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 $37.50 monthly; you can save more by committing to a longer subscription. I received plenty of snacks to try this month, plus a beautiful (and useful!) fabric coaster. 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 month's box is helping us ring in the new year with traditional foods that nourish the body and are also filled with symbolic meaning.
It was not surprising that Sakuraco included a gorgeous booklet, since its packaging was so impressive. This booklet describes each snack and lists if it contains any common allergy. It also includes several articles ranging from traditional hand-crafting of snacks, quality tea making, and delightful festivals in the Hokkaido area. I learned so much that I really worked up a hunger. Let's dig into these snacks!
What's Inside:
Kokuto Donut
This donut was nothing like the donuts you confront at Dunkin' or any local bakery. It is understated and subtly sweet. You can taste the brown sugar in every bite, and it isn't cloying or sticky. I loved the crisp exterior, but once you bit into it, the moist chewy middle stole the show. I prefer donuts this way and wish there was somewhere close to buy them.
Shichifukujin Tetra Arare
Arare snacks are becoming some of my favorite, thanks to this subscription, and I often find myself craving them as a palette cleanser after something sweet. These little puffs taste shrimpy in the best way. Seven Lucky Gods are pictured on the wrapper. The description suggests placing an image of the gods under your pillow on New Year's Eve to bring good fortune into the New Year.
Maple Cashew Nuts
This snack combines two of my favorite things beautifully. The maple coating is divine. I ran out of this snack too quickly!
Matcha Dorayaki
I don't know how they do it, but they manage to keep these pancake snacks so moist and soft; it is utterly luscious. If I just read a description of this snack "two pancakes with a red bean paste, infused with matcha..." I do not think I would purchase this snack, but I assure you, it is lovely. I've grown to love the subtly sweet flavors of Japan, and my appreciation increases every month.
Red and White Plum Kohakuto
These were fun and unexpected. In fact, after one bite, I yelled for my husband to come into the room to share my experience. Sugary plum and strawberry zing in your mouth, as you crunch through a thick layer of sugar into a soft gel center. The crunch is unreal and unlike anything I've ever tried.
Strawberry Daifuku
I am thrilled to have such a large bag of daifuku. Strawberries are kneaded into soft rice cake, forming a pillowy outside that protects a thin layer of strawberry-infused bean paste. It is a triumph and a pleasure to eat every single time.
Sweet Potato Kintsuba
Usually, I am very fond of snacks that incorporate sweet potato, but the texture on this one was a reminder that I am eating just that. In hindsight, I should have heated this up to enjoy it more, but of course, I had to share with my family who all thought it was great as is.
Soft Niigata Okaki
I wasn't expecting such a savory flavor with a soft and squishy texture, but here we are! This was my husband's favorite snack this month, and he quickly finished the bag in a day. The soft Niigata Okaki is soaked in a soy sauce glaze, which gives it a bold umami flavor.
Cheese Curry Arare
Wow! Spicy curry just hits you immediately when you pop this almost-too-big-for-bite-sized snack. I was pleasantly surprised by this flavorful puff, and I was happy to have a spicier option this month.
New Year's Senbei
Sweet and savory is one of my favorite combos, so of course, I can't get enough of the honey and soy senbei. This thick cracker has it all, a satisfying crunch with rich flavor in every bite.
Sesame Daikaki
Finally, a snack with some heat! This is a fantastic mixture of sesame, soy, and chili. It is just enough spice to linger a while, but it doesn't take away from the bold sesame and soy flavors.
Yuzu Sencha
This month's tea sample was a delicious yuzu-infused green tea. It has a crisp, citrus flavor which enhances the clean, balanced sencha taste I've grown to love.
Yuzu Shiroko Biscuits
These biscuits are habit-forming. They are subtle, sweet, and have just the right amount of fruitiness to them. They contain a layer of sweet adzuki paste, and they are enriched with yuzu to add that little tart zing I so enjoy.
Nishijin-ori Coaster
Each subscriber will receive a Nishijin-ori coaster; the fabric Nishijin-ori is made from pre-dyed silk threads and each pattern tells a story of nature and history. I love the delicate pink and gold design I received and would love to see what others have received.
Earl Grey Gorojima Cakes
This is a repeat snack from the November box, but it has stood out as one of the best yet. I am so happy to get another taste of this cake; here is what I had to say about it then:
Out of all the snacks from this month and last, these tied for my number one favorite. Both flavors were amazing, fruity yet sophisticated. Gorojima cake is infused with Kaga vegetables and sweet potatoes, and the Earl Grey is made using Noto black tea. I can't stop thinking about the Earl Grey cake, and once I do, my mouth starts watering. These little slices were so moist and delicious; I need to start googling recipes immediately!
The Verdict
Sakuraco's January box had a few unexpected items that shocked my tastebuds in the best way. There was a sugary/crunchy candy with an amazingly soft center, a curry puff with all the right spice, and a sesame Daikaki with the perfect amount of heat. Of course, I love the beauty of each month's packaging, and I also enjoy reading the literature along with the gorgeous photos and illustrations each month. Everything from unboxing to the taste-testing session I always enjoy with my family is worth the $37.50 price tag.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $37.50. This box ships directly from Japan and included 14 artisanal snacks and a pair of snack plate. It is like spending $2.50 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?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.