Japan Rankings
Japan's frozen food market has exploded in recent years, offering a wide variety of delicious, high-quality options for busy households and curious foodies alike.
Whether you're planning a trip to Japan or just want to learn more about Japanese food culture, here's the definitive 2024 ranking of the top-selling frozen food items across the country, with insights into why each one is so popular.
Why it's popular: Juicy pork filling, crispy pan-fried skin, and a "no oil, no water" cooking method make these dumplings a household favorite.
Where to buy: Available in any Japanese supermarket like Aeon, Seiyu, or Don Quijote.
Tip: Pair with rice and dipping sauce (soy sauce + vinegar + chili oil) for a quick meal.
Why it's popular: Smoky flavor, restaurant-quality texture, and generous portions of egg, pork, and vegetables.
Where to buy: Found in the freezer section of most convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Lawson.
Tip: Heat in a frying pan for better texture than microwave.
Why it's popular: Known for its crispy "wings" and garlic-rich filling.
Where to buy: Widely available in supermarkets and some international sections.
Tip: Best served with beer!
Why it's popular: Juicy fried chicken with soy-garlic marinade. A staple in bentos (lunch boxes).
Where to buy: Supermarkets, convenience stores.
Tip: Try it in a sandwich or rice bowl.
Why it's popular: Creamy, cheesy comfort food in a mini tray.
Where to buy: Common in grocery stores and department store food halls.
Tip: Serve as a side with steak or salad.
Why it's popular: Convenient for kids' lunches and easy portion control.
Where to buy: Freezer section, especially near kids' food.
Tip: Add demi-glace sauce or cheese for extra flavor.
Why it's popular: Sweet-savory glaze and soft texture make it a hit with all ages.
Where to buy: Regional grocery chains and online.
Tip: Use in bento boxes or serve with noodles.
Why it's popular: A mix of traditional side dishes (nimono, hijiki, etc.) in a convenient tray.
Where to buy: Common in supermarkets and some import shops.
Tip: Great for trying classic Japanese flavors at home.
Why it's popular: Chewy, thick noodles with authentic taste.
Where to buy: Everywhere! Even 100-yen shops.
Tip: Just boil and serve with dipping sauce or in soup.
Why it's popular: Crispy breading and creamy shrimp filling make this a seafood lover’s dream.
Where to buy: Grocery stores, often in the bento filler section.
Tip: Perfect as a sandwich filling or party snack.
Japan’s frozen food industry has evolved from basic preservation to gourmet-quality convenience.
Innovations in freezing technology, consumer trust in food safety, and busy lifestyles have led to a boom in ready-made meals.
Schools, office workers, and parents rely on these products for everyday meals, especially bentos.
Japan holds an annual “Frozen Food Day” on October 18, based on a play on numbers (10 = "tou", 18 = "rei"), which sounds like "tōrei" (冷凍) — meaning frozen.
If you're traveling to Japan, exploring the frozen aisle can be a fun and affordable way to experience authentic Japanese flavors without needing to dine out every night. Plus, it's a unique souvenir idea: some international airports have shops selling frozen Japanese meals to take home!
