Japan Rankings
If you're visiting Japan and wondering what Japanese snacks are worth trying, you're in for a treat—literally! 🇯🇵 From salty to sweet, crispy to chewy, Japanese convenience stores and supermarkets are packed with unique and addictive snack foods that locals have loved for decades.
Here are 10 classic Japanese snacks (with English and Japanese names) that are easy to find, fun to eat, and make perfect souvenirs too!
These are Japan’s answer to Lay’s—but with a subtle and balanced flavor profile. The most popular ones are Lightly Salted (うすしお) and Consommé Punch (コンソメパンチ). Not too greasy, just crispy and addictively tasty.
🛒 Where to buy: Every supermarket, convenience store, or even 100-yen shop.
These chips are flavored with seaweed and salt—a very Japanese twist! Nori (dried seaweed) gives a rich umami taste that surprises many first-timers.
🍙 Tip: If you love seaweed, this is a must-try.
These crunchy potato sticks come in a cute cup-shaped container. Popular flavors include Salad and Cheese. They’re crunchy, fun to eat, and extremely popular with teenagers in Japan.
📦 Fun fact: Great for travel—no greasy fingers!
Spicy snack lovers, this one’s for you! These thin, spicy potato sticks are coated in chili powder for a mild but flavorful kick. It's not overwhelmingly hot, but definitely bold.
🔥 Try it with beer—you’ll thank us later.
A long, cylindrical corn puff that costs just 10 yen in Japan (around 7 cents). Available in wild flavors like Corn Potage, Teriyaki Burger, and even Natto (fermented soybeans). It's crunchy, light, and full of personality.
🎁 Perfect for souvenirs or party snacks.
Not actual corn kernels, but fluffy corn puffs with a sweet caramel glaze. They’re super light and slightly sticky, with a few roasted peanuts thrown in for contrast.
🍬 Pro tip: Sweet tooth? Start here.
A shrimp-flavored crunchy snack that’s been around since the 1960s. Made with real shrimp powder, it’s savory, salty, and incredibly addictive. The slogan literally says, “Can’t stop, won’t stop!”
🦐 A classic you’ll see in nearly every supermarket.
Despite the name, this is not actually from Sapporo. These thin, grill-shaped potato snacks are mildly smoky and sweet with a barbecue flavor. Kids especially love them!
👨👩👧👦 A great family-friendly snack.
Cone-shaped corn chips with a very light, toasty flavor. They’re often eaten by sticking them on your fingers (no joke). The most common flavor is Lightly Salted.
🔺 Fun to eat, light to digest.
A unique rice cracker coated in “Happy Powder”—a magical, slightly sweet and salty seasoning that fans are obsessed with. It's crunchy, lightly sweet, and totally addicting.
✨ Some stores even sell powder-only packs now!
The best part? You don’t need to go to specialty shops. These snacks are widely available at:
Japanese snack culture is diverse, fun, and full of surprises. These 10 classics are just the beginning—but they represent the soul of Japan’s snack history. Whether you're into salty, sweet, or savory, you’re bound to find your favorite.
Don’t leave Japan without trying at least a few of these!
Want a printable Japanese snack checklist for your next trip? Let me know—I can make one for you! 🍱
