The simple tastes of Japanese childhood nostalgia.
The simple tastes of Japanese childhood nostalgia.
Beginners Guide to TokyoTreat:
Japanese Dagashi Snacks
Dagashi are snacks woven into the childhood of many people who grew up in Japan.
These delicious, light snacks have been beloved for decades and continue to be made by smaller and lesser-known makers. But often, they don’t make it overseas, with many people favoring snacks from well-known brands.
TokyoTreat loves to share these hidden gem Japanese snacks every month as part of our monthly Japanese candy and snack subscription box. But many might be wondering, “What are dagashi?” or “What are the best dagashi to try?” - so let’s find out together before we explain how to get your hands on our Japanese dagashi box!
TokyoTreat loves to share these hidden gem Japanese snacks every month as part of our monthly Japanese candy and snack subscription box. But many might be wondering, “What are dagashi?” or “What are the best dagashi to try?” - so let’s find out together before we explain how to get your hands on our Japanese dagashi box!
What are Japanese dagashi snacks?
Dagashi are light Japanese snacks aimed at kids in Japan. They often feature tasty, simple flavors, ranging from sweet and crunchy chocolate and gummies to savory snacks like Umaibō and Cabbage Taro. Their packaging often features a cute design and fun, recognizable characters.
One important feature of dagashi is its price point. It perfectly matches the budget of a kid looking for a treat, spending the money they earned helping out around the house.
Don’t be fooled, though! Many adults also enjoy dagashi.
Many children fall in love with these snacks at an early age and continue to eat them well into adulthood. Because of this, many companies make a special effort to make premium-flavor versions of their treats with limited edition or seasonal ingredients that keep fans on their toes!
One important feature of dagashi is its price point. It perfectly matches the budget of a kid looking for a treat, spending the money they earned helping out around the house.
Don’t be fooled, though! Many adults also enjoy dagashi.
Many children fall in love with these snacks at an early age and continue to eat them well into adulthood. Because of this, many companies make a special effort to make premium-flavor versions of their treats with limited edition or seasonal ingredients that keep fans on their toes!
Where did dagashi candy come from?
Originally, Japanese sweets were not for everyone. During the Edo Period (1603-1868), with Japan’s developing tea culture, wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) made with elegant ingredients such as azuki red bean paste became increasingly popular in the upper classes.
Humble Beginnings, Experimental Future!
Umaibō’s first success came from its individually wrapped packaging. At that time, other dagashi were not individually wrapped, as was the custom for dagashi sold in small family-owned candy stores (Dagashi-ya).
But thanks to the individually wrapped Umaibō and their cute mascot, the snacks were safe and easy to store, transport, and sell at a low price! This helped them take off quickly among both young and older audiences.
The next step was diversifying flavors! Offering seasonal Umaibō or limited-edition Umaibō flavors that tie into special events. Always trying new things and surprising their fans while keeping their original charm is truly the magic of Umaibō!
And your friends at TokyoTreat are all about sharing the magic of Japanese snacks! Sign up for the Japanese mystery snack box TokyoTreat and look forward to trying this snack essential to modern Japanese snacking culture!
But thanks to the individually wrapped Umaibō and their cute mascot, the snacks were safe and easy to store, transport, and sell at a low price! This helped them take off quickly among both young and older audiences.
The next step was diversifying flavors! Offering seasonal Umaibō or limited-edition Umaibō flavors that tie into special events. Always trying new things and surprising their fans while keeping their original charm is truly the magic of Umaibō!
And your friends at TokyoTreat are all about sharing the magic of Japanese snacks! Sign up for the Japanese mystery snack box TokyoTreat and look forward to trying this snack essential to modern Japanese snacking culture!
Why is dagashi so affordable?
Dagashi is also affordable because it’s made in large factories, which helps keep costs down. These snacks are often produced in big batches using simple ingredients, making them less expensive.
Many dagashi items have long shelf lives, so stores can keep them around without worrying they’ll spoil quickly. To make things even more fun, some dagashi include little toys, games, or surprises, adding extra value without raising the price too much.
Even though times have changed and Japan is much richer today, dagashi has stayed affordable on purpose. People love the memories these snacks bring back, and keeping prices low helps new generations enjoy them too. Overall, dagashi is about fun, tradition, and ensuring everyone can enjoy a little treat!
Many dagashi items have long shelf lives, so stores can keep them around without worrying they’ll spoil quickly. To make things even more fun, some dagashi include little toys, games, or surprises, adding extra value without raising the price too much.
Even though times have changed and Japan is much richer today, dagashi has stayed affordable on purpose. People love the memories these snacks bring back, and keeping prices low helps new generations enjoy them too. Overall, dagashi is about fun, tradition, and ensuring everyone can enjoy a little treat!
Check this month’s upcoming box!
Did you know?!
The first known dagashi was Ichimon Gashi, a snack made from grain and syrup.
Explore Dagashi
Fugashi
Corn Snacks
Dagashi Gummy
Dagashi Senbei
Umaibo
