Discovering Delicious Japanese Candy: 5 Underrated Treats to Try

Discovering Delicious Japanese Candy for All.

If you are like me then you probably find yourself often reaching for your next Japanese treat! Whether its candy like the iconic treat Pocky, KitKats that have tasty Japan-only exotic flavors, or Hi-Chew, a craving for good Japanese candy never goes amiss. From time to time, I find myself wondering about all of the other, less well known Japanese candies or snacks that are out there and has yet to be discovered! Japan has a vast and diverse candy landscape that extends far beyond these well-known favorites. In this article, I’ll help you explore five underrated Japanese candies that deserve more recognition and appreciation, and most importantly tons of love from us Japanese candy lovers!

The Fascination with Japanese Candy

Kaki no Tane Chocolate

First up in the list is the Kaki no Tane Chocolate. A delicious Japanese candy that all the kids (like myself) love in Japan. 

Kaki no Tane Chocolate is a unique candy that combines sweet and savory flavors. It features tiny, crescent-shaped rice crackers (kaki no tane) coated in a layer of smooth milk chocolate.

Unique Features: The contrast between the crunchy, salty rice crackers and the creamy, sweet chocolate creates a delightful taste sensation. This candy is a perfect example of Japan’s knack for blending different flavor profiles.

Cultural Significance: Kaki no Tane is a popular snack in Japan, often enjoyed with beer. The addition of chocolate makes this version a fun and unexpected treat.

Why It Deserves More Love: Our team thinks that the combination of sweet and savory flavors in Kaki no Tane Chocolate is surprisingly addictive. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy unconventional flavor pairings.

Morinaga Milk Caramel

Second up on the list is one of my personal favorite Japanese candies on the list, Morinaga Milk Caramel. 

If you are wondering, Morinaga Milk Caramel is a classic Japanese candy that has been around for over a century. These small, chewy caramels are made with rich, creamy milk, giving them a distinct and nostalgic flavor.

Unique Features: What makes Morinaga Milk unique and delicious Japanese candy is its smooth texture and deep caramel flavor set these candies apart. They melt slowly in your mouth, providing a long-lasting and satisfying treat.

Cultural Significance: Morinaga Milk Caramel is, believe it or not, often associated with childhood memories in Japan, as it has been a beloved treat for generations. You will be able to find it in many Japanese candy shops all around Japan. 

Why It Deserves More Love: Despite its long history, Morinaga Milk Caramel often gets overshadowed by more modern Japanese candies. Its timeless appeal and rich flavor make it a candy worth rediscovering.

UHA Mikakuto Puccho

Let’s dive into our third underrated Japanese candies in the list that definitely deserves more love from us candy lovers. 

To put it simply, Puccho is a chewy candy similar to Hi-Chew but with a twist. Each piece is filled with small gummy bits, creating a fun and varied texture which makes it a fun and tasty Japanese candy that many younger kids and young adults in Japan love.

Unique Features: Puccho comes in a wide range of flavors, from traditional fruit options like grape and strawberry to more unusual choices like cola and yogurt. The inclusion of gummy bits adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

Cultural Significance: Puccho is popular among both children and adults in Japan, often found in convenience stores and supermarkets.

Why It Deserves More Love: While Hi-Chew has gained international fame, Puccho’s unique texture and innovative flavors make it equally deserving of attention.

Kasugai Gummy Candies

Fourth on the list is Kasugai Gummies ! These are extremely underrated Japanese candies that I personally think is a crime that they are not more popular among Japanese candy and snack lovers!

Kasugai Gummy Candies are high-quality, fruit-flavored gummies that come individually wrapped. They are known for their intense, natural fruit flavors and soft, chewy texture.

Unique Features: These gummies are made with real fruit juice, giving them an authentic taste that stands out from other gummy candies. They come in a variety of flavors, including lychee, mango, and peach.

Cultural Significance: Kasugai Gummy Candies are a favorite in Japan and are often enjoyed as a sweet treat during travels or as a small indulgence.

Why It Deserves More Love: You will love natural fruit flavors and premium quality of Kasugai Gummy Candies make them a standout choice for gummy candy enthusiasts.

Black Thunder

We are almost done ! Here we have last, but certainly not least, we have Black Thunder ! One of the most widely available small chocolates in Japan, a candy that travelers and foreigners see in every convenient store across Japan, but somehow has not become a staple of Japanese candy yet! 

Black Thunder are small crunchy chocolate bar that features a combination of cocoa-flavored cookie pieces and rice puffs, all coated in a layer of rich chocolate usually available for as low as 30 yen (25 cents) in some Japanese candy stores, supermarkets, and pretty much all convenient stores in Japan! 

Unique Features: The combination of textures—crunchy cookies, crispy rice puffs, and smooth chocolate—creates a highly satisfying candy bar. Its compact size makes it a perfect snack for on-the-go.

Cultural Significance: Black Thunder has a strong following in Japan, often marketed with catchy slogans and vibrant packaging.

Why It Deserves More Love: While not as well-known outside Japan, Black Thunder’s delicious combination of flavors and textures makes it a candy that everyone should try at least once. Trust me when I say you will love the small, but flavorful candy and will be craving for more.

Well, Are You Craving More Japanese Candy Yet!?

These five underrated Japanese candies showcase the variety and creativity of Japanese confectionery. From the unique blend of sweet and savory in Kaki no Tane Chocolate to the nostalgic charm of Morinaga Milk Caramel, each candy offers a distinctive taste experience that deserves more recognition. Whether you’re a fan of chewy gummies, rich caramels, or crunchy chocolate bars, these hidden gems are sure to delight your taste buds. So next time you’re exploring Japanese snacks, give these candies a try—you might just discover a new favorite.

If you, like myself, and are now craving some tasty Japanese candies why not check out our Joybox main page where we have tons more information and details of all sorts of Japanese candies and snacks where you can find delicious snack boxes that you can get for you and all your Japanese candy lover friends to share with!