Facebook PixelJapan Crate Box Review + Coupon - December 2018 | MSA
My Subscription Addiction
My Subscription Addiction
Our reviewers research, test, and recommend the best subscriptions and products independently; click to learn more about our editorial guidelines. We may receive commissions on purchases made through links on our site.

Japan Crate Premium Box Review + Coupon – December 2018

Megan K.
ByMegan K.Jan 23, 2019 | 5 comments

Japan Crate December 2018

Japan Crate
4.7 overall rating
224 Ratings | 204 Reviews

Japan Crate is a snack subscription box that sends out snacks and candies from Japan. In addition to the Premium Box, Japan Crate also offers a Mini Box, along with Doki Doki, Kira Kira, and Umai Crate.

Japan Crate December 2018 open

This is a review of the Japan Crate Premium Box, which is $35 a month.

This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

Japan Crate December 2018 all contents

About Japan Crate Premium

The Subscription Box: Premium Box by Japan Crate

The Cost: $35 per month + free shipping. Save with 3, 6, and 12-month subscriptions.

The Products: 15 snacks including a drink, 1 guaranteed DIY kit, and a revolving bonus item

Ships to: Internationally with a few exceptions found here

Japan Crate Premium Box December 2018 Review

Japan Crate December 2018 booklet Japan Crate December 2018 booklet community feature Japan Crate December 2018 product mini list Japan Crate December 2018 more products booklet Japan Crate December 2018 booklet festival info Japan Crate December 2018 back of booklet

It's the Japan Crate Christmas edition!

Let's dive in!

Japan Crate December 2018 carmael corn Japan Crate December 2018 caramel corn back Japan Crate December 2018 caramel corn open

Tohato Corn Caramel - Retail Value $2.98

These were so good! They were salty and sweet, which is my favorite. These light popped corn puffs are coated in a caramel sauce that gives them an incredible crunch. This bag did not last long!

Japan Crate December 2018 umaibo Japan Crate December 2018 umaibo open

Chocolate Christmas Umaibo -  Retail Value $0.75

I actually already received one of these in the December Umaibox. It wasn't my favorite. It is a slightly bland, crunchy, and very airy tube that is covered in milk chocolate.

Japan Crate December 2018 prncess treasure Japan Crate December 2018 princess treasure detail Japan Crate December 2018 princess treasure detail

Princess' Disappearing Treasure 

This was kind of similar to a Fig Newton. Not super sweet, but dense. I like in your face weird Japanese treats so I found this one a little boring, but still tasty.

Japan Crate December 2018 chocolate wafflle Japan Crate December 2018 chocolate waffle back Japan Crate December 2018 chocolate waffle open

Chocolate Waffle 

This little waffle was delicious! It was crunchy and coated in a sweet milk chocolate. I enjoyed it with tea.

Japan Crate December 2018 world of stars Japan Crate December 2018 world of stars back Japan Crate December 2018 world of stars detail

World of Stars 

These little candies were too cute! They had a delicate flavor and a delightful crunch.

Japan Crate December 2018 coffee toast Japan Crate December 2018 coffee toast back Japan Crate December 2018 coffee toast open

Doutar Toast

These were a little odd, but still enjoyable! They were thin crispy toasts that almost had a texture similar to potato chips but they were porous and coffee flavored. They would make an excellent companion to your morning coffee.

Japan Crate December 2018 soft candy Japan Crate December 2018 soft candy Japan Crate December 2018 soft candy kit Japan Crate December 2018 soft candy open

Waku Waku Animal Soft Candy -  Retail Value $3.00

This little kit had white and pink flexible candy you could press into molds. It was very cute! The candy itself had a chewy but airy texture and the sugar in it was crunchy when you took a bite!

Japan Crate December 2018 ramune Japan Crate December 2018 ramune back

Christmas Fue Ramune 

I love ramune so these lifesaver shaped candies were very tasty. I thought the packaging was also adorable.

Japan Crate December 2018 cola gum Japan Crate December 2018 cola gum back Japan Crate December 2018 cola gum open

Cola Gum - Retail Value $1.00

So I totally didn't realize this was gum and just ate it like a normal candy. Oops! It did have some chew, but it also dissolved really easily, so it would be easy to not know. The flavor was a very sweet and subtle cola.

Japan Crate December 2018 christmas fugashi Japan Crate December 2018 christmas fugashi detail Japan Crate December 2018 christmas fugashi open

Christmas Fugashi

I actually already received one of these in the December Umaibox, and I didn't love it then either. It is almost like eating foam with a thin layer of chocolate.

Japan Crate December 2018 poteco Japan Crate December 2018 poteco back Japan Crate December 2018 poteco open

Christmas Edition Potecopizza 

I loved these little rings! They were so light and crunchy and had a delicious pizza flavor.

Japan Crate December 2018 koalas Japan Crate December 2018 koalas back Japan Crate December 2018 koalas open

Koala March - Estimated Value $4.00

These koalas have been a regular in this sub for quite some time, but I love them so I am always happy for more. This time we received a white chocolate filled batch. I love the little illustrations and the satisfying crunch!

Japan Crate December 2018 chocolate bowl Japan Crate December 2018 chocolate bowl back Japan Crate December 2018 chocolate bowl open

Ootama Chocolate Bowl 

These white chocolate covered peanuts were just ok. I am not a huge peanut fan, but if you like them you will enjoy these very much!

Japan Crate December 2018 cream cake Japan Crate December 2018 cream cake back Japan Crate December 2018 open cream cake

Cream Cake Chocolate & Milk 

This reminded me very much of a moon pie, but with less glaze. It was mild and sweet, and another good pairing for your coffee or tea.

Japan Crate December 2018 DBZ gum Japan Crate December 2018 DBZ gum back Japan Crate December 2018 DBZ gum open

Dragon Ball Gum 

I used to love DBZ as a kid so I enjoy snacks that are branded with any of those familiar characters. The wrapper has Super Saiyan Blue Goku powering up! The gum itself was sweet and very chewy.

Japan Crate December 2018 kitcat Japan Crate December 2018 kitkat back Japan Crate December 2018 kitkat open

Roll Cake Strawberry Cream 

It was hard to eat this treat without confusing it with a strawberry KitKat. It was very, very sweet. I don't love fruit flavors like this because they taste artificial, but I know a lot of people adore these.

Japan Crate December 2018 gum Japan Crate December 2018 gum back Japan Crate December 2018 open gum

Sumikko Gurashi Gum 

I am always super amused when I get a single piece of gum kit in any of these boxes. Literally once piece of gum! The cute stickers and the great flavor make up for the single time chew.

Japan Crate December 2018 kirby soda Japan Crate December 2018 kirby soda back

Jelly Sparkling Star Kirby White Grape Soda

This drink is a TREASURE. You shake it before drinking and it gets super fizzy! To add to its allure is that there are chunks of fruit and goo floating around in the fizz and the white grape flavor is just awesome. If you enjoy super weird drinks with unfamiliar tastes and textures you will adore this.

The Verdict: I always enjoy my Japan Crate because it is always filled with such fun and unusual Japanese treats! Not all of them end up being favorites, but they send so many different things you will always find something to enjoy. My favorite item is hands down the Kirby Fizz drink, though I also loved those caramel corn puffs. I would have loved some gummies this month, but maybe next time!

To Wrap Up:

Can I still get this box if I sign up today? No, order by 1/30 to receive the February box. From Japan Crate:

Crates are shipped on a rolling schedule with three schedule shipment dates every month.

Coupon - Use coupon code MSA3 to save $3 off your first Japan Crate Premium, Doki Doki Crate, Umai Crate, or Kira Kira Crate!

Value Breakdown: This box costs $35.00 a month (including free shipping), and I received a total of 18 items in this box. That breaks down to a value of $1.94 per item.

Check out all of our Japan Crate reviews!

Keep Track of all Your Subscriptions: Add Japan Crate to your subscription list or wishlist!

What did you think of the December Premium Box by Japan Crate?

Starting at $39.99
Subscribe Now

Japan Crate is a monthly candy and snack subscription box! The company’s HQ is based in Tokyo, where they handpick unique candy, snacks, drinks, DIY kits, and more. Each box contains between 5-20 full-size candies and snacks that are difficult or impossible to find outside of Japan for as low as ... read more.

Megan K.
Megan K.
I love natural/vegan beauty products, Korean skincare, unique jewelry, and weird candies from far away places. When I am not waiting for my next exciting box you can find me painting or taking photographs of interesting people. I never leave home without pug hair somewhere on my shirt and a bold lipstick on my smile.

Join the Conversation

Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.

5 comments

Ash

Thanks for the review Megan! This was my third JC box and i have to say, it’s probably my favourite on so far. I love the pizza rings and the drink tastes SO good!! (I actually hate the odd texture though, but it tastes awesome so texture can be overlooked 🙂 )

Reply ButtonReply

Paulette

Do you have anymore of the “lifesaver shaped candy”? That’s a children’s candy that you can actually use to help you whistle! I normally can’t whistle to save my life but its super loud with that candy – I love how all of Japanese candy is somewhat whimsical.

Reply ButtonReply

Megan K.

I can’t whistle either! I think I only got one.. I was wondering why t was referred to as whistle candy, but thought maybe I just missed something in translation! Thanks for the tip for next time. 🙂

Reply ButtonReply

Carrie

I gave this box to my kids for Christmas, they each got one. When my son tried the soda he was kind of freaked out and thought there was something wrong with it. He’s only 5. Once he got what it was he liked it. It was pretty funny.

Reply ButtonReply

Megan K.

The soda was awesome and so weird! I am glad your kids loved their boxes. I feel like I would have been so into this at a young age.

Reply ButtonReply