Whether you’re a long-time snack lover or just starting your Japanese food adventure, there’s no better time to dive into the vibrant world of Japanese snacks. At Freedom Japanese Market, we live and breathe fun, flavorful, and sometimes downright surprising treats from every corner of Japan. And as we kick off 2025, we’ve rounded up 10 must-try Japanese snacks that are dominating taste buds this summer!

From beloved classics to bold new flavors, here are our top picks for the best Japanese snacks of 2025 you can try (and even get delivered straight from Japan)!

Move over, mochi ice cream. 2025 is all about soft, chewy daifuku mochi filled with rich matcha cream. This treat blends the traditional texture of mochi with the deep, earthy sweetness of Kyoto-grown Uji matcha.

Why it’s a must-try:

• Authentic Japanese dessert with a modern twist
• Made from real matcha
• Vegetarian-friendly

🟢 Perfect for: Fans of green tea, or anyone craving a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

2. Kororo Gummies: Hokkaido Melon Flavor

Back by popular demand and juicier than ever, Kororo gummies are known for their fruit-like texture. The 2025 release features Furano melon, a beloved summer flavor in Hokkaido.

Why we love it:

• Bursting with real fruit juice
• Soft outer shell mimics the feel of melon
• A favorite among kids and adults

🍈 Snack tip: Chill them before eating for the ultimate refreshing bite!

3. Umeboshi Potato Chips

Umeboshi (pickled plum) meets potato chip in this bold, sour-savory fusion. A classic Japanese flavor with a punchy twist, perfect for those who like their snacks with personality.

Why it’s trending in 2025:

• Unexpected flavor that balances sweet, sour, and salty
• Made from summer-harvest potatoes
• Only available in select regions of Japan

🥔 Dare to dip: Try pairing with cream cheese dip for a surprisingly good combo!

4. DIY Sushi Gummy Kit

Japan’s favorite Popin’ Cookin’ candy kits continue to evolve in 2025 with new sushi gummy sets that are even more detailed (and delicious).

Why you’ll love it:

• Interactive, hands-on fun
• Great for parties and kids
• Includes real fruit flavors

🎨 Creative snackers unite! Build it, snap it, eat it!

5. Baby Star Ramen Mini (Tonkotsu Flavor)

Forget cup noodles—this crunchy ramen snack brings the umami-rich flavor of tonkotsu ramen in a no-broth-needed bite. A longtime dagashi store favorite.

Why it’s a classic:

• Super crunchy texture
• Packed with pork broth flavor
• Portable and addicting

🍜 Snack like a local: Try sprinkling them on salads for a ramen crunch!

6. Strawberry Choco Balls by Morinaga

Light, fruity, and oh-so-satisfying, these classic treats have returned in 2025 with a new creamy strawberry centerwrapped in milk chocolate.

Why it’s sweet perfection:

• From one of Japan’s most beloved confectioners
• Bite-sized and mess-free
• Perfect balance of chocolate and fruit

🍓 Great for: Afternoon tea or your next movie night!

7. Pie no Mi: Rare Cheesecake Edition

Flaky, buttery, and filled with whipped cheesecake-inspired chocolate and a hint of blueberry. It’s like eating mini pies with a Japanese twist.

Why we’re obsessed:

• Limited seasonal release
• Great with hot tea or coffee
• Layers of texture in every bite

🥧 Pro tip: Warm it up in the toaster for extra flake!

8. Milk Tea KitKat

You thought you’d tried all the KitKat flavors? Think again. Japan’s Milk Tea KitKat is made with black tea powder and creamy white chocolate to give you that café-in-a-bar experience.

Why it’s iconic:

• Only available in Japan
• Smooth, elegant flavor
• Perfect gift for tea lovers

🍫 Bonus: Comes in individually wrapped mini bars for easy sharing.

9. Sonomanma Sour Gum Challenge

Think you’re brave? Take the Monster Sour Gum Challenge! One of three pieces is insanely sour, and the rest are sweet. It’s the ultimate test of snack courage.

Why it’s fun:

• Perfect for sharing with friends
• Keeps you guessing
• Big TikTok potential!

😝 Warning: Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

10. Shirasu Senbei (Whitebait Rice Crackers)

This local delicacy blends the crunch of rice crackers with tiny dried fish (shirasu) for a traditional snack with lots of umami. A surprising fan favorite among adventurous snackers.

Why it’s worth trying:

• A taste of old-school Japan
• Light, crisp texture
• Rich, salty seafood flavor

🐟 Note: May contain shrimp or squid.

Why You Should Try These Snacks Through a Subscription Box…

There’s no easier (or tastier) way to explore Japan than by subscribing to a monthly snack box. At Freedom Japanese Market, our team hand-picks snacks like the ones above and ships them directly from Japan to your door. You’ll get:

• ✈️ Worldwide shipping straight from Japan
• 🎁 A fun mix of seasonal and regional snacks
• 🧒 Snacks loved by families and foodies alike

Want to surprise a loved one? Our boxes also make amazing gifts for birthdays, graduations, housewarmings, and more!

Final Thoughts: Ready to Snack Like You’re in Japan?

We’ve only scratched the surface of the snack wonders Japan has to offer in 2025. Whether you’re in it for the sweet matcha mochi, the wild sour gum, or the salty satisfaction of regional chips, there’s truly something for everyone.

At Freedom Japanese Market, we’re a small, multicultural, family-run business living in rural Japan—and we LOVE sharing these treasures with fellow snack adventurers like you.

👉 Click below to start your Japanese snack journey today!

🔗 Subscribe Now – Taste Japan Without Leaving Home

P.S. Got a favorite Japanese snack we missed? Want to be featured in our next snack roundup? Let us know! We love hearing from fellow snack lovers.