All About Japan

Popular Imported Snacks in Japan

Food & Drink Sweets

While Japan has its own impressive array of sweets and snacks, if you think overseas offerings have no traction in Japan you might need to think again! In fact, quite a few foreign snacks are among the top Japanese snacks of all time! However, they often need to adapt strategically to match the local market!

5. Ritz Crackers (US)

5. Ritz Crackers (US)

http://netton.kokubu.jp/shop/g/g4903015160201/

You might discover something a little different when you bit into certain versions of Ritz crackers in Japan—because they have cheese sandwiched inside! Of course, you can get the regular version here, too, but why not go for something a little adventurous?

4. Pringles (US)

4. Pringles (US)

http://netton.kokubu.jp/shop/g/g8886467102028/

Pringles in Japan might have the same mustache, but it's also been localized with with Japanese flavors like consomme and limited-edition special flavors from time to time. You might miss honey mustard, BBQ, nacho cheese and multigrain Pringles, but you'll quickly find that Japan doesn't really do health-conscious snacks. Just embrace your new options!

3. McVitie's (UK)

3. McVitie's (UK)

http://lohaco.jp/product/9705614/

While American snacks have certainly made inroads, British snacks like McVitie's have made it as well! There's a bit of added elegance to the local version, though, so you'll often find yourself paying about triple the price you'd pay in the U.K. However, you get individual packing for every three biscuits here and the option of vanilla cream flavor, so there are a few benefits you get in exchange!

2. Oreo (US)

2. Oreo (US)

http://www.citysweettooth.com/2014/11/12/mont-blanc-oreos-and-others-from-mitsuwa/

Culture is a very interesting thing: different countries look for different types of varieties in their snacks. To succeed in the Japanese snack industry, you have to be very colorful and flavorful, rich in colors on the package and in your flavors. One of the succeessful cases is definitely Oreo, which not only has more flavors but also more forms in Japan. Beyond the normal cream-filled cookies we have Oreo bars, soft Mont Blanc-flavored cookies and more!

1. Kit Kat (US)

1. Kit Kat (US)

http://www.kanpai-japan.com/sites/default/files/uploads/2015/06/kitkat-map-japan.jpg

Kit Kat tops the 'most successful snacks' list not only in the imported section, but also among Japanese snacks as a whole. The countless varieties of Kit Kat flavors have come to be a point of interest not only for Japanese people themselves, but also for people abroad astounded by all the options available! These variant Kit Kats are now viewed almost a Japanese snack in themselves rather than imports. We've tried matcha, wasabi, apple, rum raisin, pudding and red bean so far! How about you?