Japanese Snacks Versus Snacks Abroad: What's the Difference?

One of the most jarring differences in the snack scene that tourists might notice on their first trip to Japan is often in KitKats, the iconic and universally beloved chocolate wafer. Almost everywhere else overseas, these KitKats come in standard chocolate varieties with only a few different flavors, but in Japan, KitKats come in a massive host of different flavors that range from bizarre to unique: flavors such as apple pie, sake, red bean, matcha, and more being just a sample of what you can find in the realm of Japanese KitKats.

But why are the available flavors so drastically different between Japan and abroad, and what other snacks are different overseas? Let’s take a look at some common examples between American and Japanese snacks!

KitKats

As mentioned above, KitKats in Japan come in a wide variety of flavors. The standard, year-round flavor lineup often consists of chocolate, matcha, and flavors like strawberry, but the biggest difference is in its seasonal and regional flavors: certain flavors, such as apple pie, wheat cookie, chocolate mint, and sakura are only available in their respective seasons with different, unique flavors also rotating in occasionally. Regional exclusives are also available, such as sake, peach, and more, with even banana and wasabi being found around Tokyo.

In the US, on the other hand, KitKats only come in chocolate varieties, irregularly receiving a special flavor or collaboration like caramel or cinnamon. Aside from the availability of flavors, US KitKats are significantly sweeter than their Japanese counterparts, with a noticeably thicker chocolate coating as well.

Oreo

An iconic American dessert classic, oreo sandwich cookies are another universally beloved brand with differences between the US and Japan. When it comes to flavors, the US beats Japan, with oreos getting the Japanese KitKat treatment by constantly getting new and unique seasonal and limited-edition flavors such as jelly donut, smores, blueberry pie, and more, with a standard flavor lineup that is also particularly unique featuring flavors like peanut butter pie, birthday cake, and more. US Oreos also have significantly more filling (including double, triple, and mega stuffed options), with a sweeter and more dense cookie as well.

Japanese oreos, on the other hand, come in smaller portions with slightly smaller and thinner cookies, and are less sweet than their Western counterparts. While the original flavor is generally similar, they are much more delicate with less cream than those found in America. When it comes to flavors, there are some varieties found in Japan, but they’re significantly fewer than those found abroad; mainly focusing on one or two seasonal flavors throughout the year for holiday seasons.

Pringles

The iconic, savory potato chip brand is similar in texture and presentation between the US and Japan, but the key difference lies in the available flavors and the portion sizes. In America, Pringles often come in their iconic, long tube box, while Pringles in Japan will come in smaller, stubbier tubes, in addition to slightly thinner crisps compared to those found in the US. The branding and mascot, however, are identical.

When it comes to flavors, the US typically has Pringles flavors that are the same as standard potato chips, with iconic flavors such as sour cream and onion, barbecue, and original. Japan, on the other hand, is more adventurous with their Pringles flavors; with supermarkets often being host to flavors such as wasabi, takoyaki, soy sauce, yakiniku, and more.


While the core of the food or brand is kept more or less intact with snacks between the United States and Japan, the biggest difference lies in the flavors and tastes between the two countries. Japanese tend to prefer less sweetness and more subtlety and delicacy with their flavors and textures, while the US tends to market more on bold, sugary flavors and textures. Japan also tends to place a heavier emphasis on seasonal and limited-edition flavors, with portion sizes also being noticeably smaller than those found in the United States.

Why not decide for yourself which version comes out on top? We have snacks available on our site that ship directly from Japan to you, so you can see and taste the difference in flavors and textures and find which version of iconic brands and snacks you prefer!