Japanese Snacks for Kids
Last Updated on October 31, 2024 by Kay
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One thing I love about Japan is how kawaii things are, and snacks for kids are no exception! I’m always so enthralled by all the different Japanese snacks for children and end up spoiling my daughter by buying her one or two whenever we go out.
In this article, I’ll share some of the most popular Japanese snacks for kids. These would also make great souvenirs for kids if you have a special little person to shop for. (And hey, who says adults can’t enjoy these snacks, too?)
This list covers snacks for preschoolers and up, but I also have an article on Japanese snacks for babies and toddlers so make sure to check it out!
The Best Snacks in Japan for Kids
Anpanman Yasai Rice Crackers (アンパンマンのおやさいせんべい)
Made with Japanese rice, these veggie-flavored crackers are a hit in Japan with younger kids thanks to their packaging featuring characters from Anpanman. They contain six different kinds of vegetables and are free of artificial colors and fragrances.
Onigiri Rice Crackers (おにぎりせんべい)
These rice crackers (senbei) not only come in cute retro packaging but are also cutely shaped like mini onigiri (rice balls). They’re soy sauce flavored and have bits of nori (seaweed) on them.
My daughter loves these and was super happy to find that one of the parents in our neighborhood gave some out when we went trick-or-treating in the neighborhood for Halloween!
Ototo (おっとっと)
These small rice crackers usually come in the shape of a whale, although the ones pictured above are special dinosaur ones. They’re light and hollow inside, which makes them super satisfying to eat. I have to admit that I enjoy these snacks as well and sneak a few whenever my daughter has them.
Happy Turn
This is another favorite snack of kids and adults alike in Japan. These savory rice crackers are coated in what’s called “happy powder”, which gives a touch of sweetness to them.
(Don’t worry, your kids won’t be bouncing off the walls from the “happy powder”, despite how worrying the name might sound!)
Baby Star Ramen (ベビースターラーメン)
I don’t know about you but when I was a kid, my friends and I loved to eat raw ramen straight from the package. So imagine my delight when I found these chicken-flavored ramen snacks in Japan!
These are hugely popular with kids (my daughter loves splitting packs with her friends) and contain calcium so I don’t feel entirely guilty for letting her eat some.
Popin’ Cookin’
Okay, so I’m including this in the list because they look cute and kids are bound to want these. My daughter convinces her father to buy her a pack once in a while but she’ll never be able to convince me. Why?
These don’t taste good and I think, although kids will have fun creating these meals, it’s not worth the money.
Furuta Chocolate Egg (チョコエッグ)
Remember Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs? If you don’t know, these are hollow chocolate eggs containing a surprise toy inside. And Japan has its own version made by the company Furuta.
The best part about Japan’s chocolate eggs is that they sell a variety of chocolate eggs containing toys featuring different popular characters such as Sumikko Gurashi, Peanuts, Pokemon, and Mario. There’s even a Splatoon one! (It sells out very quickly so if you find it, consider yourself lucky!)
Veggie Taberu (ベジたべる)
These little wafer-like savory chips are not only cute, coming in different colors and shaped like hearts, but they also contain five different kinds of vegetables.
Sapporo Potato (サッポロポテト)
These are light yet crunchy fry-shaped chips. As the name suggests, it contains plenty of veggies but the main star is the humble potato.
Anime Wafers
This is another favorite of my daughter’s because she loves anime characters. Each package contains one large wafer as well as a card or sticker featuring an anime character from that package.
These would make excellent souvenirs if you’re purchasing for a special little someone living outside of Japan.
Animal Cookies (たべっ子どうぶつ)
This is another snack that’s probably universally known. These buttery animal cookies have the names of different animals written on them in English, so this snack is perhaps not the most unique snack for kids in Japan. However, it’s undeniably popular with local kids, especially toddlers and preschoolers.
Umaibo (うまい棒)
Umaibo means “delicious stick” and consists of what I can only describe as one giant puffy Cheeto.
It’s not only extremely affordable, making it popular with kids, but also comes in tons of different flavors.
This is a must to try when in Japan.
Sanrio Characters Puzzle Chocolate
These are excellent chocolate snacks for Sanrio fans. They come in different characters like Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and My Melody, and they’re also super cute. Unlike typical puzzles, this one you take apart, making them fun to eat as well.
Where to Buy Japanese Snacks for Kids
Snacks for kids in Japan can be found at: