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' every month. Indulge in artisan treats and learn more about Japanese culture through its 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.
First Impressions
Once again, the packaging is stunning. ♡
October's box theme is "Echoes of Ukiyo-E." It wasn't surprising that Sakuraco included a gorgeous booklet; their packaging is so impressive! This booklet describes each snack and lists whether it contains any common allergens.
What's Inside:
Spiral Karinto
This snack tastes as good as it looks. Its spirals are giving me a spooky circus vibe, right on time for Halloween. The disc-shaped sweets are coated in sugar and sweet syrup, then toasted to ensure a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Twisted Arare
This is my favorite Arare we have received in a while. The twisted shape makes it fun and easy to reach for more, and of course, I will because I can't resist their savory flavor and crispy texture. As far as rice snacks go, it would take something genuinely special to beat this one.
Savory Ginkgo Nuts
Oooof, my kids and I were not fond of this one. Ginkgo nuts have a unique bitterness and roasty quality. As soon as I bit into a nut, I knew it was just not for me; while I frequently crave a hard crunchy texture, my palate isn't refined enough to appreciate anything bitter.
Curry Senbei
This curry senbei is my absolute favorite snack this month. Its Japanese-style curry seasoning mixed with a dash of black pepper adds warmth to the traditional senbei, creating an unforgettable version I would love to revisit. We received two of these lovely snacks this month, but I'd love to repurchase more!
Matcha Mizu Yokan
I wasn't on board for this month's Matcha Mizu Yokan. I love the earthy green color, and I typically love trying matcha snacks; however, the texture did not pair well with its matcha flavor. This had a jelly-adjacent texture with a puree consistency, and it reminded me of store-bought baby food. My four-year-old actually ate most of it, but also asked if I could feed it to her like a baby. We had fun pretending, but I don't think either of us would partake of this snack again.
Azuki Mochi Monaka
Bring on all of the bean pastes! We love confections and pastries filled with bean paste, but this version is a truly unique treat. We've never sampled anything like this Monaka, but we'd try it again in a heartbeat. It is filled with chunky azuki bean paste from Hokkaido-grown beans and wrapped in a soft, chewy piece of gyuhi mochi. It was flaky and chewy, and its subtly sweet flavor was a delight.
Chestnut Manju
I have been enjoying these little nuggets all week! They are so cute and such a joy to treat yourself with. Egg yolk-infused white bean paste and pieces of chestnut is nestled inside an exterior dough that is soft and sweet. These helped curb my sweet tooth after meals, and it was great having individually wrapped treats for on the go.
Kinako Kibi Dango
This sticky mochi confection is another favorite of ours this month. It felt taboo to tell my kids to eat the edible oblaat paper wrapped around the wagashi treat, which made it all the more thrilling for them to indulge. This is everything a mochi snack should be, sweet, squishy, chewy, and irresistable!
Kabuki Renjishi Senbei
I really love senbei, thanks to this subscription. Sweet and savory is my love language; I can't get enough of the rich soy-glazed flavor and dramatic crunch in every bite.
Choju-giga Kaya Cloth
Kaya cloths are traditional, lightweight cleaning fabrics that absorb and dry quickly.
These are perfect for everyday use, though Sakuraco recommends handwashing only. This animal print is adorable; I will definitely use it as a hand towel so I can keep it on display.
Nori Wind Okoshi & Matcha Thunder Okashi
These chewy rice cake confections come in two wonderful flavors: Nori Wind and Matcha Thunder. It sounds dramatic because it is. Wrapped with the imagery of Raijin and Fujin, the gods of wind and thunder, these snacks match their energy with rich flavor and an unforgettable chewy texture. These were bite-sized, but they left a lasting impression (especially on and in between my teeth!).
Choju-giga Hozui Marshmallow
Give me a marshmallow, and I am happy. Give me two marshmallows? I'm ecstatic. Two but with adorable animals on them? No words.
These hozui marshmallows were incredibly cute with a very squishy, soft texture. I wasn't expecting them to be filled, but Sakuraco never skimps on the white bean paste! It was a true delight, and I would like to enjoy a few more, please.
Ukiyo-e Printed Cookie
These cookies were also almost too cool to eat (almost!). This thin, crispy cookie reminded me of a shortbread, sweet and delicious! Unfortunately, one of these framed pieces of art was broken, but it was going to happen one way or another.
Kuromame Tea
This tea was made from 100% Hokkaido-grown black soybeans. As soon as my tea bag met some hot water, I could smell its rich aroma. It is caffeine-free and paired perfectly with my new favorite midnight snack, pumpkin sourdough toast from Trader Joe's.
The Verdict
Sakuraco's October box had a lovely collection of traditional Japanese autumnal favorites. Our favorite snacks this month were definitely the cutesy marshmallows and the printed cookies, and the curry senbei and Kinako Kibi Dango gets an honorable mention. This box always bursts 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 Choju-giga Kaya 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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