Japanese Chocolate Alternatives for Valentine’s Day!

Many people love Japanese chocolate, especially around Valentine’s Day. Stores in Japan host fun chocolate events with cute boxes, new flavors, and gifts for loved ones, creating a romantic Valentine’s atmosphere. But recently, Japan has been facing a chocolate shortage. Why is this happening, and are there any alternatives available in Japan? Let’s continue reading to find out!

Why is Japanese chocolate running low these days?

Japanese chocolate is getting harder to find. Cocoa beans, the main ingredient, are in short supply. Most cocoa comes from large farms in West Africa, mainly the Ivory Coast and Ghana. Lately, bad weather, crop diseases, and poor harvests have hurt cocoa production.

As a result, the amount of cocoa available has decreased, and global cocoa prices have risen sharply. According to data from the International Cocoa Organization, cocoa prices stayed around $5,821 per metric ton in late 2025. This amount is about twice the price seen before 2023.

The higher cocoa prices have made Japanese chocolate more expensive to produce and sell. Research from a Tokyo company showed that the average price of one bar in Japan rose from ¥93 in 2021 to more than ¥180 in 2025. 

Besides cocoa, shipping, packaging, and worker costs have also increased, which adds even more pressure. Because chocolate is such a popular gift for Valentine’s Day in Japan, these price increases have made stores and candy makers change how they prepare their seasonal chocolate events and displays.

How is the cocoa crisis changing Valentine’s Day traditions?

To keep customers happy, many shops and department stores in Japan have started fun and creative activities. Some brands, including Matsuya Ginza, now use local fruits, grains, and special ingredients to make sweets that use less cocoa but still taste delicious.

Stores like Takashimaya and Sogo & Seibu now offer baked goods, gummies, and nut desserts for Valentine’s Day. Famous pastry shops, such as Patisserie Couleur from Nagano, use unique ingredients like buckwheat and Shine Muscat grapes to make special sweets.

These changes also affect how people celebrate. Some shoppers choose smaller, high-quality Japanese chocolates rather than buying many boxes, while others enjoy making handmade gifts or trying different sweets. Along with the ideas inspired by the chocolate shortage mentioned above, you can also discover some wonderful alternatives below!

Are you looking for great chocolate for February? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition sweets, noodles, and drinks right to your doorstep and straight from Japan!

ChoViva

The idea came from studying chocolate’s history. Researchers found that its flavor mostly comes from roasting and processing, not just cocoa itself. Using this insight, they created a new sweet that tastes like chocolate. Instead of cocoa, ChoViva uses ground sunflower seeds from Europe, mixed with plant-based fats, sugar, and sometimes milk powder or sunflower seed flour.

Though it doesn’t use cocoa, ChoViva still has a creamy, smooth, and rich taste that feels very close to real chocolate. Many people who tried Chococa snacks said they could hardly tell the difference. The product is sold in fun forms like chocolate bars and biscuits, and it costs about the same as many chocolate snacks in Japan.

Cheesecake

Valentine’s Day feels extra magical when you share a sweet dessert, and Japanese cheesecake can be a lovely and cozy treat to enjoy with someone special. The dessert was inspired by a German-style cheesecake and later became popular in Japan through famous bakeries like Uncle Tetsu. This soft cake is often chosen as a sweet, gentle alternative to Japanese chocolate, especially for those who want something light yet full of flavor. 

Japanese cheesecake has a mild, creamy taste that is not too sweet. One of the most exciting features of Japanese cheesecake is its fluffy, wobbly texture. When it is fresh from the oven, it jiggles like a soft cloud, and when it is chilled, it feels smooth and airy like a sponge cake.

Sushi

If your loved one likes savory food more than sweet treats, sushi can be a yummy and meaningful Valentine’s surprise. Sushi is a famous dish from Japan that is loved around the world. Sushi tastes fresh, slightly tangy, and savory, and each bite can feel soft, smooth, or a little chewy depending on the toppings. One special feature is its presentation, with bright colors and neat shapes that make it look like edible art.

For Valentine’s Day, couples can enjoy fun activities with sushi together. Besides ordering sushi from restaurants, you can try making your own sushi at home. You can shape the rice into cute heart shapes and add toppings your partner likes most. Plus, you can arrange sushi pieces into lovely shapes or messages that show your feelings. Making sushi together can be a joyful experience!

Why are these Japanese chocolate alternatives worth trying?

These alternatives can help us celebrate love in creative and thoughtful ways while still enjoying sweet or savory treats. When Japanese chocolate becomes harder to enjoy, exploring new desserts or dishes can turn the holiday into a delightful discovery rather than a disappointment. 

Trying different foods can also encourage people to learn about new flavors, cultures, and cooking ideas, which can make the celebration feel more exciting. Can you think of any other options? Feel free to let me know in the comments!