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. ♡ This bright blue color is lovely!
July's box theme is "Discovering Mt. Fuji." 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:
Kuri Senbei
This senbei looks and tastes like a chestnut. It is an extra-crunchy rendition of a comfort snack enjoyed throughout the generations in Yamanashi. Its nutty flavor and hint of warm sweetness give this old classic a unique flavor profile.
Sweet Potato Amanatto
Anytime I see an adzuki confection, I am always first in line to taste test. This treat consists of little bits of sweet potato prepared in an amanatto-style, which is a traditional sweet made by simmering any type of bean, usually adzuki, in syrup, then it is coated in refined sugar. These packets went too quickly! It had a fun chewy texture and a pleasant sweetness.
Yamanashi Corn Senbei
Yamanshi is famous for its cultivation of a naturally sweeter variety of corn. This senbei is made from locally sourced corn powder, which enhances its sweet and savory flavor, and of course, the crunch is impressive.
Seaweed Soy Chips
The seaweed flavor of these chips is out of this world. Each bite is a burst of umami and savory flavor, and even though they aren't fried, they have a memorable crunch. This snack is perfect for between meals; it is packed with protein and fiber, and a few helped me shake off my need for a salty snack after trying a few of the sweet treats in this month's box.
Salted Agemochi
Agemochi is a traditional snack known for its crispy texture and savory flavor profile. It is made from deep-frying mochi rice cakes until they are perfectly crispy, and then they salt them. This was my daughter's favorite snack this month; I caught her walking away with the bag quite a few times, but who could blame her?
Sesame & Peanut Cookie / Matcha & Gyokuro Cookie
It was hard for me to choose a favorite flavor between these two cookies. The sesame and roasted peanut version was seasoned to perfection, while the mellow green tea flavor let the matcha flavors shine. Each cookie was rich in flavor and kept its thin, delicate texture, even after traveling across the world to reach me.
Kanten Shingen Mochi
Made from soft mochi, kinako roasted soybean flour, and kuromitsu syrup, this chewy treat had a delightful, jelly-like texture, rich in flavor and gone in one bite. I would have liked to have more than two of these to try, but we savored what we had to share.
Mt. Fuji Tenugui
This textile is known as a Tenugui, a multipurpose cloth used in home decor or as a hand towel. Using traditional dyeing techniques, this one features a really cute cartoony Mt. Fuji design. It is 100% cotton, quick-drying, and a cute accent to my kitchen.
Mt. Fuji Warabimochi
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, colorful jelly. The blue-hued jelly is flavored with traditional ramune candy. Mine came resembling a blob, but it is supposed to be a mountain-inspired shape, a tribute to Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain.
Kyoho Grape Mini Pie
I am not familiar with Japanese mini pies, but this snack was very different from what I consider pie. They remind me of a flaky crisp that is swirled with a fruity grape flavor. Regardless, these delicate pies were very crumbly and made a mess with every bite; they were worth it, though!
Omotenashi Dorayaki
Dorayaki is one of my absolute favorite treats Sakuraco has introduced me to. Two pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste are a match made in heaven. This version was a little dry, but it paired perfectly with this month's green tea.
Yamanashi Peach Jelly
Yamanashi's peach jelly is the most indulgent we have tried from this subscription. I was floored by the sweet peach flavor, which is from locally grown peaches.
The jelly's texture was less bouncy than other jellies due to its inclusion of the jelly puree, but it was equally fun to eat.
Mt. Fuji Ryokucha
While steeping this tea, I could smell its aroma across the room. It is a smooth, full-bodied, and earthy green tea hailing from Harukiya (Yamanashi), which is renowned for exceptional quality and Japanese tea craftsmanship for centuries.
I always love seeing the different shades of green from Sakuraco's teas.
The Verdict
Sakuraco's July box had a nice collection of Yamanashi favorites. It's always impressive to see how many treats they can cram into this box, and I absolutely love that they always include a home good or utensil, like this month's cutesy tenugui. This box is always bursting with authentic Japanese flavors, and I thoroughly enjoy everything from unboxing to taste testing. 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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