TokyoTreat: A Delicious Dive into Japanese Snacks
TokyoTreat offers a convenient way to experience the unique world of Japanese snacks from anywhere. Having previously reviewed Sakuraco, a sister company specializing in similar treats, I was thrilled to test TokyoTreat and see what it had to offer. Japanese snacks are widely known for their creativity, flavor, and beautiful presentation—often distinct from what’s available elsewhere. This review explores the November box, themed around Mount Fuji during the vibrant autumn season, and its contents, as tested by my family.
Exploring the November Box
The November TokyoTreat box offered a delightful range of snacks, each capturing the essence of the autumnal theme. Here’s a breakdown of what I discovered:
Puku Puku Sweet Potato Taiyaki
This snack exemplifies the charm of Japanese treats. The name “Puku Puku” refers to the bubbly, sweet center—a softer, creamier version of honeycomb made from surprisingly sweet potato. The filling’s texture and flavor are unexpected, tasting nothing like the sweet potato familiar in Western cuisine. Encased in a crispy, fish-shaped wafer shell (a “Taiyaki”), the snack is visually appealing with intricate detailing, making it almost too cute to eat—though we devoured it quickly!
Polinky Corn Chips
These chips proved to be divisive among my family. I found their sweetcorn flavor refreshing and delicious—crispy, puffy, and flavorful with every bite. The vibrant, smiley packaging adds a cheerful touch, making them an enjoyable snack to brighten anyone’s day.
Mandarin Orange Jelly Bites
The Mandarin Orange Jelly Bites showcased adorable packaging and were surprisingly light and refreshing, despite their sweetness. Made from mandarin oranges from Shizuoka Prefecture, near Mount Fuji, they fully embrace the box’s theme. The strong citrus flavor makes them a juicy and satisfying treat, though they were a hit with my daughter, who quickly claimed most of the packet.
Honey Soy Sauce Cracker
This was a standout snack for me. I’d been looking forward to this snack due to my love of blending sweet and savory. The crispy rice cracker, coated in honey and soy sauce, achieves this combination perfectly. While my daughter preferred sweeter options, my son enthusiastically enjoyed it, demonstrating its broad appeal.
Yuzu Shio Ramen
Ramen is a popular choice among teenagers. While we could have enhanced it with seaweed, tofu, and spring onions, we opted for a straightforward review, trying it straight from the package. My son swiftly prepared the noodles, showcasing the snack’s convenience. He enjoyed the dish, praising the refreshing yuzu-kelp sauce and the soft, eggy noodles – a cozy, filling snack perfect for a comforting meal.
Crunky Strawberry White Chocolate
My daughter’s favorite snack was the Crunky Strawberry White Chocolate. Combining white chocolate and strawberries is a winning combination, and the addition of crispy bits elevates it to another level. This creamy, rich, and indulgent bar boasts a strong strawberry flavor and is best enjoyed in smaller portions with a hot drink.
Ramune Soft Candy
These bon bon-style candies are flavored like Ramune, a popular Japanese carbonated soft drink known for its distinctive bottle design. Ramune has a tart lemon-lime flavor with a hint of bubblegum, which is perfectly replicated in these candies. They have a chewy consistency, creating a unique candy experience. The sugary coating and marshmallow-like center add to the novelty.
Pon De Donut
These snacks combine the characteristics of doughnuts and mochi, resulting in a slightly chewier, denser texture than traditional doughnuts. Reminding us of funfair treats, these little rings of doughy balls are perfect-sized snacks to pull apart and eat one by one.
Melon Hi-Chews
Similar to the Ramune candies, these Melon Hi-Chews are bon bon-style with a chewy texture. The intense cantaloupe melon flavor is surprisingly authentic, making them a standout treat, even for those not typically fond of melon-flavored foods.
MIKE Butter Soy Sauce Popcorn
This soy sauce popcorn presented an unexpected flavor combination that two out of three of us enjoyed. The rich, savory taste and umami flavor makes this a great lighter alternative to crisps.
Mt. Fuji Choco Crunch
Lastly, the Mt. Fuji Choco Crunch, reminiscent of chocolate cornflake cakes, offers a crunchy, chocolatey, and slightly peanut-flavored treat. While small, it’s perfect as an energy-boosting snack for outdoor adventures.
Final Thoughts & Pricing
TokyoTreat provides a diverse collection of delicious snacks, showcasing modern Japan from the comfort of your own home. The sheer quantity and quality of the snacks make it a worthwhile purchase. I also appreciate the inclusion of a 20-page booklet providing explanations of the snacks (essential if you can’t read Japanese!) plus additional information about Japan, fun facts, community photos, and a monthly contest.
Here’s a breakdown of pricing:
- 1 Month: $37.50
- 3 Months: $35.50 per month
- 6 Months: $33.50 per month
- 12 Months: $32.50 per month (plus a Pokémon plush bundle)
Prices are in USD and exclude potential delivery costs to the UK.
For those hesitant to commit to a subscription, TokyoTreat also offers an online mini-mart where individual items can be purchased.
Author Bio
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