So, I love subscription services. I also love trying new foods from all over the world. I also have a huge sweet tooth. So when TokyoTreat told me they would send me a premium box, I was like, "I VOLUNTEER!"
Unfortunately, I've never been to Japan, or the continent of Asia for that matter. I don't speak a lick of Japanese, besides what Big Bird taught me on Big Bird Goes to Japan. Since all of the packaging is in Japanese Kanji (there is a guide in English, though it isn't really all that descriptive), it was kind of like a lucky dip to try and figure out which candies I liked or didn't like. That kind of made it all the more fun and intriguing. Having only ever had Pocky before, I was very eager to dive in.
The Premium Box comes with 12 items to try (the small option has 5, regular has 9 and premium has 12), which I dutifully did--because someone has to do it. (RIP Diet.)
The only thing I didn't like about TokyoTreat is that there are no warning labels for the contents, making it virtually impossible for people who are vegan, veggie, gluten free, halal, kosher or have diet restrictions or allergies. TokyoTreat does warn potential buyers of this, but it does make it a bit less fun. My boyfriend has an allergy to nuts and not knowing if nuts were in certain products made it very difficult to share. As they do deliver all around the world, it might be worth revisiting translating the ingredients for non-Japanese speakers.
So what were my favorites?
The Ponske Ponchi Fried Snack really hit the spot. They look like tater tots, but have a sweet and savory taste to them, which is kind of addictive. Again, RIP diet. These came in all of the subscription boxes for October.
Although the Chocolat de Corn looks a bit more like rodent poop than candy, I assure you it is one of the tastiest treats. This one came only in the Regular and Premium versions of the October box and is described as a premium version of caramel corn. It is also salty and sweet with a taste of chocolate, but also seems to have peanut butter and even a little bit of coffee (maybe?) in it. Truly addictive. Also, note to self: don't put crumbly food in the photo cube anymore.
The Seven Stick Chocolate Cream is pretty similar to chocolate wafers here in the West, but they are pretty much everything. These jewels are available in all sized boxes.
The regular and premium boxes typically contain a "project," sometimes two. The October box's projects were a DIY chocolate rice cake and pictured, a jelly making kit, which was pretty fun to try and figure out. Although self-explanatory from the pictures, it seems like knowing Japanese would have made my life a little bit easier.
TokyoTreat ships all over the world to give you a monthly fix of Japanese snacks. Boxes ship straight from Japan and shipping is free. If you aren't on a special diet or have food allergies, I highly recommend giving it a try, even if it is just a one-off.
Snapchat: AnnaWonderland2
wow, the box looks very good! I love stuff like this :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a ton of fun to try, though one of the DIY kits was a TOTAL fail since I don't read Japanese. lol
DeleteHow neat! You're brave to try all of the things without knowing what they are (since the labels are in Japanese)!
ReplyDeleteHa thanks! There is a card that gives you a vague idea of what things are so it wasn't 100% blind. But still...haha
DeleteLove it. Looks yummy and interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nell! x
Deletelove japanese candy! i'll have to try this box. i've done japancrate, treats, and nomnombox that have different japanese and sometimes other country snacks. i'm sure they're all pretty similar, but i just like trying them all :P
ReplyDeleteOooh I'll have to look at those as well. I love this stuff.
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