A new month means new boxes from Sakuraco and TokyoTreats for imported snacks from Japan. While both boxes are filled with Japanese snacks, the branding and snack contents are made for slightly different audiences. Both boxes are the same price points for all subscription levels and guarantee the delivery of authentic Japanese for your friends and loved ones. Join me in my discovery of both boxes this to celebrate the traditional and snacktastic seasons.
Sakuraco
Sakuraco (starting at $32.50 USD/mo for 12 months) specializes in a refined snack experience. This month's theme was "Wonders of Nagano". We're talking snacks inspired by the deep heritage of shoguns and timeless architecture. This box would be ideal for somebody who loves savoury snacks or enjoys a Japanese tea with their Japanese snacks. In my box, I received the following:
- Melon Hojicha
- Apple Pie Danish
- Shine Muscat & Kyoho Grape Jellies
- Chestnut Pie
- Mitarashi Mochi
- Walnut Biscuit
- Saga Shippo Plate
- Wasabi Senbei
- Black Pepper Shiitake Arare
- Mochi Mugi Senbei
- Apple Cookie
- Shinshu Apple Sandwich Cookie
- Apple Manju
Out of the snacks above, I most enjoyed the Apple Pie Danish which had a ton of apple jam flavour and managed to retain a lot of fluffiness despite having to ship from Japan.
I was most surprised by the Black Pepper Shiitake Arare. This had such a distinct mushroomy flavour that made me wish there were more than 2 pieces in the box.
If snacks were judged on their aesthetic value, I would rank the Mitarashi Mochi highest. These had a delicate texture and the white rice dumpling shell contrasted very nicely with the reddish sweet soy sauce within.
TokyoTreat
Next I opened the TokyoTreat (starting at $32.50/mo USD for 12 months) box and this month's theme was "Fuji Fall Snackscape". We're talking snacks inspired by the iconic Japanese mountain, its crisp breezes, and jaw-dropping views. This box would be ideal for somebody who loves festive snacks, sweet surprises, or wild variations of their favourite KitKat sticks. In my box, I received the following:
- Melon Hi-Chews
- Honey Soy Sauce Cracker
- Polinky Corn Chips
- Mandarin Orange Jelly Bites
- Ramune Soft Candy
- Pon de Donut
- MIKE Butter Soy Sauce Popcorn
- Crunky Strawberry White Chocolate
- Puku Puku Sweet Potato Taiyaki
- Salt n' Butter Sweet Potato Chips
- Mt. Fuji Choco Crunch
- Mt. Fuji Sandwich Cookie
- Yuzu Shio Ramen
Out of the snacks above, I most enjoyed the Honey Soy Sauce Cracker. This had a smooth flavour combo with a ton of crunch that had me inching for more.
I was most surprised by the Ramune Soft Candy. These had a ton of soda pop flavour to them despite being a soft candy. It's really nice that I can get this flavour without committing to the whole drink.
Subscription Options:
Both TokyoTreat and Sakuraco boxes can be had for as low as $32.50/month, but if you're not ready for that kind of commitment, 6, 3, and 1-month options are also available. For gifts, I like to give the 3-month subscription because you get to see how the snacks rotate through the seasons and your recipient gets to reminded of your great gift-giving skills 3 different times.
Compared to other subscription boxes I've tried, both TokyoTreat and Sakuraco go an extra mile by providing a little booklet describing the goods inside and share holiday or seasonal travel guides based on the theme of the month. There might be 2-4 fewer overall snacks inside but I also appreciate the price point being lower than competitors. It's a fair tradeoff and I think you get 95% of the joy.
Final Thoughts:
One-liner: Sakuraco and TokyoTreat offer different vibes of subscription boxes filled with a variety of treats and Japanese lore for you to eat your way through every Japanese season
Highlight: Sakuraco snacks
Price per box: Starting from $32.50 USD a month for 12 months
To order your own Sakuraco or TokyoTreat box, head on over to the links below:
