10 Best Japanese Sweets UK | Hi-Chew Koala's March and More
Japanese sweets are famous for both their colourful packaging and unique tastes. They're great for indulging in, sharing with friends, or buying as a souvenir gift. But, with such a wide range of chocolates, biscuits, gummies and hard candies to choose from, it can be hard to know what to try first!
If you're new to the exciting world of Japanese sweets, this guide will serve as a great introduction. From traditional confectionaries like Warabi mochi, to contemporary favourites like Hi-Chews and Koala's March, we've ranked the 10 best Japanese sweet available in the UK. Keep reading to discover our top picks with links to buy from Amazon and Japan Centre.
Quick List - Top Japanese Sweets
Lotte
Cute Koala Shaped Biscuits Filled With Strawberry Cream
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How to Choose Japanese Sweets in the UK
- Pick Between Traditional Or More Contemporary Sweets
- Consider Whether You Want A Sweet With A Familiar Or Unique Flavour
- Seek Out Gelatin Free Options If You Are Vegetarian
Pick Between More Traditional Sweets Like Candied Fruits, or More Contemporary Sweets Like Soft Gummies
To help you decide, think about whether you want to try traditional or contemporary Japanese sweets. For example, some of the most traditional sweets eaten throughout Japan's history include candied fruits, soft jellies and sweet mochi.
- Mochi: Considered the first Japanese sweet, mochi is an important part of Japanese's food history. For those who are unfamiliar, mochi is a small cake made from glutinous rice, water, sugar and cornstarch. It has a soft and chewy texture and is often filled with different sweet fillings.
- Biscuits, Chocolate and Gummies: Many Japanese sweets are modelled after Western confectioneries such as biscuits and gummy sweets. These contemporary treats may be better suited to those who are not use to Japanese cuisine since they have a more familiar texture and taste. What makes stand out, however, are the unique flavours like matcha and yuzu, which aren't as common in the UK.
- Candy DIY Kits: Novelty sweets are also popular in Japan and a great choice for kids. In particular, candy DIY kits and sweets which include games and free gifts offer an extra layer of fun. Notably, these sweets have traditional roots, being modelled after dagashi (駄菓子) which are cheap candies with fun packaging specifically made for children to enjoy.
Click here to learn more about traditional and popular Japanese snacks!
Consider Whether You Want a Familiar Fruit Flavour Like Strawberry, or Something Unique Like Ramune Soda
What makes Japanese sweets so popular around the world is that they come in both familiar and unique flavours. Fruits are often used either as a filling or coating on many sweets. Yet, there are many exciting flavours to try. Here are some of the most common:
- Strawberry: One of Japan's most loved fruits. Strawberry is used in a wide range of Japanese sweets including hard candy, soft chews, biscuits and chocolate.
- Orange: Mikans are the most popular type of orange in Japan. Since they are super juicy and sweet, they make a great flavour for hard candies. Other citrus fruits like yuzu are also commonly used to flavour sweets due to their sweet yet slightly tangy taste.
- Grape: This is another popular fruit in Japan, with the Kyoho grape being the most commonly found in confectionary. Grapes are used to flavour many different gummies and soft chews.
- Ramune: Comparable to lemonade or club soda, Ramune is a Japanese carbonated drink which has a citrusy and slightly sweet taste. Because of its refreshing flavour and popularity with kids, it's a commonly used in novelty sweets.
- Brown Sugar: Okinawan brown sugar is famous for its deep flavour. It's made by slowly cooking the sugarcane and can be used to flavour both savoury and sweet dishes, as well as for making hard sugar candy.
- Warabiko: Otherwise known as bracken, warabiko is a type of fern. The starch which comes from the stem is used to create warabi mochi, which many describe as being flavourless, while having a texture comparable to that of tapioca.
Seek Out Gelatin-Free Sweets if You Are Vegetarian
Gummies and chewy sweets are extremely popular in Japan, with some of the most famous being Hi-Chew and Mikakuto gummies. However, these types of sweets tend to include gelatin in order to create texture. Given that gelatin is derived from animals, it is therefore unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.
That said, there are some sweets which are made with a gelling agent called pectin that's derived solely from plants. Another gelatin substitute commonly used in a variety of Asian desserts is agar, a jelly-like substance made from red algae and other vegetables. You can even use agar to make traditional Japanese jellies and raindrop cakes.
While there are plenty of vegan-friendly Japanese sweets, certain varieties can be harder to find. Sadly, most biscuits and chocolates in Japan contain eggs or milk powder. That's why it's important to check the ingredients list if you have specific dietary requirements or allergies.
To add a finishing touch, why not pair your chosen sweet with a Japanese tea?
10 Best Japanese Sweets in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Morinaga Hi Chew Green Apple | | Japanese Chewy Sweet Bursting With Fruity Flavours | |
2 | Lotte Koala's March Strawberry Flavoured Biscuit | | Cute Koala Shaped Biscuits Filled With Strawberry Cream | |
3 | Shindo Shigeharu Candied Amanatsu Citrus Peel | | Candied Citrus With a Sweet and Sour Flavour | |
4 | Fujiya Pop Candy | | Fruity Lollipops From One of Japan’s Most Loved Confectionary Brands | |
5 | Yaokin Ramune Tablet Candy | | Refreshing Candies Inspired by Ramune Soda | |
6 | Coris Mystery Mix Mizuame Syrup DIY Candy Kit | | Discover Fun New Flavours With This Candy DIY Kit | |
7 | Imuraya Squeezable Warabi Mochi Sweets - Brown Sugar | | A Modern Sweet Take On Traditional Mochi | |
8 | Kabaya Puchi Pastel Chocolate Cone Snacks | | Chocolate Ice Cream Cone Biscuits With a Fun Game | |
9 | Nobel Assorted Fruits Soft Jelly Sweets | | Soft Fruit Jelly Sweets That Are Gelatin-Free | |
10 | Sunshine Co Traditional Boxed Sweets - Temari Ball Sugar Candy | | Beautifully Packaged Traditional Candy Makes for the Ideal Gift |
Japanese Chewy Sweet Bursting With Fruity Flavours
By far the most popular sweet in Japan, Hi-Chews are soft and chewy candies which come in different fruity flavours. Made with real apple juice, these soft sweets are not only packed with flavour, but super refreshing!
Each pack includes ten individually wrapped sweets, making them a great choice for sharing or to take on the go. Once you have inevitably finished your first pack, there are many other exciting flavours to try out, including grape, banana, pineapple and strawberry.
Cute Koala Shaped Biscuits Filled With Strawberry Cream
Koala's March are some of Japan's most recognised and beloved biscuits. These bite-sized koala shaped snacks are filled with strawberry cream which is absolutely delicious. Once you start, you won't be able to stop!
Designed for sharing, these are the perfect snack for nights in with friends. Almost guaranteed to become one of your all-time favourites, why not also try the other flavours, such as chocolate, vanilla or milk?
Candied Citrus With a Sweet and Sour Flavour
For those who want to try a more traditional snack, consider these candied fruits. Amanatsu are Japanese orange peel strips coated in sugar, offering a sweet and slightly tangy taste. Not only are they delicious, but full of Vitamin C!
Conveniently, they come in a resealable bag to help keep the contents fresh. We also think that their simple yet quintessentially Japanese branding means they would make a lovely gift for someone interested in traditional Japanese culture!
Fruity Lollipops From One of Japan’s Most Loved Confectionary Brands
Fujiya is one of Japan's most iconic confectionary brands, thanks to their mascot, Peko-chan, a young girl with red bows. From the brand comes this pack of popping candy lollipops, in an assortment of flavours including strawberry, orange, grape and soda.
This pack includes a total of twenty-one lollies, making them the perfect sweet to share with friends and family. Always a hit with kids, here is a fun pack of sweets that everyone can enjoy!
Refreshing Candies Inspired by Ramune Soda
Inspired by Ramune, a Japanese soft carbonated drink most commonly sold at summer festivals, these small candy tablets have a sweet and refreshing taste. For those who have never tried it, Ramune has a mild citrusy flavour with a hint of bubblegum, so it's sure to be enjoyed by those who like fizzy drinks.
To evoke a sense of nostalgia, these mini candies have been packaged to mimic a retro soda bottle. They're not only the perfect summertime sweet, but a great little sugar boost too!
Discover Fun New Flavours With This Candy DIY Kit
If you want to try something unique, then you have to get a DIY candy kit! Experiment with strawberry, soda and lemon syrup by mixing them in the tray provided. When combined, these syrups create a fun candy-floss sweet which can be eaten with the spoon included.
Notably, when all three syrups are mixed together, they create a secret fourth flavour! This creative treat is an ideal choice for entertaining kids. The only downside is that it can create some mess.
Imuraya Squeezable Warabi Mochi Sweets - Brown Sugar
A Modern Sweet Take On Traditional Mochi
Enjoy the taste of caramel and Okinawan brown sugar with these squeezable Warabi mochi treats. Warabi mochi is a type of wagashi or traditional Japanese confection, and is made from konjac and bracken starch. It has a jelly-like texture compared to regular mochi, which is more chewy.
This type of mochi is most commonly eaten in the summertime, and one pack contains seven individual tubes ideal for picnics. Since Warabi has quite a distinctive flavour, it may not be to everyone's liking. That said, these particular mochi have more of a creamy, toffee-like taste.
Chocolate Ice Cream Cone Biscuits With a Fun Game
This small box is filled with ice cream shaped biscuits in chocolate cones, each with their own unique colour, flavour and cute theme. this combination of light biscuit with delicious milk chocolate a wonderfully sweet and crunchy sensation!
Containing two individually wrapped bags, these are great for sharing with the family. However, the main selling point is the fact you can transform the packaging into a small shop and play a fun game! Though it should be noted, once this box is open, the chocolates needed to be eaten within a few days.
Soft Fruit Jelly Sweets That Are Gelatin-Free
Jelly has been a staple sweet in Japan for centuries. This pack includes a mix of grape, peach, mandarin orange and apple firm jellies, each one mouthwateringly juicy and bursting with real fruity flavour.
These jellies have a tangy-coating with a firm but soft texture, but what makes them really stand out is the fact they're made from pectin instead of gelatin, meaning they can be enjoyed by everyone. We think these bite-sized jellies would make for the perfect offering next time you have guests around!
Sunshine CoTraditional Boxed Sweets - Temari Ball Sugar Candy
Beautifully Packaged Traditional Candy Makes for the Ideal Gift
This box of retro-style sugar candies are inspired by temari ball toys, which are traditionally won at summer festivals. Each candy is beautifully decorated and has its own unique colour. When combined, they create a piece of art!
Since they are made by confectioners in Kyoto, they would make a wonderful gift for someone who loves traditional Japanese culture and artistry. It should be noted, however, these sugar candies are quite plain in flavour compared to others on this list.
Written and researched by Jane Pipkin
Top 5 Japanese Sweets
No. 1: Morinaga ｜Hi Chew Green Apple
No. 2: Lotte｜Koala's March Strawberry Flavoured Biscuit
No. 3: Shindo Shigeharu｜Candied Amanatsu Citrus Peel
No. 4: Fujiya｜Pop Candy
No. 5: Yaokin｜Ramune Tablet Candy
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.