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 $32.50 monthly with an annual subscription. I received plenty of snacks to try this month, ranging from sweet to savory. 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. ♡
February's box samples a mix of snacks, giving you insight into a Kyoto Valentine's. It was not surprising that Sakuraco included a gorgeous booklet; all of their packaging is so impressive! This booklet describes each snack and lists whether it contains any common allergens.
What's Inside:
Kyoto Okoshi
This puffed rice confection comes in three wonderful flavors: matcha, pickled plum with shiso perilla leaf, and nutty peanut. They are perfectly poppable and deliver a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Kyoto Torii Gate Senbei
I never wanted to destroy this elaborately decorated senbei by taking a big bite, but once I did, I couldn't stop! It was so delightfully savory, and the red gate motif just added to its allure. The design is inspired by the iconic rows of vermilion torii gates at Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine. This traditional senbei is made from domestic rice, but its fancy-pants design somehow enhanced the flavor.
Yuzu Salt Arare
I absolutely love it when SakuraCo includes arare that's been infused with unique flavors. This rice cracker is a Japanese yuzu blend with shio-koji, a fermented seasoning known for its rich umami. At first bite, it gives you a zing of peppery citrus, which tastes increasingly better with each crunch.
Baked Yatsuhashi
I thoroughly enjoy the curves of these thin, crunchy crackers. There are three of them stacked in each wrapper. The pleasant taste of cinnamon made it a fast favorite this month. This would be a smart option for someone who needs a sweet little pick-me-up after every meal.
Amaou Strawberry Cake
I am always delighted to try any of Sakuraco's pastry finds. They are always moist and bursting with sweet and delicious flavorings. This gorgeous pink cake emcompasses the perfect sweetness of Amaou strawberries; it had a divinely moist texture; I just wish we had more to share!
Vintage Kimono Cloth Pouch
This handcrafted pouch is made from vintage kimono fabric. It is the perfect size to store dice or a few lip products. The fabric is pretty, featuring the pine-bamboo-plum motif, which symbolizes lasting bonds and good fortune.
Heartfelt Chocolate Drops
I was lucky to get a few of these; my kids are very quick to spot any sweet treat in this subscription. These colorful drops have a smooth, rich milk chocolate coated in a crunchy shell; I think they taste better than M&M's!
Coffee Jari Mame
Jari mame, which translates to 'pebble beans', is a flavorful snack made of roasted sunflower seeds. I was blown away by the bold coffee taste packed into these tiny seeds. It was such a treat to taste, I only wish I had more than two packs to munch on.
Chocolate Mochi
My three-year-old and I ate a few of these together, and we were blown away by the rich chocolate taste and bouncy mochi texture. It is always one of our favorite snacks from SakuraCo, but this indulgent chocolate rendition has to be our all time favorite. There is a thin marshmallow layer enveloping the fudgy interior, and we couldn't resist reaching into the bag for more after dinner.
Strawberry Chocolate Crunch
This tiny bite was a total tease. Crispy puffed wheat is coated in smooth chocolate while the irresistable strawberry tang adds balance to this airy snack. It had a nice crunch, but once again, I was wishing I had a few more to enjoy.
Soba Boro Cookies
These cookies are considered to be traditional Kyoto confections. Even though there is a definite hearty crunch, it manages to be airy and not dense at all. I really enjoyed trying these subtly sweet, buckwheat biscuits.
Matcha Cream Senbei
Uji matcha cream is sandwiched between two senbei crackers creating a balance between the airy cracker and the match'a rich depth. I liked this snack, but I really felt like I needed a matcha tea to pair with it!
Matcha Tsujiri no Sato
When I bit into this cookie, I couldn't believe how soft and creamy the filling was. The matcha cream's flavor really complimented the rice cracker roll, and you're left with an enjoyable subtly sweet flavor.
Caramel Bergamot Hojicha
This month's tea was an instant favorite. The caramel bergamot combination is one I'd never choose, so I am happy I could try it here. I was surprised how the flavors merged and complimented each other.
The Verdict
Sakuraco's February box had a wonderful array of snacks from Kyoto. This month's box range was one of my favorites; flavors went from traditional arare to an intense coffee-flavored sunflower treat. I loved them all! 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 savory treats. Discovering new treats and unboxing with the fam makes this $32.50 worth every penny.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $32.50. This box ships directly from Japan and includes 14 artisanal snacks and an adorably authentic furoshiki cloth. It is like spending $2.30 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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