Sakuraco is a monthly Japanese Snack Box subscription celebrating authentic Japanese flavors. Committed to supporting family-owned businesses, this box features snacks from a 'new corner of Japan' each month. Indulge in artisan treats and learn more about Japanese culture through their flavors 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. ♡
May's box features a mix of snacks that feature the Flavors of Hiroshima. 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:
Setouchi Lemon Cookie
Lemon sweets are so underrated and could go to so many different taste destinations. This cookie had the perfect ratio of lemon brightness to softly sweetened soy milk cookie dough. Lemon adds a lovely citrus twist to what reminded me of a shortbread cookie.
White Peach Dorayaki
I've seen many variations of dorayaki from this subscription (keep them coming, please!), and I've never met one I didn't like. They are always a moist, pancakey delight! This rendition has a white bean paste filling infused with luscious white peach. My kids and I absolutely love these pancake pastries.
Kyoho Grape Chocolate Crunch
I was really surprised by how they encapsulated such a fun, grape flavor in this chocolate crunch. As soon as I opened the package, I could smell sweet white chocolate and berries, and it tasted just as good as it smelled. Every bite of crunchy clusters was enjoyable, and we received two to share.
White Peach Castella
I am always delighted to try any of Sakuraco's fruity pastries. They are always moist and bursting with sweet and creative flavorings, but this peach blend is unprecedentedly tasty. Soft, fluffy castella dough is infused with a very mellow peach flavor that we all loved.
Setouchi Lemon Kaki no Tane
I thought this nut blend was amazing. The marriage of peanuts, rice crackers, and senbei fried in tempura batter and seasoned with Setouchi lemon creates a memorable, satisfying snack. I finished this snack in three bites and wished I had more to keep in my purse for on-the-go snacking.
Shio Dare Senbei
Senbei always performs when you are looking for that perfect savory, satisfying crunch. I am accustomed to senbei's savory profile, but this had a little extra spice, which was an awesome surprise. The domestically grown wheat is seasoned with garlic and black pepper, adding a little pizzazz to an already tasty snack.
Oyster Soy Sauce Arare
Every month, I can't wait to see a new version of Arare snacks. I've never tried anything like it before this subscription, and I have to admit I am completely hooked on Arare's sweet-and-savory crunch. This version is seasoned with renowned Hiroshima oyster-infused soy sauce, resulting in a rich umami taste I know and love.
Muscat Grape Gummies
Bold muscat grape flavors made these gummies irresistible! I am obsessed with muscat grapes; they remind me of picking grapes in my grandma's backyard when I was little. They have a unique, juicy flavor that's captured in each gummy. The texture of each bite was perfect: not too soft and not too chewy.
Kudzu Yu
Kudzu Yu is a traditional drink enjoyed for its comforting warmth. This packet contained powdered kudzu root, which I dissolved in warm water. It doesn't have a distinctive taste, but its thick texture and soft flavor create a soothing drink.
Setouchi Hassaku Jelly
A new jelly to try created a ruckus in my house, but luckily, they sent us two, so my kids didn't have to share. Each of them had a hassaku jelly to slurp, and they both loved the somewhat bitter citrus flavor.
Setouchi Lemon Jelly
I was thrilled to have another lemon treat, and I saved these for myself. This jelly had a nice, solid gel texture that was fun to bite into. It wasn't chewy or gummy, and I loved the bright lemon flavor.
Setouchi Sudachi Noriten
Noriten is a mixture of fried nori in a thin tempura batter. It has a savory, umami flavor, but this snack is unique thanks to the addition of sudachi, a dark-green citrus fruit native to Hiroshima. This wasn't our favorite find this month, but I find myself liking it more every time I revisit it.
Strawberry Baumkuchen
I am always delighted to try any of Sakuraco's pastry finds. They are always moist and bursting with specialty flavors. This gorgeous pink cake captures the perfect sweetness of strawberries; it has a divinely moist texture, thanks to the inclusion of smooth strawberry paste directly into the dough; it is a generous, shareable size, too!
Bloom's Handpicked Ceramic
This Indigo Plate was made by the Bloom Kiln, famous for their Mino ware ceramics. It was handpicked for Sakuraco, and subscribers will receive one of two handpicked selections. The blue is a deep, soulful color, and it is the perfect size for a snack or portion of cake. This is also microwave and dishwasher safe, yay!
The Verdict
Sakuraco's May box was an array of tangy, sugary, and savory bites, along with the special appearance of lemon and grape flavors. This box had such a wide range of snacks that were fun to unpack, and I really loved this month's snack plate and pastries. This box always bursts with authentic Japanese flavors, and I thoroughly enjoy everything from unboxing to the taste-testing session. 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 authentic Japanese ceramic. 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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