Popular Japanese Snacks: 15 Sweet Treats & 15 Savory Snacks to Try

Japan has a unique, intriguing history that mesmerizes even today’s world. One such thing is its Japanese snacks, which have a distinctive flavor you cannot experience anywhere else. Whether you are a snack lover or an enthusiast who wants to try different flavors to experience the taste and culture of the world, these snacks are heaven for your palette. Here are the most popular sweet and savory snacks you must try to feel the authentic Asian taste.

The tastiest Japanese snack is both sweet and salty. This unique amalgamation of flavor and texture makes it more popular among tourists and locals. Here are some sweet treats you must try to have an eccentric experience. 

Creamy chocolates infused with earthy matcha flavor offer the perfect mix of sweetness and bitterness for green tea enthusiasts seeking a rich, indulgent treat. This is one of the popular Japanese snacks that makes the snack lover go gaga over the texture and taste.

Chewy rice cakes filled with sweet surprises, such as red bean paste or fresh fruit, provide a soft texture and delightful sweetness in every bite. These rice cakes come in authentic Japanese flavors, making them more popular among tourists and locals.

Vibrantly flavored, fun-shaped candies resembling soda bottles or animals, these gummies bring playful textures and fruity bursts with every chew. Most of these gummies come in assorted flavors, so you can taste all the Japanese flavors in a single bag.

Biscuits are inspired by the popular melon-shaped bread. They offer a crisp exterior with a subtly sweet buttery interior. These biscuits are the ideal choice if you want to host a movie night, gather with friends, or have a family picnic. 

Thin biscuit sticks coated in luscious flavors, such as strawberry, chocolate, or almond crush, deliver a satisfying crunch and sweetness. These sticks are so delicious that you cannot stop devouring the whole bag once you start.

Smooth and creamy hard candies crafted from Hokkaido milk offer a melt-in-your-mouth richness that delights. These small yet flavorful candies are the perfect treat during a road trip or hiking. 

Soft, buttery cookies infused with the distinctive earthy tones of matcha are perfect for tea time or as a comforting snack. Whether planning a picnic or a get-together with your friends, these cookies are a must-have.

Bite-sized replicas of the classic fish-shaped cake, filled with flavors like custard, chocolate, or red bean for a portable treat. These cakes are so soft and fluffy that you might eat a tasty cloud. 

Delicately crisp wafers with rich, fruity strawberry cream offer a light yet indulgent snack experience. This is the ideal sweet snack for people who love strawberries in any form.

Sweet, smooth, and subtly flavored, this jelly-like dessert made from red bean paste is a traditional Japanese favorite. These juggle jelly candies are famous among kids and adults alike. 

Fruity, chewy, and irresistibly juicy, these candies are known for their intense flavors and satisfying texture. Put one in your mouth, and it will melt immediately, giving it a sweet, juicy flavor that instantly takes you to heaven.

Effervescent and tangy, these hard candies mimic the bubbly fun of Japan's iconic Ramune soda. These ramune candies are a bit hard to make, so they are not recommended for kids. However, adults can thoroughly enjoy these candies. 

Light and aromatic, these snacks capture the essence of cherry blossoms with delicate floral notes and subtle sweetness. If you like floral scents and sweet taste, this snack is perfect for you. 

A harmonious blend of chewy rice cake and rich, creamy chocolate for a unique textural and flavor combination. This is the most tasty blend you can find in all of the Japanese snack range. 

These iconic Japanese cookies are buttery biscuits filled with smooth white chocolate. They are a perfect balance of texture and sweetness. The authentic Japanese touch makes these cookies stand out, making you eat more with each bite.

Not everyone likes sweet snacks. For such people, we have brought a list of the best Japanese snacks with savory, umami flavor that gives instant pleasure. Here is a list of famous savory snacks you must taste once in a lifetime.

Senbei (Rice Crackers)

Crispy rice crackers flavored with soy sauce or wrapped in seaweed offer a satisfying crunch and savory umami taste that pairs perfectly with tea or sake. With soup or ramen, these rice crackers give the perfect crunch that enhances the flavors to a great extent.

Takoyaki Flavored Chips 

These chips capture the savory essence of takoyaki, blending rich umami flavors with hints of octopus, sauce, and mayo for a unique snacking experience. Chips are always popular among snack lovers, but these Japanese chips have another fan base all over the world.

Kaki no Tane

A spicy mix of crescent-shaped rice crackers and peanuts, this snack delivers a delightful crunch with a zesty, salty kick. A perfect munching choice during long trips and movie nights, Kaki no Tane has no other competition so far.

Seaweed Sheets

Thin, roasted nori sheets that are light and crispy, offering a subtly salty and oceanic flavor for a guilt-free snack. You can enjoy these sheets with anything you like: rice, soup, sashimi, or sushi.

Wasabi Peas

Crunchy peas coated in fiery wasabi seasoning bring a sharp heat balanced with a nutty undertone. It is an ideal snack for people who love spicy food.

Shrimp Chips

These airy, crispy chips are infused with prawn flavor, perfect for lovers of seafood-inspired snacks. For all seafood lovers, these chips are ideal for fulfilling your midnight craving to the fullest.

Miso Ramen Snacks

Crunchy ramen noodles with a savory miso seasoning, these snacks double as an instant flavor boost for soups or salads. Pair your ramen noodles with egg, seaweed sheets, and shrimp chips, and have the best meal of your life at your home.

Soy Sauce Popcorn

Classic popcorn enhanced with the rich, salty umami of soy sauce, making it an addictive twist on a movie-night favorite. Japanese soy sauce has a unique taste, giving this popcorn the most scrumptious texture you cannot forget forever.

Ebi Senbei

Light and delicate rice crackers flavored with shrimp provide a subtle seafood taste and an airy crunch. These rice crackers can also be served as a starter for your upcoming Christmas dinner to give your guests a unique Asian experience.

Curry-flavored Snacks 

Chips or puffs infused with aromatic Japanese curry spices offer a warm, mildly sweet, and savory flavor. Japanese curry is different and more flavorful than Indian or Thai curries. Snacks infused with Japanese curies will make you feel like a warm hug from Mom.

Dried Squid Strips

Chewy and salty, these strips are a quintessential Japanese treat with a seafood punch. They are ideal for pairing with beer. Have these strips on your next boys' trip or BBQ party, and enjoy the best time of your life.

Potato Sticks 

Thin, crispy sticks with bold flavors like butter, cheese, or wasabi offer a versatile snack for any occasion. These potato sticks have the most eccentric texture that melts in your mouth, making you feel happy for a long time.

Teriyaki-flavored Corn Puffs 

Sweet and savory corn puffs glazed with teriyaki sauce for a rich, umami-packed bite. Teriyaki is a blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, giving corn puffs a tasty aftertaste making you want more with every puff.

Pickled Plum Snacks

Tangy and salty with a slight hint of sweetness, these snacks deliver the bold flavor of Japanese umeboshi in a portable form. Japanese treats mostly have umami flavor, a blend of every taste, giving each snack a unique flavor that remains with the people forever.

Soba Snack Mix

This crunchy mix of roasted buckwheat noodles seasoned with soy sauce is perfect for a light, savory nibble. Soba is a traditional Japanese noodle you can make with any flavor and seasoning you like and enjoy a warm bowl of love at home.

This is just a tiny sampling of the many delicious Japanese snacks available. So, next time you're looking for a new and exciting treat, explore the world of Japanese sweet and savory treats! From melt-in-your-mouth rice cakes to savory shrimp chips, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

If you want a source for all these snacks online, contact Matches Food now! Sourced from authentic places, our online Asian snack store contains snacks that make your evening or gathering the most flavorful and memorable. Visit us now to get your favorite snack delivered to your doorstep!