Sakuraco is a monthly Japanese Snack Box subscription celebrating authentic Japanese flavors. Committed to supporting family-owned businesses, each month this box features snacks from a ''new corner of Japan.'' Indulge in artisan treats and learn more about Japanese culture with them through flavor and tea.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
Sakuraco costs $37.50 monthly; you can save more by committing to a longer subscription. I received plenty of snacks to try this month, plus a beautiful plate inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa. This box shipped directly from Japan; everything arrived in perfect condition and didn't take long to get to me.
First Impressions
Once again, the packaging for this box is stunning. ♡
June's box gives you a taste of Kyushu. It was not surprising that Sakuraco included a gorgeous booklet, since its packaging is so impressive. This booklet describes each snack and lists if it contains any common allergens. It also includes articles about crafts, traditions, unique flavors, and festivals in Okinawa.
What's Inside:
Kokuto Karinto
Karinto are traditionally wheat snacks that are deep-fried to a crisp and thoroughly coated in a sweet syrup. This version has brown sugar glaze, and then it is topped with toasted sesame giving it a sweet and savory tang. I liked the crunch, but I could only eat two of these because they are very rich.
Kokuto Cinnamon Peanuts
This bag of universally loved cinnamon sugar peanuts was gone in a flash. You can't go wrong with a crispy shelled peanut; the aroma alone made my mouth water.
Kokuto Almond Mix
Kokuto, which is brown sugar from Okinawa, enhanced the taste of this pretty typical trail mix. This is another snack that lasted about a millisecond, but it was a nice blend of ingredients.
Okinawa Baked Chocolate
I have never heard of baked chocolate, but wow! I want more! It is made by slow-baking chocolate, giving it a fudgey consistency. The hint of salt was a very nice touch, and it really brought out the richness of the chocolate. Obsessed.
Black Pepper Cheese Kakinotane
Crunchy, cheesy, with a little pepper? Yum! I love a crunch, and these rice crackers really hit the spot. My daughter mistakenly thought that these were "little baby bananas". She grabbed a handful and popped them in her mouth, and I have never seen her so baffled. She liked them, thankfully, but that poor girl was expecting a sweet treat.
Gorgonzola Nori Ten
At first bite, I was hooked. Once I started chewing this snack, the shrimpy flavors started coming through, and then this snack just started blending into some of the other crunchy snacks I've received from this subscription (which is not a bad thing!). If the gorgonzola flavors lasted to the end, this would have been very unique and my favorite savory snack this month.
Bloom's Handpicked Cramic
This small bowl is such a quality find. Sakuraco finds authentic pieces, and I often find myself just wanting to display them instead of actually using them to eat with. The seabreeze-inspired Minamikaze bowl is perfect for rice or even condiments. It is microwave and dishwasher-safe, and it looks great.
Beni Imo Pie
My absolute favorite find from Sakuraco has been every pastry filled with sweet potato or bean paste. This delicious snack is filled with beni imo, or purple sweet potatoes. It is soft, luscious, and subtly sweet. Japan's sweet snacks are so underrated!
Honey Plum
And then there is this... haha! I was skeptical. I was frightened. When I opened the packaging, this tiny plum just absolutely fell apart. I don't know if it was the heat from shipping or what, but this was a gooey mess. Or, maybe it is supposed to be this texture? I did sample it, but I couldn't bring myself to eat more than a tiny bite. I was taken aback by the sour flavor, and that is really all I got out of this one.
Okinawa Almond Caramel Cookie
Okinawa's desserts are delicious. This cookie is as cute as it is tasty. It has a nice crunch, and the salted caramel flavor and almond crunch is a very nice combo.
Mango Jelly
Of course, I had to share this treat with my little ones. They love having an opportunity to slurp any kind of treat, especially a fun, fruity jelly. This had a very authentically fresh mango flavor, and I loved the smooth consistency. This tasted best after being chilled in the fridge.
Mango Agar Candy
Agar candies have a very satisfyingly soft texture and natural fruit flavor. It is not over-sweetened, which really makes the tropical mango flavor taste refreshingly bright.
Sanpin Tea
Jasmine tea is one of my favorite blends. It aids in digestion, and this version is made with fermented leaves, giving it an interesting flavor. It is a subtle, more floral flavor, and I really like it!
Chinsuko
If you're looking for a biscuit that is subtly sweet with a delicate crunch, look no further. Chinsuko reminds me of a shortbread cookie; it is made with simple, quality ingredients and has been celebrated for many years in Japan.
The Verdict
Sakuraco's August box was, as always, stacked with diverse flavors and a range of textures. This month's box had a spotlight on mango and nuts, two foods I can't get enough of. This box always bursts with authentic Japanese flavors, and I thoroughly enjoy everything from unboxing the lovely packaging to our taste-testing session. It is especially fun sharing this experience with my family, and it is so worth the $37.50 price tag.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $37.50. This box ships directly from Japan and included 14 artisanal snacks and a ceramic snack plate. It is like spending $2.50 per item.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes
What do you think of this month's Sakuraco's box?
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