A Sweet Adventure: Exploring the World of Japanese Candy

Ava Johnson
4 min readJul 27, 2023

Are you a candy connoisseur? If so, we have the perfect candidate to test your tastebuds — Japanese candies! Anyone with a sweet tooth has got to check out the list we’ve created.

From the popular KitKats to a variety of tantalising pocky sticks, Japan has a wide variety of candies to offer that aren’t just lip-smacking but also visually appealing. Whether you are a candy lover or just someone who is curious to try something new, Japanese candy will not disappoint.

Japanese culture offers some instantly recognisable brands that you may remember from your childhood. Offering a range of high-quality candies, there are new releases every month. And let us tell you a secret… Japanese candies are a favourite for all age groups!

So what makes Japanese candy so irresistible? In this article, we will explore the top reasons why Japanese candies are still ranked higher among other candies in the world.

Why Is Japanese Candy So Good?

For years, we’ve seen chocolate flavour candies widely available across the globe and their popularity has remained constant. However, Japan has taken this a notch further, pushing the envelope for creativity, offering an exquisite range of flavours you’ve never tried before, ranging from traditional matcha to sweet strawberries and even wasabi.

What makes these flavours even more special is the fact that they are exclusive to Japan and difficult to find in other countries. Furthermore, the diverse taste and textures offered by these candies are something you’ve never witnessed before, distinguishing them from regular candies.

In addition to this, Japanese manufacturers have gone above and beyond when it comes to packaging their chocolates. More often than not, you will notice their packaging sporting exciting designs, bursts of colours and even creative illustrations.

  • Lip Smacking Flavours

What makes Japanese candies stand out from the rest is the sheer variety of flavours. From gummy candies such as Hi-Chews to a sea of mouth-watering flavours when it comes to KitKat, there is something for all taste buds.

The uniqueness and diversity of these candies have been the primary reason for their popularity across the world. In fact, Japan offers more than 100 flavours of just chocolate-covered wafer bars. This includes chocolate orange or the introduction of Japan’s infamous green tea, Matcha.

If you are a KitKat lover, then the Japanese variations will leave you speechless. Some of their exciting releases include a Mount Fuji-shaped strawberry cheesecake pack and Whole Wheat biscuit which have been an absolute hit among candy lovers! Perfect for gamers who need a snack every now and then — keep these munchies stored in your gaming lockers for a mid game sugar treat!

Besides that, their experiential KitKat chocolate stores offer limited edition releases such as a ‘Whisky Barrel Aged’ bar, combining Ghanaian cacao with Islay-originated whisky. Such irresistible flavours and unique combinations are the reason why Japan is a paradise for candy lovers.

  • Endless Variety

Another key reason why Japanese candy is so popular is the multitude of flavoured candies and iconic confectionary brands available. A classic example is the Mochi candy, where the Japanese rice cake popularly known as mochi, is transformed into a candy that is soft and chewy.

If you love chewy candies, then the variety of gummies available is endless! From the Bandai DIY Super Mario Maker Gummy set to a wide variety of Hi-Chew fruit chews, there is something for all ages and palettes.

Japanese candy never shies away from creating and combining new flavours. For instance, Bourbon’s Fettuccine gummi is a speciality that can only be found in the Japanese market. These candies are shaped like fettuccine pasta and made with utmost care using real fruit juice. They are available in different flavours such as Kiwi, Pineapple, Amaou strawberry, and peach.

  • Quality And Healthy Ingredients

A differentiating factor for Japanese candies is their high-quality and carefully sourced ingredients. Most of their candies are made with natural and fresh fruit juices that cater to both sweet and sour palettes.

Additionally, the usage of premium ingredients gives these candies a distinct and delicious taste that is hard to replicate in other countries.

Do you have a sweet tooth but still gravitate towards healthier candies? Then we present the Kinosei candies! Aside from being irresistibly yummy, they offer a wide range of health benefits such as clearing a sore throat to radiant skin. Likewise, Kasugai beauty candy is made with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and collagen, which are key ingredients for radiant and nourished skin.

To Sum It Up

Japan’s longstanding history of producing sweets and chocolate is a testament to the finest quality and variety that it has to offer. In fact, Japan’s oldest chocolate brand, Meiji has been around since 1918 with over 130 chocolate ranges. Since then, Japanese candies have come a long way in terms of unique flavours and exquisite packaging.

Their extensive knowledge coupled with innovation and uniqueness makes Japan the prime destination for candy lovers across the globe. In addition to this, spectacular flavours and abundant choices make Japanese candies a favourite for all age groups. Thanks to its exciting packaging and hard-to-find flavours, it’s no wonder that Japanese candies are a tough competitor after all these years!

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