Even though the world may be divided, we can all agree that we enjoy snacking. No matter where you are from, everyone likes a nice snack. Whether you're more of a sweet type or want something savory, snacks are just one thing that satisfies everyday life. Everyone tends to enjoy those indulgences between meals, for a lunchtime snack, evening raid on the fridge, or after a long work day. They kind of make it exciting to repeat the same day. However, there is a distinctive difference between countries regarding the kinds of snacks that are deemed delightful.

There are many differences between American and Japanese cuisine, and snacks are no exception. There are snacks for every flavor and craving in the vast world of food, including salty, crunchy, sweet, chewy, spicy, creamy, fruity, and sour. While some snacks are the same in both countries, they are presented and sold differently depending on where you are.

Although both countries have fantastic sweet, salty, and savory snacks, there are some clear contrasts between Japanese snacks and American snacks.

Japanese Snacks vs American Snacks Size

American dinners are renowned for their hefty serving sizes; the same is true of their snacks. While Americans enjoy king-sized candy and snack foods, Japan prefers to keep its snacks on the small side. Japanese candies are typically fun-sized, and the snacks, such as bags of chips, come in smaller servings. In America, you'll probably get more food than you need.

In fact, there is a phrase in Japan, "American size," that means foods, snacks, and almost everything is in a bigger size; however Japanese see this as a waste of food and unhealthy. Because they don't want to waste food, Japanese people typically serve themselves very modest servings of meals and have incorporated them into their snacks.

Japanese Snacks vs American Snacks Flavors

The flavors of American and Japanese snacks differ significantly in many ways. Compared to American chips, Japanese chips frequently have more delicate flavors and place more emphasis on having a crunchy, crispy, and airy feel. Japanese chips come with softer flavors like sesame oil and salt, seaweed and salt, and shrimp, while many American chips are loaded with flavorings like cheese, vinegar, and spice. Additionally, American snacks, which are often simpler and savor the flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, vanilla, and fruit, also tend to have simpler flavors than Japanese snacks.

Japanese Snacks vs American Snacks Nutrients

Snacking had a poor reputation before healthy snacking emerged a few years ago, but that has now changed. Of course, Japan has its fair share of unhealthy snacks, but comparatively, many of them feature better ingredients and fewer preservatives. While not all Japanese snacks are nutritious, many are considered healthier options for various Western snacks. This is because they are frequently created with premium components that differ significantly from those regularly found in grocery shops in the US and Europe. Additionally, properly obtained natural foods free of chemicals and additives are frequently used in Japanese snacks.

On the other hand, typical American snacks like Hostess's Twinkies and Ding Dongs aren't exactly the healthiest snacks, hence the label "junk food." Although many American snacks are so good, they are practically addicting and are not necessarily the healthiest options available. However, although these snacks are said to be healthy, they do not permit excessive consumption. Therefore, paying attention to portion size should become a habit when snacking and eating food generally.

Japanese Snacks vs American Snacks Packaging

Snacking in Japan is adorable, if that is anything that can be said about it. Japanese snacks are no exception to the kawaii rule, with vibrantly colored packaging, unique flavors, and cute branding. Any product needs good packaging, and Japanese snack packaging is careful to strike a balance between form and function. Products are wrapped and packaged to keep them secure and undamaged while enabling buyers to enjoy their purchases without hassle or mess easily.

On the other side, American packaging ignores the product's cultural component and focuses solely on the product itself. American snack packaging is less visually appealing, basic, dull, and less promotional than Japanese. However, the American packaging size is slightly larger than the Japanese packaging. Additionally, whereas America goes all out with holiday package designs, Japan typically has more interesting designs for its snack packages.

The Best Japanese Snacks vs The Best American Snacks

Starbucks Japan vs. US Starbucks

It's clear Starbucks is a top brand in the US and Japan. However, there are quite a few differences between the locations. For example, as mentioned above, portions are typically smaller in Japanese Starbucks than in the US version. Additionally, Starbucks Japan shops typically include regional and local flavors in their snacks and drinks throughout the year, whilst American Starbucks shops focus more on "American-style" cuisine.

For example, a Starbucks in Japan may offer items such as a matcha white chocolate scone or a red bean and butter sandwich. The flavors of Japanese Starbucks snacks range from more traditional options, such as Sakura mochi balls, to modern versions of snacks, like Sakura donuts. In the US, Starbucks's menu typically includes sandwiches (like grilled cheese) and pastries on the sweeter side.

Japanese Kit Kat vs. American Kit Kat

Kit Kats are popular snacks in Japan and the US, often available at convenience stores, vending machines, and candy shops. In Japan, flavors like matcha green tea, sweet potato, orange, strawberry, and sakura are the most popular flavors. There are an impressive 300+ different varieties of Kit Kats available in Japan. You can even purchase a taster package with 16 various flavors in Japan, making it simple to choose your favorite. The sheer number of distinct Kit Kat tastes from Japan ensures something for everyone's sweet tooth, from matcha and cheesecake to wasabi and sake!

In America, there are about 15 flavors of Kit Kats, though they are all on the sweet side. These flavors range from traditional milk chocolate to fun seasonal options like raspberry cream. Depending on the flavor chosen, there is typically at least a few grams more sugar in American Kit Kats than in Japan, allowing those with sweet tooths to indulge.

Japanese Lay's Chips vs. American Lay's

Crispy and with just the right amount of salty pleasure, Lay's Potato Chips will keep you going back for more. The thinness of traditional Lay's makes you feel like you're eating air. The traditional Lays potato chips are a must-have party and movie snack. As such, it's easy to see why this is one of the most popular snacks in Japan and America.

Like the previous snacks, Japan offers unique (and plentiful) flavors of Lay's Chips, ranging from savory to packed with umami. Expect options such as seaweed or shrimp when buying Lay's in Japan. Typically, the flavors are more mild in the Japanese version. The Lay's chips flavors are bolder in America, with options like cheddar and BBQ.

McDonald's in Japan vs. America

McDonald's offers the perfect snacking solution for Americans and Japanese people. In America, the menu centers around classics such as the Big Mac, a Happy Meal, and chicken nuggets. While Japan has much of the same stuff, it also provides exciting options such as a Teriyaki McBurger, Ebi Filet-O, and McPork. These unique Japanese snacks are available because of consumer demand. Similar to other global companies, McDonald's provides snacks and food items that appeal to local preferences and tastes.

Japanese Pringles vs. American Pringles

Pringles are the ultimate salty, savory snack, constantly chosen by those in the US and Japan. However, you'll find a few differences between this tasty treat in each country. For one, about 21 varieties of Pringles are currently available in American grocery stores, while Japan seems to have an ever-revolving amount of seasonal and regional flavors.

These stackable chips are often seen in flavors like original, sour cream & onion, salt and vinegar, and BBQ in America. In Japan, expect exciting options like takoyaki, soy sauce, butter scallops, and seaweed, all of which have salty snackers talking. Since these crispy chips don't leave behind Cheeto dust, they'll likely remain a top pick for American and Japanese people alike.

Japanese snacks vs American snacks: What's your pick?

Snacks are not just quick meals in between; they impact modern culture more than you think. Snacks are now the most popular convenience food. It is known that America and Japan are some of the top manufacturers of savory and pleasant snacks when it comes to making them. Find all of your favorite American snacks, like Snickers, pretzel pieces, Cheetos crackers, and Pringles.

But if you're tired of the same old American snacks, investigating Japanese snacks could be a fun pace change. Japan has adopted many snacks from other nations, primarily from Europe and America, and transformed them into Japanese style. There are always new varieties to try!

As you can see, there are many variations between Japanese and American snacks, especially in the size of the piece and the variety of tastes. What are you waiting for? Discover the enormous selection of both Japanese and American snacks to satisfy your cravings now. Enjoy!

It's Japan Crate Time!

Japan Crate has made it much easier to order Japanese snacks and treats unique to Japan, whether you prefer sweeter snacks or salty goodies like Japanese Doritos or Fritos. In addition to providing a selection of Japanese products for individual purchase, we provide our customers the option to sign up for one of our Japan Crate subscription plans so they can receive a delicious Japanese snack box directly from Japan monthly.