[Review] J-Snacks - Home Delivery edition!
It was like a dream come true when Steven from JapaneseTreats.com contacted me to review a new snack service they've started up!
Pretty simple -- sign up for a subscription, and get a variety of snacks direct from Japan. When I say from Japan, I mean delivered from Japan - to anywhere in the world.
Man, where was this service when I was away at college?!
Upon opening the box, there is a sheet of paper that names and explains each of the goodies contained inside, in English.
More info can be found at their blog, including their own reviews of some new and trendy snacks in Japan.
Now, on to the snacks!
In my box, there was a nice variety of both sweet and savory goodies. Some of the items, I was familiar with and if you live in an area with a Japanese market, you may recognize like the Kino no Ko no Yama or the Japanese Kit Kat. Some items I remember during my time in Japan, like Ju-C and Tabekko Doubutsu Zoo crackers. Others, I'd never tried before, like the Kyabetsu Taro or Fortune Telling Candy.
Without going too much in detail about each -- leave a comment below if there is a particular snack you are curious about -- my favorites were the Kyabetsu Taro corn puffs and Maze Maze Drink jellybeans. The corn puffs have the consistency of slightly airy cheez-balls, with a slightly sweet and tangy takoyaki sauce flavor.
The Ma-ze Ma-ze Drink jellybeans come with a variety of 5 different "fountain drink" flavors like cider, cola, orange, grape, and white grape. On the back of the packaging is a chart to "mix" the drink flavors to create new flavors. (Like how Jelly Bellys in the US have recipes. Same thing.)
★ Super Cider + White Grape = Melon Soda
★ Orange + Super Cider = Gold Cider
★ White Grape + 2 Grape = Super Grape
★ Grape + Orange + White Grape + Super Cider = Ultra Fruit Punch
★ Cola + White Grape + Super Cider + Orange + Grape = "Cho" Final Miracle Cider
Yes, A Miracle Cider ... It must be tried to believed.
And the flavors are all really quite good when chewed together. :D This item is totally on my to-buy list should I ever come across it states-side. :3
It took me a few weeks, but I've tasted/finished off most of the snacks and aside from maybe the Chocobi stars (which were not really "chocolatey", maybe a bit "Cocoa Puffs-like"?) I've liked just about all of them. I'm currently carrying the tube of grape Ju-C tabs in my backpack for those times when I need a sugary pick-me-up. :D
While some of the items may be "snack-sized," it's really a nice opportunity to expand your snacking horizons and become a true J-snack-seur.
Currently the service is $22 per month, which includes shipping direct from Japan, world-wide. They look to be expanding their service to include a snack shop on their site as well! I'm looking forward to it!
Sounds awesome? Check out their site: JapaneseTreats.com or read up on some of the latest box goodies and snack news at their blog.
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