Japan Crate is a Japanese snack subscription box that sends you snacks, candies, and beverages. Each box comes with 15 to 20 full-size sweets and snacks that are tricky or impossible to find outside Japan.
This review is for the Japan Crate Premium Box, which costs $49.95 monthly.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
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This month's Japan Crate is like a first-class Shinkansen ticket to Flavor Town, Japan. And let's give a round of applause to the masterminds behind the box's design because, my goodness, it's beautiful!
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Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me just say that the QR code idea initially seemed pretty cool. I mean, who doesn't love a little tech magic? But here's the twist: I scanned that code, expecting a mind-blowing digital experience, and instead, I found myself lost in a snack utopia with no clue which goodies were actually in my box. A bit of a buzzkill, I must admit. I was hoping for an immersive adventure, especially with all the talk of futuristic snacks.
Enough of my moaning, though. Time to roll up our sleeves and dig into this Japanese treasure chest!
What's Inside: Japan Crate May 2023 Box
Pure De Rice Sea Urching Rice Snack
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Ever wondered what it would taste like if you swallowed the ocean? Well, wonder no more because these chips perfectly replicate that briny sea urchin flavor. And seriously, Japan, how do you make chips that are airy, light, and crispy all at once? It's a mystery I need to solve. These chips are like the fancy, classy ones you serve to impress your guests. I don't see myself devouring a whole bag in one sitting, but they're addictively delicious!
Walking Cotton Candy
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As a self-proclaimed cotton candy lover, my inner child did a little happy dance when I saw this fluffy treat. And here's the mind-blowing part: the cotton candy stays fluffy and fresh even after opening the package. It's like a magic trick! This one has your classic cotton candy flavor with a delightful hint of fruitiness. Prepare for a sugar rush!
Strawberry Ramune Candy
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Let's take a moment to appreciate the adorable soda-themed presentation of this candy. Plus, it actually has a cap! Not all ramune candies can boast that. The flavor? Exactly what you'd expect, but here's the twist: these candies are bigger than your average ramune treats. They're the perfect pick-me-up when you need a little snacky sweetness in your life.
Green Tongue Gum
I'm not the biggest gum enthusiast, but this one cracked me up. Chew on it for a minute or so, and voila! Your tongue turns a delightful shade of green. Kids will undoubtedly get a kick out of this one. Plus, it's just fun to prank your friends!
Hello Kitty Chocolate
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Well, well, well, what do we have here? A cute Hello Kitty-shaped chocolate. Adorable, yes, but nothing particularly mind-blowing. This is a repeat snack from the February 2023 box, so it didn't quite give me the thrill of a new discovery. Still, it's a sweet little treat to nibble on.
Sequoia Strawberry Chocolate Bar
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Ah, another repeat from the February 2023 box. Despite its déjà vu status, I have a soft spot for this chocolate bar. It reminds me of a childhood favorite that I used to devour. Unfortunately, my bar seemed to have a run-in with Florida's summer weather and melted a bit during transit. Can't say I'm surprised, though.
Beware The Sour Grape
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Oh, hello again! This snack has made not one but two appearances now since February. It's still a super fun treat that I'd happily share with my friends. This time, my husband lucked out and got the sour grape version. Talk about a tangy surprise!
Poricky Brown Sugar Sticks
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We're back on the repeat train with this snack from the February 2023 box. These sticks have a slight brown sugar flavor. I even detected hints of pineapple dancing around in there. Let me know what notes you pick up in the comments. We'll compare snack detective skills!
Barley Chocolate Puffs
Ding, ding, ding! We have another repeat contender. These chocolate puffs are a delightful snack. They're light and crispy and transport me back to my childhood. Ah, the memories! Definitely a heartwarming addition to the box.
Bubble Wrap Chocolate
And the repeat parade continues, this time from the January 2023 box. These small chocolate balls resemble candy-coated bubble wrap. Are they anything extraordinary? Not really. But there's something oddly satisfying about popping them out of the package. It's like satisfying your bubble wrap-popping cravings without the guilt.
Nericho Ice Cream DIY
Well, well, well, what do we have here? Another repeat from the February 2023 box. Just like last time, I couldn't get the "ice cream" mix to resemble anything close to actual ice cream. It turned out more gummy than creamy, with a texture that confused me. Maybe I'm doing something wrong? Unfortunately, the guide didn't include instructions for this one, so Google Translate came to the rescue.
Beano Plum Flavored Snack
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Hold on to your taste buds because this new snack took me by surprise! At first glance, they look like your typical pea snacks, but when you take a bite, you're hit with a burst of sweet and savory plum flavor. It's a mind-bending combination that keeps you reaching for more.
Limited Express Train Chocolate
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Choo choo! All aboard the cute train-shaped chocolate adventure! This charming treat is filled with tiny chocolate balls that are like candy in disguise. They're perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while fueling your inner child's love for trains. Chew, chew!
Melon Pandero Cookie
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Prepare yourself for a cookie experience like no other. Say hello to the melon pandero cookie. Never tried a melon cookie before? Well, you're in for a treat! It captures the essence of a juicy green melon while delivering the delightful texture of a buttery cookie. It's a melon-infused masterpiece!
Sweet Milk Coffee
Now, I'll admit, I'm always a little wary of the drinks in these boxes. But this time, oh boy, was I pleasantly surprised. This sweet milk coffee tastes like your favorite frappuccino but with a more balanced sweetness. It's a delightful pick-me-up when you need a caffeine boost with a touch of indulgence.
KitKat Chocolate Orange
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Hold up, where did my full-size KitKat bag go? Instead of the usual bounty, we only got a couple of these orange-chocolate-flavored KitKats. Let's briefly set aside the size discrepancy and focus on the flavor. These little morsels are absolutely amazing, especially when paired with afternoon tea. I must admit, though, the texture looked a bit off, but hey, I can't judge a KitKat by its cover!
Sankaku Crackers
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These Sankaku Crackers are like flavored breadsticks with a twist. I found myself devouring the whole package in one sitting because they're just that good.
Chocolate Ball
Wait a minute, didn't we meet before? Ah, yes, this chocolate ball made an appearance in the March 2023 box. It's a tiny chocolate ball that's super crunchy on the outside and delightfully pillowy on the inside. It's like a mini chocolate explosion in your mouth. Hello again, old friend!
My Verdict
Alright, folks, time for the honest truth. While the Japan Crate Premium Box won major points in the design department, I can't say it won me over entirely with its snack selection this time. Out of the 18 snacks in the box, a solid eight of them were repeats. Come on, Japan Crate, I was hoping for a bit more variety! And let's not forget about the QR code mishap. I wanted a clear list of what was in my box, not a scroll through a snack wonderland.
But hey, don't let my grumbling discourage you. If you're itching to get your hands on the June Premium Box by Japan Crate, you're in luck! You can still sign up and join the snacking fun.
To Wrap Up
Can I still get this box if I sign up today? Yes! Crates are shipped on a rolling schedule with three shipment dates every month.
Value Breakdown: This box costs $49.95 monthly (including free shipping), and I received 18 items. That breaks down to a value of $2.77 per item.
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