What chocolate brands and products do you recommend in Japan? Prices and where to buy them
Many chocoholic foreigners may be interested in Japanese chocolate. In Japan, there are many delicious chocolates with a distinctive creamy flavor. In addition to chocolate itself, cookies and other chocolate-coated confections are also popular.
The price depends on the amount of contents, but some high-end chocolates are priced over 3,000 yen, while others are more affordable and can be enjoyed for less than 100 yen.
In this article, we will introduce the characteristics of Japanese chocolate, as well as eight carefully selected popular brands that we recommend. In addition, we will also introduce the prices and places to purchase recommended products that can be easily purchased at convenience stores and supermarkets, so please refer to this article if you are a foreigner who loves chocolate.
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Characteristics of Japanese Chocolate
Japanese chocolates have different characteristics depending on their type, but overall they have an appealing creamy taste. This can be attributed to the pursuit of a smooth, mellow mouthfeel that is well suited to the delicate Japanese palate.
Another characteristic of Japanese confectionery is that many cookies and cookies are coated with chocolate rather than the chocolate itself. These sweets are loved by many because of the perfect combination of the sweetness of chocolate and the crunchiness of cookies.
The price ranges widely depending on the quantity and quality of the contents. Some high-end chocolates cost more than 3,000 yen per box, but they are appreciated as gifts for loved ones as they are luxurious products that are particular about taste and ingredients. On the other hand, there are also many affordable chocolates available for 100 to 200 yen per bag, which can be enjoyed on a daily basis.
As you can see, Japanese chocolates have a creamy taste and a wide variety of lineups. Even for non-Japanese, this is a lineup of gems that you should definitely try at least once.
Eight popular chocolate brands and manufacturers recommended in Japan
Here we introduce a selection of recommended chocolate brands and manufacturers in Japan. Let us introduce you to a wide range of chocolates, from those readily available at supermarkets and convenience stores to luxury chocolates that can be purchased in stores or by mail order.
1. 'ROYCE' (Lloyd's)
ROYCE', a Hokkaido-based chocolate brand, is popular for its carefully crafted chocolates made by hand by artisans who are particular about the quality of the ingredients. In particular, the "Potato Chip Chocolate," which is made by coating potato chips with chocolate, has a perfect balance of sweet and salty, and once you try it, you will become addicted to the taste.
ROYCE' products are available at the official online store as well as at stores in Hokkaido. In addition to chocolates, cookies and other baked goods are also available, so if you have a sweet tooth, be sure to check them out.
ROYCE' products areclick here!
2. Meiji
Meiji" is a major Japanese manufacturer of chocolate and other confectionery, foods, and beverages. The brand is also sold in countries around the world, so it may be familiar to people overseas.
Meiji's chocolates are readily available at convenience stores and supermarkets throughout Japan. Chocolate Effect Cacao 72%, which contains 72% cacao, is especially popular as a chocolate for adults who can enjoy the rich, natural flavor of cacao. Those who prefer bitter dark chocolate are encouraged to try it. We also have a lineup of chocolate containing 95% cacao, which is recommended for those seeking a more bitter taste.
Meiji's products areclick here!
3. lotte
LOTTE is one of Japan's major confectionery manufacturers, selling a variety of confections including chocolates, and LOTTE's chocolates are reasonably priced and easy to enjoy.
Although many people may think of LOTTE as a Korean company when they hear the name, chocolates made by LOTTE in Japan are made in Japan.
In particular, Ghana Milk Chocolate, with its eye-catching red package, is loved by people of all ages for its smooth, milky taste. Ghana Raw Chocolate" has an impressive melt-in-your-mouth texture, just like raw chocolate. It is readily available at convenience stores and supermarkets.
LOTTE products areclick here!
4. Morinaga (Morinaga Seika)
Morinaga is a long-established Japanese confectioner with a history of more than 100 years, and its chocolates are carefully crafted using high-quality ingredients.
One of Morinaga's signature chocolates is the dozen chocolate. There are many varieties, including milk, bitter, white, and strawberry, and they are characterized by the richness of milk. Morinaga Milk Chocolate" is also popular among people of all ages for its perfect balance of smoothness in the mouth and milk flavor.
Morinaga chocolates are readily available at convenience stores and supermarkets. We hope you will try our chocolates and experience the reliable quality backed by our long history.
Morinaga's products areclick here!
5. morozoff
Morozoff, a confectionery brand with its main store in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, has been dedicated to chocolate making since its establishment. In Japan, it is customary to give chocolates on Valentine's Day, and Morozoff's chocolates are popular as gifts for loved ones. In addition to chocolate, cookies, baked goods, puddings, and jellies are also popular.
Morozoff products are available not only at the official online store, but also at department stores and directly-managed stores nationwide. We invite you to visit one of our stores when you drop by your neighborhood. You will be able to fully enjoy the taste of high-quality chocolate.
Morozoff's products areclick here!
6. mary's (mary chocolate)
Merry Chocolate is a chocolate brand with a long history, founded in 1950. Carefully selected high-quality cacao beans and traditional methods are used to produce chocolates with a deep flavor.
One of Merry Chocolate's signature products is Merry Chocolate Fancy Chocolate. The colorful assortment of chocolates in this package makes an ideal gift. The "Merry Chocolate Cacao 70" is a chocolate for adults that allows you to fully enjoy the original flavor of cacao.
Merry Chocolate products can be purchased at company-owned stores, department stores, and official online stores. We hope you will taste the charm of Merry Chocolate, which continues to preserve the traditional taste of its products.
Mary's products areclick here!
7. chocolatier palet d'or
Chocolatier Palet D'Or is a Japanese chocolate brand founded in 2004 by Chef Shunsuke Saegusa. The company provides high-quality chocolates by integrating the entire chocolate-making process in-house, from the selection of cacao beans to roasting and pressing.
One of Palais d'Or's signature products is the bonbon chocolat. Its high quality and creative flavors are highly acclaimed, and it is especially recommended for chocolate lovers. In addition, "single-origin chocolates" are made with the utmost care, allowing customers to fully enjoy the individuality of each cacao bean's region of origin.
Palais d'Or stores are located in Marunouchi in Tokyo and Nishi-Umeda in Osaka. They can also be purchased through the official online store, making it easy for those who do not have a store nearby to taste Palet d'Or chocolates.
We hope you will try Chocolatier Palais d'Or's chocolates, which are filled with the passion and skill of a Japanese chocolatier.
Chocolatier Palet D'Or products areclick here!
8. maison cacao
MAISON CACAO is a chocolatier established in 2015 on Komachi-dori in the ancient capital of Kamakura. Known for its famous aromatic raw chocolates, the store has won the highest gold award at the British competition "Academy of Chocolate" two years in a row, and is internationally recognized for its excellence.
Maison Cacao's signature product, aromatic raw chocolate, achieves the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience by increasing the moisture content to the limit. We pursue both science-based product development and handmade craftsmanship, such as adjusting the moisture content to match the amount of saliva in Japanese people and determining the amount of air needed for the chocolate to melt softly.
In addition, Maison Cacao is committed to the entire process, from the local Colombian cacao plantations to the production of chocolate, its development and production in its own Shonan factory, and its sales.
Maison Cacao products are available at our directly managed store in Kamakura and at our official online store. We hope you will try our ultimate aromatic raw chocolate, a fusion of science and tradition.
MAISON CACAO products areclick here!
KitKat Matcha, a Japanese matcha chocolate that you should try at least once.
Although sold in some foreign countries, "KitKat Matcha", a combination of "KitKat" and Japanese "Matcha", is a very popular chocolate candy not only among Japanese but also among foreign tourists.
The rich flavor of matcha green tea and the mild sweetness of white chocolate are a perfect match, offering a uniquely Japanese taste. This is a must-try for matcha lovers and chocolate lovers alike.
In addition to the regular KitKat Matcha flavor, there is also a "KitKat Dark Matcha" that offers a more intense matcha flavor. If you feel that the matcha flavor is not enough, this is also recommended.
In addition, apple and sake flavors are now available, making for a varied and appealing lineup.
The "KitKat Green Tea" series can be purchased at airports, souvenir stores, and convenience stores throughout Japan. We hope you will purchase this uniquely Japanese flavor as a souvenir or for home use.
KitKat Matcha isclick here!
【 priced 】 5 delicious Japanese chocolates available at supermarkets and convenience stores.
Here are six recommended chocolates and chocolate candies that are readily available at convenience stores and supermarkets in Japan, along with their prices.
1. Meiji Almond Chocolate 【 approx. 250 yen: 1 box 】
Almonds encased in milk chocolate is a popular product of Meiji. The mildness of the chocolate and the texture of the almonds are a perfect match, and once you start eating it, you will not be able to stop. It can be eaten as it is, of course, but it may taste even better when eaten cold.
Meiji Almond Chocolate isclick here!
2. Meiji Garbo 【 approx. 150 yen: 1 bag 】
Meiji's Garbo is a chocolate with a unique texture and flavor, with chocolate soaked into the cookie. The crunchy biscuit and rich milk chocolate provide a perfect balance of texture and flavor. There are also a wide variety of flavors such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, strawberry, and green tea. These are popular products at convenience stores.
Meiji Garbo isclick here!
3. Meiji Melty Kisses Premium Chocolat 【 approx. 250 yen: 1 box 】
Meltykiss is a winter-only product with a smooth, rich chocolate flavor. Premium Chocolat is the most luxurious of these products, and is a must-have for chocolate lovers. A matcha (green tea) flavor is also available, making it a great choice for foreigners.
Meiji Melty Kisses Premium Chocolates areclick here!
4. LOTTE Koala March 【 approx. 100 yen: 1 box 】
Koala March is a chocolate candy in the shape of a koala. The crispy biscuit is filled with smooth chocolate cream. The cute illustration of a koala on the package is one of its charms, and it is loved by children and adults of all ages.
LOTTE Koala March is aclick here!
5. black sander 【 about 30 yen: 1 piece 】
Black Thunder is a reasonably priced chocolate treat consisting of cocoa cookies and biscuits coated in chocolate. The crunchy texture and sweetness of the chocolate is perfect for those times when you want a little something sweet.
Black Thunder isclick here!
6. morinaga dozen 【 approx. 150 yen: 1 box 】
Dace is Morinaga's signature chocolate bar. The two standard flavors are milk chocolate and white chocolate, both of which have a deep flavor. They are perfect for when you are feeling a little hungry or for a quick break.
Morinaga Dace isclick here!
summary
We have introduced recommended chocolate brands and products in Japan for foreigners.
Japanese chocolates are characterized by their creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate flavor, and are available in a wide range of luxury and affordable chocolates.
Garbo, Darth, and Koala's March, which are readily available at convenience stores and supermarkets, are products that foreign chocolate lovers should definitely try.
In addition to the chocolates introduced here, there are still many other fascinating chocolates to be found in Japan. Why not visit an online store or a store near you to find one to your liking?
We hope you will enjoy a little luxury and happiness through Japanese chocolate.
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