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. ♡
September'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. This month's box helps us celebrate tsukimi and helps us welcome the Autumn moon.
What's Inside:
Blueberry Tart
This was a very different treat than what SakuraCo usually sends, so I couldn't wait to dive into this mini tart. Honestly, I would never think that something like this would travel well, let alone keep its intended consistency, but I was so pleasantly surprised. The tangy blueberry jam perfectly complemented the custard, and everyone fought over who would have the last bite (I did not win).
Japanese Pudding Dorayaki
We couldn't get enough of these fluffy pancake sandwiches, and luckily, there was plenty to go around. The light cakes sandwich a deliciously sweet and creamy custard & caramel sauce blend, a real crowd-pleaser.
Shio Kenpi
Japan's sweet and savory snacks have me in a chokehold. Your eyes are not deceiving you; this snack tastes exactly how it looks, like crispy french fries. They are almost addictive; candied sweet potato with a light sugar glaze and a touch of salt, not to mention that satisfying crunch? You really can't go wrong!
Cheese Jari Mame
Jari Mame translates to pebble beans, which my kids and I thought was an adorable name. These little pebble beans are a mixture of sunflower, pumpkin, and almonds, roasted to perfection, then smothered in a cheesy powder, yum!
Usagi Pon Senbei
I love the simplicity of senbei. This snack had a nice flavor; it was very subtly salty and savory with a massive crunch. Five types of flour and six different soy sauces were blended for this effortless snack.
Salt Truffle & Cheese Arare
Whoa, the flavor of the snack was intense! While I typically love each aspect of this snack--salt, black truffle, cheese--I couldn't bring all of the flavors together to make it cohesive for me. I'm going to give it another shot in a few days, but I was not finding that balance of flavor.
Tsukimi Yunomi
As always, I am smitten with this cutesy Japanese teacup. The embossments of a harvest moon, susuki pampas grass, and sweet little rabbits are all tsukimi motifs; the design is charming and adorable. My daughter has tried to steal this from me a few times, so I have to keep it out of her ever-growing reach.
Koshian Daifuku
Mmm this was one of our favorite finds this month. My affinity for bean paste sweets grows every month, and wrapping it in chewy, tender rice flour dough made this irresistible. I can never resist daifuku, and this subtly sweet, chewy cloud was
Tsukimi Mikan Cream Cookie
I was thrilled to have two of these cookies to try. They are crisp and can be a little messy when you take your first big bite. The outside cookie is decorated with rabbits under a full moon imagery, while the inside is layered with mikan, a Japanese citrus, cream. As the description claims, it really is the perfect cookie to pair with a hot cup of tea.
Tsukimi Cookie
This cookie is as cute as it is tasty. When we were unboxing, my family and I made an audible "awww" together as I pulled this cookie out of the box. Two little bunnies basking in the full moon? So cute! This cookie had a crunch and a barely noticeable warm spice. It wasn't sweet but pleasing to the eye and taste buds.
Sesame Senbei
Sesame is something I crave once in a while. When you blend it with soy and a rich, crispy texture, it is a win-win-win. This thick cracker has it all, a satisfying crunch with umami flavor in every bite.
Usagi Soft Chew
This month's box was teeming with cute finds. We received two sweet rabbit-shaped chews. They were sugary without being cloying and had a jelly-like texture that satisfied my need for an after-dinner treat. Of course, I had to share, but one was enough to quell my sweet tooth.
Usagi Manju
Pastries like this are my new addiction, and I always hope to find one in this subscription every month. A soft white bean paste is nestled inside of a moist dough, and upon the first bite, you're met with a lovely sweet flavor that is so comforting. This is the cutest snack this month, possibly the cutest snack Sakuraco has offered.
Tsukimi Gokokucha
I am always learning, and one of my favorite aspects of this subscription is being introduced to new and exciting things I never knew existed. I always go into these snacks without reading their descriptions, so I can let my imagination run wild while inspecting each product; as I opened this tea, I knew it held something completely different than usual. This tea blend is comprised of wheat, black soybeans, barley, azuki red beans, and brown rice. A five-grain tea! They describe this tea as comforting, which is right on the money. It is perfect before bedtime since it is relaxing and naturally caffeine-free.
The Verdict
Sakuraco's September box was one of my favorites to date. We couldn't stop oohing and awwing at the little bunny-shaped treats, and of course, I adore my new rabbit and full moon Japanese teacup. My family and I cherish unboxing this subscription together; it is so fun to see their reactions to each flavor profile and to fight over all of the tasty pastries and sugary treats. Discovering new treats and unboxing with the fam makes this $37.50 worth every penny.
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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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