Writer: Urusai_Uni#0007
Ready to try out some new snacks but aren’t sure where to start? Here’s a quick list of some must try candies from Japan!
1. Pocky
Most of us have seen the iconic red box of chocolate covered biscuits, but did you know that Pocky comes in over three dozen different flavors? First sold in 1966, Pocky are a popular snack made of chocolate dipped biscuits by Glico. Packs of pocky have 10 sticks, making these one of the easiest candies to share with your friends. The most common flavors are chocolate, strawberry and match, but seasonal flavors, (ex: cherry blossom) and regional flavors (ex: Hokkaido Melon), are available across Japan. Similar products are Pretz, and unglazed pocky available in sweet and savory flavors, and Pejoy a biscuit filled with chocolate (a bit like an inside out pocky!).
2. Popin’ Cookin’
DIY candy kits are becoming more and more popular, but one of the most famous is the brand by Kracie, Popin’ Cookin’. Popin’ Cookin’ kits are available in both “savory” and sweet style. Some of the most notable are sushi, hamburgers and ramen! The kits include everything to make and shape the food, as well as the accessories to really make it look like the item. While the taste has been debatable over the years, it’s all about the journey for Popin’ Cookin’.
3. HI-CHEW
Released in 1977, HI-CHEW is a gum-like candy that dissolves as you eat it! Originally strawberry flavored, HI-CHEW has been released in over 170 different flavors and now also has several different varieties such as sour and fizzy. Strawberry is still one of the most popular flavors, along with grape and mango!
Puchao is another candy very similar to HI-CHEW and is by UHA (HI-CHEW is Morinaga).
4. Kit Kat
While not a Japanese company, the uniqueness of Kit Kat bars in Japan certainly earn them a spot on this list. In the US and other areas, kit kats are typically limited to milk chocolate in stores, with the occasional white chocolate or odd limited edition flavor. In Japan, over 300 different seasonal and regional varieties have been produced, including but not limited to; melon, grape, wasabi, blueberry cheesecake, ramune soda, and miso soup!
5. Konpeito
Saving one of the best for last, the Pokemon Cafe has several locations, one of which is located in the Pokemon Center DX & Pokemon Cafe in Tokyo. It carries a wide selection of food and drinks. The standard ones are mainly themed after Pikachu and Eevee, but there are plenty of limited seasonal options for others! It also carries a lot of exclusive merchandise including chef and waiter themed pikachus! This particular cafe does require reservations so be sure to plan ahead!
Conclusion
Hopefully this list helped you decide which candy to try next! Let us know what your favorite is (here or otherwise!), and thank you for reading!
Tsukei 
