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2014.03.13
On the front lines of Tokyo's newest sweets! (2/2)
With the arrival of spring, naturally there will be more opportunities to go out. What could be a better companion for this season of outings than sweets? With that in mind, we thoroughly researched the trends in springtime sweets. In this volume, we'll deliver information about new springtime sweets.
Top Image: "Kuro Kyarinto Caramel Corn - Brown Sugar Flavor" and "Shiro Kyarinto Caramel Corn - Milk Flavor" (Tohato Inc.)
As Ms. Narita, a spokesperson for LOTTE Co., Ltd., says, "The green tea flavor has become a standard among our main targets, female high school students, as well." On that note, we'll start by introducing green tea-flavored sweets, which are increasing in demand every year.
Many have gotten swept up in "TIROL CHOCO" mania, with the "kinako mochi" [soybean flour rice cake] flavor in particular enjoying deep-rooted popularity. Now comes the appearance of a more refined flavor. It's a surefire product that lets you enjoy green tea powder encased by green tea chocolate, as well as the chewy texture of a rice cake gummy. Its release is planned at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other establishments throughout Japan from March 17. 100 yen + tax for a bag of 8 (TIROL CHOCO CO., LTD.) *Reference retail price
This is a new project with rich, smooth green tea chocolate enclosed in a cookie shell that contains lots of cocoa. The combination of a texture similar to baked sweets, along with chocolate that melts in your mouth, is fantastic. Its release is planned at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other establishments throughout Japan from March 18. 246 yen + tax (Meiji Co., Ltd.) *Reference retail price
From "CRUNKY," a classic example of chocolate containing crunchy malt puffs, comes a new product: the standard green tea flavor, with careful consideration given to the balance of the green tea aroma and flavor. The solid flavor of the green tea chocolate and the plentiful puffs are also a great match. This can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other establishments throughout Japan. 95 yen + tax. (LOTTE Co., Ltd.) *Reference retail price
To go along with the season for spring's newly-picked tea, a green tea milk flavor of "Toppo" has been released for a limited time. There's lots of mild green tea milk flavor packed into firm, crunchy pretzels. Chocolate doesn't get on your hands, so we recommend eating this treat while traveling! This can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other establishments throughout Japan. 141 yen + tax. (LOTTE Co., Ltd.) *Reference retail price
*Please note that sales will conclude when quantities of the products are depleted.
"From around December until spring, a variety of strawberry flavors are sold," comments Ms. Mikuriya, a spokesperson for Meiji Co., Ltd. This is a period with an influx of strawberry flavors for sale. We still have more new products for you to check out!
"Pocky" is an international long seller that has been around since 1966. To the line of Pocky products comes the reappearance of the strawberry flavor, along with a new package. This product is appealing for its simple, yet gentle strawberry flavor and its light texture. This product has become one of the standards for easy eating. It can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other establishments throughout Japan. 92 yen + tax (EZAKI GLICO CO., LTD.)
A new flavor has entered the lineup of the mainstay "Kinoko no Yama," evincing the feel of spring. It has two layers--one with strawberry chocolate and one with condensed milk kneaded into white chocolate--and the harmony of the flavor and the tartness is exceptional. The stem portion is a cocoa cracker. This product can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other establishments throughout Japan. 200 yen + tax (Meiji Co., Ltd.) *Reference retail price
To the familiar face of "Takenoko no Sato" as well comes a new face: strawberry flavor. Milk chocolate is stacked upon the flowery aroma of tart strawberry chocolate, so you can enjoy two layers of flavor. This product can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other establishments throughout Japan. 200 yen + tax (Meiji Co., Ltd.) *Reference retail price
*Please note that sales will conclude when quantities of the products are depleted.
Snacks are indispensable for times when you feel a bit hungry. We'll introduce some newcomers that not only have flavors you won't tire of, but also textures that you can enjoy.
Shiro Kyarinto Caramel Corn - Milk Flavor
From the "Caramel Corn" series comes the release of a new product in the style of "karinto" [fried dough cake], a Japanese snack. The brown sugar flavor has ground black sesame kneaded into the dough, along with a coating of honey with black sesame paste and Okinawan brown sugar added. The milk flavor has ground white sesame kneaded into the dough, along with the addition of white sesame paste and condensed milk from Hokkaido. These flavors are perfect for adults, and allow you to enjoy a refined, Japanese-style deliciousness. There will be an advance release on March 17 at convenience stores throughout Japan. General sales are planned to start from March 31. 150 yen. (Tohato Inc.) *Reference retail price
From "Potelong," a potato snack with a light, crispy texture, comes the debut of a scallop butter soy sauce flavor, featuring scallop flavor added to butter soy sauce flavor for twice the deliciousness. It's sure to go well with beer. This product can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other establishments throughout Japan. 120 yen + tax. (MORINAGA & CO., LTD.) *Reference retail price
This is an easy-to-eat stick type of "Karl." Garam masala, a mixture of spices that makes up the deciding factor in the flavor of Indian cuisine, has been given a spicy kick for an authentic curry flavor that is sure to hook adults. This product can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other establishments throughout Japan. 131 yen + tax. (Meiji Co., Ltd.) *Reference retail price
Aspara-Bacon, which will appear for a limited time, was created together with "Jagarico" fans through a new product development project. With this product, you can enjoy the fragrant grilled taste of asparagus and bacon. Advance sales are ongoing at convenience stores throughout Japan. General sales are planned to start from March 24. 141 yen + tax. (CALBEE, Inc.) *Reference retail price
*Please note that sales will conclude when quantities of the products are depleted.
You can't miss sweets featuring collaborations with popular characters, either! This especially goes for limited edition products! There is an appearance from the most popular mascot character in Japan, along with an appearance from an internationally famous 2D superstar.
This is a variety of Pocky that is glazed with cocoa cream: you can enjoy the richness of Jersey milk from Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture on a pretzel with cocoa kneaded into it. The package features Kumamon, the PR character for Kumamoto Prefecture. The package features a scheme in which "ears" pop out from the top and "paws" pop out from the front. This product can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other establishments throughout Japan. 92 yen + tax. (EZAKI GLICO CO., LTD.) *Reference retail price ©2010 Kumamon, Kumamoto Prefecture
"Hi-Chew" has collaborated with Mario from the internationally successful game series "Super Mario Bros." This is a chewy, juicy soda flavor, and there are 6 package designs in all. Interlinking stamps with mascots are included (8 designs in all). This product can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other establishments throughout Japan. 200 yen + tax. (MORINAGA & CO., LTD.) *Reference retail price ©Nintendo
*Please note that sales will conclude when quantities of the products are depleted.