Top 10 Japanese Rice Crackers (Senbei) You Can Find in Supermarkets
Japan is famous for its delicious and diverse snacks, and senbei (Japanese rice crackers) are among the most beloved treats. These crispy, savory, and sometimes sweet snacks have been a staple in Japanese households for centuries.
If you're visiting Japan and want to try some authentic senbei, you're in luck! You can easily find these popular rice crackers in supermarkets across the country.
Here’s our ranking of the Top 10 Japanese Senbei You Can Buy in Supermarkets, perfect for both locals and tourists alike.
This iconic snack combines spicy rice crackers with peanuts, offering a crunchy and addictive experience. It’s a favorite beer snack in Japan and comes in various flavors, including wasabi, cheese, and ume (plum). Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors
Great with drinks, especially beer
Comes in convenient snack-size packs
2. Iwatsuka Seika Aji Shirabe (岩塚製菓 味しらべ)
Aji Shirabe is a light and crispy rice cracker with a delicate sweet and salty coating. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it a popular choice among all age groups. Why You’ll Love It:
Unique sweet and salty taste
Light and airy texture
Easy to snack on anytime
3. Sanko Seika Yuki no Yado (三幸製菓 雪の宿)
This senbei is known for its creamy, sugary coating that contrasts beautifully with the slightly salty rice cracker base. It’s a favorite among those who enjoy a mix of sweet and savory flavors. Why You’ll Love It:
This isn’t a traditional hard senbei but a super light, airy, and powdery rice cracker flavored with kinako (roasted soybean flour). It literally melts in your mouth! Why You’ll Love It:
Extremely soft and delicate texture
Delicious nutty kinako flavor
Great for those who prefer less crunchy snacks
5. Kameda Seika Happy Turn (亀田製菓 ハッピーターン)
Happy Turn is famous for its special “Happy Powder,” a secret sweet-and-savory seasoning that keeps people coming back for more. It’s highly addictive and a favorite among kids and adults alike. Why You’ll Love It:
Unique umami-packed seasoning
Light, crispy, and easy to eat
A nostalgic favorite for many Japanese people
6. Kameda Seika Potapota Yaki (亀田製菓 ぽたぽた焼)
Potapota Yaki is a nostalgic senbei with a classic soy sauce and sugar glaze, giving it a slightly chewy texture in the center while remaining crispy on the outside. Why You’ll Love It:
Traditional taste with a balance of sweetness and umami
Slightly chewy yet crispy texture
A great choice for those who love classic Japanese flavors
7. Kameda Seika Teshioya (亀田製菓 手塩屋)
Teshioya is a thick, lightly salted senbei with a satisfying crunch. Unlike the sweeter varieties, this one focuses on the pure umami of quality rice and a subtle salty flavor. Why You’ll Love It:
Thick and crunchy texture
Simple yet flavorful salt seasoning
Perfect for those who love pure rice cracker taste
8. Sanko Seika Parinko (三幸製菓 ぱりんこ)
Parinko is a mild, lightly salted rice cracker with a gentle crispiness. It’s not too hard, making it a great choice for children and those who prefer a softer crunch. Why You’ll Love It:
Mild salt flavor that isn’t overpowering
Easy to eat with a balanced crunch
A great everyday snack
9. Iwatsuka Seika Kuromame Senbei (岩塚製菓 黒豆せんべい)
Kuromame Senbei is a traditional-style rice cracker featuring whole black soybeans baked into it, adding a nutty flavor and extra crunch. Why You’ll Love It:
Nutty and roasted black soybean flavor
Hearty and crunchy texture
A more traditional, health-conscious snack
10. Mochikichi Marude Koge Sen (もち吉 まるでこげ煎)
This extra-crispy rice cracker is well-loved for its deep soy sauce flavor and slightly burnt (koge) finish. It delivers an intense umami punch in every bite. Why You’ll Love It:
Deep-roasted soy sauce flavor
Extra-crunchy texture
Perfect for those who love bold, smoky tastes
Where to Buy These Senbei?
All of these senbei can be found in major Japanese supermarkets such as:
Aeon (イオン)
Seiyu (西友)
Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ)
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson (for smaller packs)
Local department store food sections
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a fan of classic soy sauce-flavored senbei or prefer something sweet and mild, Japan’s supermarkets have a huge variety of rice crackers to choose from. These Top 10 senbei are not only popular among Japanese locals but are also excellent souvenirs for tourists wanting to bring home an authentic taste of Japan.
Next time you visit Japan, don’t forget to grab a bag (or two) of these delicious rice crackers!
Which senbei are you excited to try? Let us know in the comments!