Anyone looking to buy Asian snacks will soon come across dozens of types of Japanese chocolate, Korean biscuits and eye-catching limited editions. The packaging often looks appealing, but taste, quantity, shelf life and allergens can vary considerably. A few practical checks can help prevent an interesting snack from being left untouched in the cupboard.
Words such as matcha, strawberry, milk chocolate or “special edition” sound appealing. However, the intensity can vary from one product to another. In a matcha snack, for example, matcha may appear alongside white chocolate, sugar and milk ingredients. That does not automatically mean you will get a distinctly bitter tea flavour.
That is why it is worth checking the ingredients list. If matcha powder or strawberry powder appears relatively low down the list, the emphasis may be more on chocolate and sweetness than on the advertised flavour.
A pack containing several bags or bars is convenient for sharing, giving as a gift or keeping in the cupboard. However, check the total net weight and the number of portions. Nine small KitKat sticks weighing 104.4 grams in total are a different purchase format from twelve 55-gram boxes.
Compare the price per 100 grams and check whether each portion is individually wrapped. This is practical when you are out and about, but it is not necessarily better value.
Some imported Japanese snacks have a limited remaining shelf life. For Nestlé KitKat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate, the product information specifically says that you should check the best-before date on the packaging. Chocolate can also become soft in warm conditions. According to the product information, a white bloom after melting and setting again may be caused by changes to the fats; this can make the appearance and taste less appealing.
That is why chocolate and wafers should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Always follow the information on the packaging, especially for seasonal products and limited editions.
First decide what you are looking for:
Do not focus only on the flavour name, but also consider the product itself. A wafer consists of layers of crisp biscuit, while Pepero consists of biscuit sticks with a coating. The texture is therefore different, even when both products contain chocolate.
Small packs are convenient for individual use. The 104.4-gram KitKat varieties contain nine individually wrapped sticks. This makes them suitable for a tasting session, lunch box or sharing.
For a family, party or gift, a larger pack may make more sense. Bourbon Alfort Mini Vanilla White, for example, is offered as twelve 55-gram packs. With multipacks, always check whether the stated quantity refers to product units, boxes or portions.
Always check the full packaging before buying. The supplied product information lists wheat, milk, soya, almonds, peanuts, coconut and nuts, among other ingredients. Cross-contamination may also be mentioned. A halal statement, such as the one provided for certain Lotte Pepero products, does not replace checking the ingredients list against your personal dietary requirements.
Nutritional values are also useful for comparison. For example, Nestlé KitKat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate contains 543 kilocalories and 50 grams of sugars per 100 grams. Lotte Pepero Snowy Almond lists 525 kilocalories and 35 grams of sugars per 100 grams. Use these figures to compare portions and products, not as a health claim.
Why it suits this profile: A small pack is an easy way to try Korean snacks without immediately buying a large supply. The sticks are suitable for a short sweet break or for sharing.
The 32-gram weight makes the portion size clear. However, check the date and allergens on the packaging before ordering.
Crisp biscuit sticks, a chocolate coating and a compact format. According to the product information, the snack is made in South Korea.
Why it suits this profile: For matcha chocolate lovers who want to try a Japanese version with several individual portions.
The product page states the country of origin as Japan, the quantity as nine sticks and the total weight. Due to the short shelf life, check the best-before date.
White chocolate, matcha powder and crisp wafer; individually wrapped and suitable for sharing.
Why it suits this profile: The twelve individual packs are practical for keeping in stock, treating people, sharing in the office or putting into several gift bags.
The number of packs and the weight per pack are clearly stated. This makes it easier to compare the supply with individual chocolate snacks.
Twelve 55-gram packs, with vanilla white chocolate and ingredients such as wheat, milk and soya.
Why it suits this profile: An eye-catching combination of white chocolate, strawberry and wafer is ideal for a gift hamper or tasting session featuring Japanese treats.
The packaging states that there are nine portions and 104.4 grams. Check the best-before date, as the product information describes this as a seasonal version.
Crisp wafer, strawberry juice and freeze-dried strawberry pieces according to the product description; individually wrapped.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Would you like to compare several Asian treats? Combine different textures and flavour profiles:
This will help you discover more quickly which flavours you prefer. Store opened packs in an airtight container and keep chocolate away from moisture, strong odours and sources of heat.
You can search online by country, brand, flavour and size. Pay particular attention to the product description, country of origin, net contents, allergens and best-before information. Search terms such as Japanese snacks, Korean snacks, Lotte Pepero and KitKat Matcha can help you compare products more effectively.
Small multipacks and individually wrapped bars are practical for a gift hamper or tasting session. If you are unsure, choose different flavour profiles, such as matcha, strawberry, vanilla and almond. Check the allergens and remaining shelf life in advance, especially if the gift will not be given straight away.
Store chocolate snacks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Products such as Mars Ice Cream Bars are an exception: according to the product information, they must be stored at -18 °C. Always check the label of the specific product, as storage requirements can vary between snacks.