Calorie Mate: What is this Nutritional Snack?

No matter how busy they are, people in Japan always recharge. In addition to getting nutrition from regular meals, they often turn to quick options like protein bars or energy drinks as snacks. One product that tops the fast and convenient nutrition list is Calorie Mate! So, what is it? Let’s take a closer look at it, along with other beloved healthy snacks in Japan!

What is a Calorie Mate?

Calorie Mate is a go-to snack for anyone needing a quick, convenient energy boost. It comes in three main forms: block, jelly, and can. Each type is crafted to provide balanced nutrition and energy in an easy-to-enjoy format. 

These blocks have a cookie-like texture, similar to shortbread, and flavors like cheese, chocolate, maple, and fruits. The blocks are a bit dry, so it’s best to have water or tea nearby when enjoying them. The jelly version, available in apple, lime, grapefruit, and fruity milk flavors, is refreshing and ready to eat. For those who prefer drinks, try the Calorie Mate Can! There are various flavors, such as coffee, corn soup, cocoa, and yogurt.

Their ingredients include wheat flour, margarine, sugar, and vital vitamins and minerals. They’re perfect for breakfast, powering through work or study, fueling up before sports, or as an instant meal in emergencies. These versatile products are loved by students, office workers, and outdoor enthusiasts. You can quickly find Calorie Mate in convenience stores, supermarkets, and even vending machines across Japan!

Who invented it?

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. in Japan created Calorie Mate. They introduced it in 1983 with a yummy cheese-flavored block that soon became well-known. The idea for Calorie Mate came from wanting to make a simple and healthy food. Additionally, the product was inspired by space food, which astronauts took with them on moon missions. 

The researchers wanted to make something as compact, nutritious, and easy to eat as the food astronauts relied on. It was also made to be easily consumed by people who couldn’t eat regular meals, including those recovering from illness or injury.

Are there any nutritional benefits?

Calorie Mate is designed to be a balanced snack packed with essential nutrients. It contains a great mix of protein, vitamins, minerals, fat, and sugars that your body needs to stay strong and healthy. Just one serving can provide about half of your daily vitamin requirements. 

Moreover, the different types of Calorie Mate are excellent for different needs and situations. The block type provides 100 kcal per piece, the jelly packs 200 kcal per pouch, and the liquid version gives 200 kcal per can. This makes it easy to control your calories and enjoy a tasty bite whenever you need an energy boost.

Are you looking for all kinds of Japanese snacks? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese treats directly from Japan!

What other popular energy snacks are there?

Meal-in-One Bar Giga Protein 

The Meal-in-One Bar Giga Protein is a delicious, nutritious, protein-packed snack. With a crunchy texture from cereal and soybean puffs and a smooth coating of milk chocolate, the Giga Protein bar is satisfying and tasty. It’s now available in various flavors, including chocolate, caramel, oatmeal nut, strawberry chocolate, and even savory options like cheese.

Though it has more calories and sugar, the bar is filling and great for stopping hunger until your next meal. Plus, it’s also packed with around ten essential vitamins and iron!

Strong Bar

Strong Bar is a powerful protein bar designed for athletes who want to build a fit and flexible body. It was created with eight ingredients, making it additive-free and full of goodness. It is offered in four flavors: cacao black, milk white, berry mix, and matcha latte. Cacao Black is a timeless flavor with a deep taste of cacao and almonds, favored by adults. 

Each bar provides a good amount of milk protein, perfect for fueling your workout or helping you recover. It also contains dietary fiber from natural sources like grapes and agave inulin, which help with digestion and gut health. Furthermore, Strong Bar is sugar-free, with all its sweetness from natural ingredients.

Morinaga in Gold Protein Bar

The Morinaga Gold Protein Bar is filled with protein to help keep you full and support your muscles. It also contains B vitamins to boost your health. The bar is especially easy to break into pieces, which is very convenient when you don’t want to eat the whole bar at once.

It comes in two mouth-watering flavors: orange peel, nuts, cranberry, and strawberry. The former blends crunchy chocolate with citrus peel and nuts, while the latter combines creamy white chocolate with sweet berries. 

Why should I try a Calorie Mate?

If you’re looking for a simple, nutritious snack, Calorie Mate could be just what you need! Thanks to its versatility and healthy ingredients, this product is a favorite among many in Japan. It’s also a great way to experience part of Japan’s innovative approach to nutrition and convenience.

Besides, the country also offers us many other healthy snack brands and types that are worth trying and suit everyone’s needs. Have you ever tried any wholesome snacks from Japan? I’d love to hear your thoughts!