Buying Japanese snacks: how to choose tasty treats without regret

Buying Japanese snacks in the Netherlands or Belgium can give you a surprising amount of choice. From Japanese sweets and Japanese chocolate to matcha snacks, mochi and bubble tea kits, the packaging often looks appealing. But the ingredients, shelf life and portion size matter more than the design.

So, look out for these three common pitfalls:

• A familiar brand name doesn’t tell you everything about where a product comes from. A product with a Japanese look may have been made elsewhere. Check the country of origin and the manufacturer.
• A striking flavour may not taste quite as you expect. Matcha, mint, strawberry and salted caramel each have a distinctive flavour profile. Read the product description and ingredients list before ordering several packs.
• Short shelf life can sometimes be overlooked. Chocolate and imported snacks in particular may have a limited shelf life remaining. Some products explicitly advise you to check the best-before date.

What should you look for when buying Japanese snacks?

1. Check the ingredients and allergens

The ingredients list matters more than claims such as “premium”, “authentic” or “original”. Pay particular attention to gluten, milk, soya, eggs, peanuts, nuts and sesame. Even if a product doesn’t list any of the 14 main EU allergens, it’s still a good idea to check the packaging you receive. Recipes and labels can change.

Examples from the range:

• According to the product information, Nestlé KitKat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate contains wheat, milk and soya. It is made using equipment that also handles eggs, almonds and sesame.
• Glico Pocky Choco Standard contains wheat, milk and soya.
• Tokimeki Bubble Tea Kit Cocoa Mocha contains milk, including from milk powder and sodium caseinate.
• Atom Japanese Chocolate Baum Cake contains wheat, eggs, milk and soya, and may contain traces of peanuts, nuts and sesame.

If you have a food allergy or intolerance, always use the label on the packaging you receive as your guide. Online information is useful for comparing products, but it doesn’t replace the current product label.

2. Compare size, portions and when you’ll enjoy them

A bag or box may look bigger than its actual contents. Check the net weight, number of pieces and individual portions. This makes it easier to compare Japanese biscuits, Japanese wafers and chocolate snacks fairly.

• KitKat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate contains 9 individually wrapped bars in 104.4 grams.
• Glico Pocky Rich Matcha comes in two bags of around 26.4 grams each in a 52.8-gram pack.
• Meito Pukupukutai is available as a small 16.5-gram portion.
• Royal Family Mochi Mint Chocolate Chip contains 120 grams and is designed as a chewy dessert snack.

Individually wrapped bars are handy for a treat at the office or a film night. If you want to try different flavours, it’s better to combine several smaller portions than to buy a large quantity of just one flavour.

3. Check storage instructions and remaining shelf life

Chocolate, wafers and mochi can be affected by heat and moisture. Store them as directed on the packaging, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Some mochi products need to be refrigerated after opening and eaten within the stated period.

Heat can cause chocolate products to discolour or change texture. For KitKat Gold, for example, the product information says that a white layer may appear if the product softens and then sets again. This is said to be caused by oil separation, and the flavour may also change slightly.

When your order arrives, check:

1. Whether the packaging is undamaged.
2. Whether the seal is intact.
3. The best-before or use-by date.
4. Whether you can store the product in the right place straight away.

Our recommendations by type of shopper

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Glico Pocky Choco Standard 46g

Why it suits this shopper: A small pack with a familiar combination of crunchy biscuit sticks and chocolate, making it a good choice for a first order.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The net weight of 46 grams makes the portion size clear upfront. The product information also lists the allergens present and storage conditions.

Main benefits and highlights

Crunchy biscuit stick, chocolate coating and a compact size. Contains wheat, milk and soya.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Nestle Kitkat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate 9 Pcs 104.4g

Why it suits this shopper: For fans of Japanese chocolate and matcha who want to share several individually wrapped pieces or enjoy them over time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack lists the number of bars, weight, ingredients and nutritional information. Do check the best-before date, as the product information indicates a short shelf life.

Main benefits and highlights

9 individually wrapped bars with white chocolate, matcha and a crunchy wafer. Contains wheat, milk and soya.

Suitable for: Specific occasions and regular users

Tokimeki Bubble Tea Kit Cocoa Mocha 255g

Why it suits this shopper: For anyone who wants more than a snack and would like to make bubble tea at home to share with others.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The set clearly states that it includes tapioca pearls, drink mix and creamer, so you don’t have to track down each item separately.

Main benefits and highlights

255 grams, with cocoa-matcha drink mix and tapioca pearls. Simple preparation instructions; contains milk.

Frequently asked questions about ordering Japanese treats online

Where can I buy Pocky?

You can buy Pocky in a range of flavours and sizes, including chocolate, cookies & cream, almond and matcha. Compare the weight, allergens, country of origin and shelf-life information for each product. That way, you can make a more informed choice than by looking at the packaging alone.

What should I look for when buying mochi?

When buying mochi, look at the texture, flavour, net weight and storage advice. Royal Family Mochi Mint Chocolate Chip contains 120 grams and combines a chewy mochi texture with mint and chocolate flavours. Once opened, follow the instructions on the packaging and use the product within the stated period.

Do Japanese snacks have a long shelf life?

It varies by product. Dry biscuits and biscuit sticks are generally easier to store than mochi or chocolate products that are sensitive to heat. Always check the date on the packaging, store snacks in a cool, dry place and avoid ordering more than you can use within a reasonable period.