This month we embarked on a journey to the tropical islands of Okinawa and were enveloped in the vibrant and unique culture. We hope you are enjoying the delectable snacks in the Festivals of Okinawa box. Below find your premium snack that was included to learn more and access the allergy information.
Sakura Warabimochi
By Tsuruya Confectionery (Osaka)
Common Allergens: N/A
May Contain Traces Of: Orange, Soy, Dairy, Egg, Peach, Sesame, Apple, Gelatin
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
This soft traditional Japanese dessert crafted by the makers at Tsuruya Confectionery brings a floral burst of elegance to your palate. Infused with the sweet taste of cherry blossom honey, each refreshing bite is a reminder of breezy spring days.
Hyoroku Mochi
By Seika Foods (Kagoshima)
Common Allergens: Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
This exquisitely soft and elastic mochi boasts the bold flavors of seaweed, green tea, and white bean paste. Its packaging and name are inspired by “The Tale of Hyoroku’s Dreams”, a highly acclaimed Japanese story of a man hunting wild mischievous foxes.
Chocolate Mochi
By Seika Confectionery (Kagoshima)
Common Allergens: Dairy, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: N/A
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Decadent chocolate is intricately kneaded into this traditional Japanese classic to create the perfect Valentine’s day treat. Each mochi is wrapped in an edible paper.
Mikan Jelly
By Morihaku Confectionery (Gifu)
Common Allergens: Orange
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Egg, Wheat, Almond, Sesame, Soy, Apple, Peach, Gelatin
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Mikan, a type of mandarin orange, is favored in Japan during the winter months for its refreshing sweet and tart balance. One popular winter pastime involves gathering around the family kotatsu (a low, heated table) and peeling open fresh mikan. This mikan jelly is made from the juice of mikans from Kishu. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea.
Red Ginger Mame
By Takuma Foods (Aichi)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Peanuts
May Contain Traces Of: Egg, Dairy, Shrimp, Crab
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
These crunchy morsels tempt the tastebuds the moment they are placed on the tongue. The tangy red ginger shell is beautifully balanced with the savory and salty peanuts inside.
Osaka Chiyoko
By Amidaike Daikoku (Osaka)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Egg, Peanuts
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Starting as early as the 8th century, travelers would try okoshi, crushed millet treats, in Osaka and buy them as souvenirs. Here, Amidaike Daikoku has flavored their okoshi with white chocolate and raisins, creating their renowned Osaka Chiyoko. The umbrella on the packaging, inspired by the yellow umbrellas in Osaka, reminds one of the ever-adored aiaigasa symbol in Japanese culture.
Vanilla Hime Kagami
By Kawachi Surugaya (Osaka)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Dairy, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: N/A
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Creamy vanilla filling sits encased between two crisp waffle-inspired wafers to create this decadent cookie sandwich from Osaka’s Kawachi Surugaya.
Chestnut Kanoko
By Morihaku Confectionery (Gifu)
Common Allergens: N/A
May Contain Traces Of: Wheat, Dairy, Egg, Orange, Apple, Peach, Soy, Sesame, Almond, Gelatin
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
This jelly, called kanoko, hails from Gifu prefecture. Its warm, golden color gives a hint to the earthy, lightly sweet taste of the jelly. At the bottom of the jelly you’ll find a candied chestnut surrounded by azuki beans sourced from Hokkaido.
Mini Millet Okoshi
By Nissin Foods (Nara)
Common Allergens: Sesame
May Contain Traces Of: Soy, Peanuts
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Starting as far back as the 8th century, this treat was used as an iconic omiyage, or souvenir, for travelers in the Kansai region. This okoshi from Nissin Foods has a perfectly balanced taste of ginger infused in its millet.
Mayonnaise Arare
By Takahashi Shokuhin (Osaka)
Common Allergens: Sesame, Shrimp, Egg, Soy, Dairy, Apple
May Contain Traces Of: Wheat, Crab
Vegetarian Friendly: No
The bold flavors of savory shrimp, nutty sesame, and the ocean’s essence of seaweed are expertly blended together with rich mayonnaise to create this arare. Light and crispy, these arare are the perfect snack for traveling.
Kuromitsu Kinako Mochi
By Tengudo Takarabune (Hokkaido)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Milk, Walnut, Sesame, Apple, Almond
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido, endures harsh and snowy winters. The Hokkaido-based makers at Tengudo Takarabune have crafted a kinako (soybean flour) mochi to warm the soul and wrapped it in a kuromitsu, or brown sugar, edible wrapping.
Sakura Karinto
By Kimura (Kumamoto)
Common Allergens: Wheat
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Egg, Peanuts, Buckwheat
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
This crunchy confection crafted with delicate cherry leaves brings a gentle and sweet flavor to your palate. The aroma of cherry blossoms adds to its charm, offering a sensory experience that is both tranquil and delightful.
Sakura Cookie
By Shoeido Confectionery (Hyogo)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Egg
May Contain Traces Of: Soy, Orange, Peach, Apple, Gelatin, Almond, Sesame
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
These crisp and crunchy cookies are carefully made with cherry blossoms and Hokkaido wheat, giving them sweetness and a golden brown color with hints of pink.
Shiso Senbei
By Sakurado (Niigata)
Common Allergens: N/A
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Egg, Wheat, Shrimp, Soy, Sesame, Squid
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
These bite-sized pink rice crackers are dipped in premium Japanese sugar and shiso before being finished with a Nanko pickled plum powder. The fresh aroma of shiso leaves wonderfully compliments the crackers’ sweet and sour taste.
Sakura Leaf Senbei
By Kato Confectionery (Aichi)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Shrimp, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Crab, Egg, Peanuts, Buckwheat
Vegetarian Friendly: No
This crunchy confection crafted with delicate cherry leaves brings a gentle and sweet flavor to your palate. The aroma of cherry blossoms adds to its charm, offering a sensory experience that is both tranquil and delightful.
Sakura Konpeito
By Matsumoto Confectionery (Osaka)
Common Allergens: N/A
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Wheat, Egg, Peanuts, Shrimp
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
The pink hue of these konpeito is inspired by the delicate petals of the sakura flower. The crisp, crunchy texture and gentle sweetness of each piece make for the perfect treat to enjoy during a picnic.
Hana Warabimochi
By Yukio (Kyoto)
Common Allergens: N/A
May Contain Traces Of: Milk, Wheat, Orange, Kiwi, Peach, Apple, Banana, Walnut, Egg, Soy, Japanese Yam, Gelatin, Sesame, Cashew, Almond
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Warabimochi originated in the Kansai region of Japan during the Edo period and was initially made as an offering to the gods at Shinto shrines. Delight in the exquisite taste and texture of salted cherry blossoms nestled in this bouncy warabimochi, the perfect snack to enjoy under the night sky.
Ume Salt and Vinegar Senbei
By Sanshu Confectionery (Saitama)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Egg, Shrimp
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Slow-pickled Nanko plums from the verdant fields of Kishu form the base of the seasoning, lending their rich flavor to a crispy, deep-fried rice cracker. The refreshing sourness of vinegar pairs perfectly with the umami essence of pickled plums, creating a unique and satisfying taste experience.
Tetra Pon
By Matsumoto Confectionery (Osaka)
Common Allergens: N/A
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Egg, Peanuts, Wheat, Shrimp
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Adorned with charming cherry blossom packaging, each colorful bite of these Tetra Pon evokes the freshness and beauty of spring.
Ichigo Mochi Manju
By Nakamuraya (Saitama)
Common Allergens: Egg, Wheat, Dairy, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: N/A
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Enclosed under the surface of this delectable manju sits a soft, pillow mochi. Tucked away in the mochi’s center, you’ll find a strawberry red bean paste infused with the juice of Japanese strawberries. It is the perfect bite.
Shine Muscat Jelly
By Kuniwa Sangyo (Okayama)
Common Allergens: N/A
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Peach, Apple, Gelatin
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
This treat is crafted from the finest Okayama-grown Shine Muscat grape, certified as “The Fruit of Okayama” by Japan’s Chamber of Commerce. The makers at Kuniwa Sangyo have infused this jelly with liqueur from the famous fruit to give it its sweet taste and heavenly fragrance.
Ibaraki Melon Jelly
By Kyoto Takara Confectionery (Shiga)
Common Allergens: Dairy
May Contain Traces Of: Wheat, Egg, Shrimp, Peanuts
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Made with melon juice from Ibaraki, this refreshingly sweet melon jelly is perfect for those hotter autumn days. Pairs well with cakes and a cup of tea.
Bekko Ame
By Yashu Takamura (Tochigi)
Common Allergens: N/A
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Wheat, Soy, Apple
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
This traditional candy has been sold during festivals across Japan for centuries. The makers at Yashu Takamura have artfully and uniquely crafted each piece to resemble Japanese motifs. Inside its colorful packaging you’ll find figures in the shape of maneki-neko (beckoning cat), Mt. Fuji, a cherry blossom, sumo wrestler, and a daruma doll.
Kokutou Konjac Warabimochi
By Eishindo (Hyogo)
Common Allergens: Soy (kinako powder)
May Contain Traces Of: N/A
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this exquisite warabimochi. Crafted with care, this slightly sweet delicacy is infused with kokutou (brown sugar) and made with konjac flour for a unique texture. To enhance its taste, sprinkle the finest kinako powder on top, adding a touch of nuttiness to this delectable dessert. Savor every bite of this enchanting confection that beautifully combines tradition and innovation.