenPlus
Created by Riska and distributed by Yaokin, Umaibō's flavors are a snack lover's dream journey – start with the cozy Corn Pottage, spice things up with Mentaiko, and savor the Beef Tongue/Gyutan.
Cheese Umaibō's classic taste is a crowd-pleaser, but Natto's boldness and Teriyaki Burger's East-meets-West vibe keep things thrilling. Seafood fans? Shrimp and Mayonnaise Umaibō eagerly awaits.
Sweet tooths will adore Chocolate and Cinnamon Apple Pie, while Vegetable Salad and Takoyaki bring a tangy twist. Pizza Umaibō throws a mini Italian party in your mouth, and Sugar Rusk is sweetly addictive. End with a traditional twist of Chicken Curry, bringing global flair to snack time.
A picture of Umaibō featured on ZenPlus
And who's this snack's charming mascot? A round-headed, earless alien cat, born on September 13, 1978, in a faraway universe. This whimsical character, still unnamed, is affectionately called Umaemon, Doyaemon, or Umai BOY – a playful twist on Doraemon.
Ready for Japanese Snack Attack?
A picture of Umaibō featured on ZenPlus
Craving Umaibō? Eager to join the Japanese snack craze? ZenPlus to the rescue!
This massive Japanese marketplace boasts a whopping 5+ million rare items listed by over 3,000 retailers across Japan – all ready to be shipped from Japan directly to your doorstep!
An image of Umaibō found on ZenPlus
On ZenPlus, not only can you find every Umaibō flavor imaginable, but also a vast array of genuine Japanese snacks only found by wandering the streets of Japan!
It's an online one-stop shop for all Japanese treats. Think of a whole array of Kitkats, Pocky, Pretz, and traditional sweets like Daifuku, Dorayaki, Manjū, Monakamochi, Taiyaki, Yōkan, and much more, all just a click away!
Get ready for a Japanese snack attack delivered straight from Japan to your front door!