The Best Caramel-Flavored Candies in Japan

We all know that Japanese manufacturers smash it when it comes to producing the weirdest snack flavors. What’s interesting to learn is that they also have different variations of regular flavors that we all know and love. One of the lesser-known but equally delicious treats to come out of Japan is its wide range of caramel candies and sweets. These snacks are delicious but sometimes have a weird twist.

With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why we've put together this article to highlight the best caramel flavor candies and sweets that Japan has to offer. Whether you have a sweet tooth or simply want to try something new, these treats are sure to satisfy you. So, without further ado, let's dive in and explore the world of Japanese caramel candies and sweets.

• 1. Tohato Caramel Corn
• 2. Lotte Caramel Candy cubes
• 3. Milk Caramel by Morinaga
• 4. Ramune Soda Candy
• 5. Donan Hokkaido Milk Caramel
• 6. Meiji Rich Caramel Chocolate Biscuits
• 7. Black Thunder Hokkaido Caramel
• 8. Caramel Kit Kats

History of Caramel

Caramel has a long and interesting history that dates back to ancient times. The word "caramel" comes from the Latin word "cannamella," which means "cane sugar." The ancient Egyptians were among the first to use caramel as a sweetener, using honey and dates to create a caramel-like substance. There have also been signs that people in the Arabic nations used caramel as far back as 1000 AD by boiling sugar and water to form hard candies.

Today, caramel is a popular ingredient in a variety of desserts, from ice cream to cakes to candy bars. It is made by heating sugar and water together until the sugar caramelizes, resulting in a sweet, golden-brown syrup. Caramel can also be made by combining sugar with cream or butter, resulting in a richer, creamier flavor.

History of Candy in Japan

Japan is a country where many can be accused of having a sweet tooth. The thousands of new candies manufactured each year should clue you in. Unsurprisingly, Japanese folks may have started taking candy since the Nara period (710–794) because historical documents for the 8th century mention the word for candy in Japanese.

Wagashi, which are traditional Japanese snacks, became popular during the Edo period (1603 and 1867). At that time, sellers moved to the streets and sold candy wearing flashy clothes. By the time it was the Showa period (1926 - 1989) candy stores in Japan evolved and many companies started making their signature products. Today, candy can be bought in convenience stores in Japan and it is the country with some of the coolest flavors. Check out our article on the best Japanese snacks to learn more. 

Best Caramel Flavor Candies in Japan

Tohato Caramel Corn

This is one of the most popular caramel candies in Japan. It was released as far back as 1971 but it is still going strong. This snack is a corn puff with a thin caramel glaze. As expected, there are flavors like Matcha, Mont Blanc, and even honey & butter. It is a soft, crispy, and light snack that can be taken when watching movies or working. It melts easily in the mouth and is both sweet and salty. One more thing, it is mixed with almond nuts too!

Lotte Caramel Candy cubes

When it comes to rich-tasting snacks, you can count on Japanese people. The Lotte caramel candy is made with fermented butter to give it more flavor. It sounds weird but it works. This candy comes in 10 wrapped pieces and it just screams luxury, it is creamy and soft.

Milk Caramel by Morinaga

Milk caramel is a classic Japanese candy that has been popular for generations. Well, to be exact, it was introduced in 1913. They are individually wrapped candy that comes in a pack. With its yellow statement, it's hard to miss and there are probably no children that are not familiar with milk caramel in Japan because of how popular it is. The taste is creamy and milky with a rich caramel taste and a teeny bit of tea extract.

Ramune Soda Candy

Do you like taking the candy versions of soda? If you do then you’ll love this candy which was inspired by one of the most popular drinks in Japan “Ramune”. This candy has a citrusy fizzy taste that completely emulates the drink. That’s why it is so popular in Japan.

Donan Hokkaido Milk Caramel

This chewy candy is made with milk from Hokkaido, a region in northern Japan known for its high-quality dairy products. It has a rich, creamy flavor with a hint of caramel and it was created in the 1980s. It’s not those caramels that get stuck on your teeth, it just melts away. There are around 18 individually wrapped caramel candies in each box and there are so many flavors. These flavors are so versatile that there is a vegetarian flavor.

Meiji Rich Caramel Chocolate Biscuits

Meiji is another Japanese brand that is well-known for making many types of snacks. This snack has a healthy dose of caramel in between 2 chocolate biscuits. The chocolate biscuit is dense and dark so it may be a bit bitter. The caramel cream is heavy and the mix of dark chocolate and thick caramel is interesting. 

Black Thunder Hokkaido Caramel

This chocolate bar is one of Japan’s most popular because it uses very dark chocolate. It is not just made with real cocoa, there are also crunchy biscuits infused in it so it is both sweet and crispy. Now, the black thunder Hokkaido caramel is a collaboration between Hokkaido milk caramel and black thunder to create a chocolate crunchy bar of caramel yumminess. There are also other cool variations like dear girl thunder and morning black thunder. 

Caramel Kit Kats

Kit Kats are a popular chocolate bar in Japan with over 300 flavors, and the caramel version is a fan favorite. It has a sweet caramel flavor with a crunchy wafer center. The flavors get even more interesting as there is also the banana caramel flavor. We love Japanese Kit Kats so much that we created a Kit Kat guide for you.

Whether used as a sweetener or a candy, caramel remains a beloved treat around the world. Its rich history and versatility make it a timeless favorite that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Japanese candies are some of the most diverse in the world and you definitely won’t regret trying some. You can now get a taste of Japan delivered to your doorstep by buying our monthly snack packs.

This article was originally written by our freelance writer Umm-Kulthum Abdulkareem and edited by us.