What do Japanese foodies crave? A big collection of popular original snacks from convenience stores

Text and photos by /MATCHA

Have you ever noticed that Japanese convenience stores actually offer a wide range of their own original snacks? And the best part—they all look incredibly delicious (lol)! So, what kind of convenience store snacks do Japanese people secretly love? We’ll introduce five popular snacks from each convenience store chain. Let’s take a closer look!

[7-Eleven Edition]

Sugar 0? Tree Cookies (Tax included, 237 yen)

This snack often pops up on Japanese Instagram feeds, and its popularity stems from being a collaboration between 7-Eleven and the famous Japanese confectionery shop “Gin no Butou.” The outer layer consists of crispy cereal biscuits sprinkled with sugar crystals, while the inside is filled with thick white chocolate. It’s surprisingly rare to find such a high-quality dessert at a convenience store!

Kinako Walnuts (Tax included, 192 yen)

Made with premium kinako (roasted soybean flour), these are generously coated around carefully selected walnuts. With just the right level of sweetness and the aroma of walnuts, they’re perfect to enjoy with tea—or simply stash in your bag for a healthy, guilt-free snack when hunger strikes.

Three-Cheese Crackers (Tax included, 108 yen)

This is one of my personal favorites too. These savory crackers are made with three types of cheese. The crispy biscuit exterior encases a rich, cheesy filling—absolutely perfect for pairing with drinks!

Rich Chocolate Brownie (Tax included, 288 yen)

You can feel the “heaviness” of this chocolate brownie just by holding it in your hand. With an intense chocolate flavor that’s not overly sweet and has a slight bitterness, the dense cake texture makes every bite deeply satisfying. Apparently, baking it in the oven for two minutes makes it even tastier—the brownie becomes semi-melted, and when served with a scoop of ice cream, it’s just like something you’d get at a restaurant. (It even comes with a little fork inside!)

Rich Cream Raisin Sandwich Cookies (Tax included, 354 yen)

Cream raisin sandwich cookies are already one of Japan’s beloved premium treats, with famous confectioneries like “Ogawaken” and “Rokkatei” featuring them as signature items. The 7-Eleven version is definitely no less delicious than those from the well-known shops. The moist and rich cream biscuits are filled with ultra-creamy filling and large raisins soaked in liquor, offering a level of sophistication and dessert-like layers you wouldn’t expect from a convenience store snack.

[FamilyMart Edition]

Bite-Sized Chocolate Chip Cookies (108 yen)

At first glance, you might think, “These must be pretty ordinary,” but once you try them, you’ll discover their unexpectedly delightful taste. While most convenience stores offer their own original chocolate chip cookies, I’m highlighting FamilyMart’s because of their especially strong cinnamon aroma. The addition of cinnamon elevates the flavor profile of a regular chocolate cookie, making it perfect to enjoy with a glass of milk. Recommended for anyone who loves the taste of cinnamon!

Whole Wheat Honey Toast Crisps (Tax included, 118 yen)

The moment you open the package, you’ll be greeted by the rich aroma of buttery toast. These crisps have a uniquely firm, honey-soaked texture, complemented by a surface layer of whole wheat flour and sugar crystals. Made with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect snack when a craving hits!

Shrimp Taiyaki (Ebi Oobanq) (Tax included, 108 yen)

Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese snack, typically a crispy pancake filled with warm ingredients. FamilyMart’s shrimp taiyaki features just the crispy outer shell—thin and crunchy, with a moderate shrimp flavor and just the right amount of saltiness, making it the kind of snack you can easily finish off a whole pack of without realizing it.

Panda Chocolate Biscuits (Tax included, 118 yen)

Collaborations between convenience stores and other brands always add a fun buzz to products. Fans of Japanese snacks will likely recognize this panda (lol). This is a collaborative snack between FamilyMart and Kabaya Foods. The crisp biscuits are paired with a thick layer of chocolate, with the perfect balance between the two making it impossible to stop at just one bite. Plus, the adorable panda shape is super cute and comforting. It’s apparently a common sight in the drawers of working women in Japan!

100% Pea Snacks (Tax included, 108 yen)

Made with 100% peas in their purest form, these are enhanced with bonito flakes, kelp, and a touch of salt to create a simple yet delicious taste. According to Japanese netizens, dipping them in a bit of sesame oil also surprisingly complements the flavor. (Now that’s an interesting way to eat them!)

[Lawson Edition]

Annou Chips (Tax included, 198 yen)

You’ll notice that some of Lawson’s original snacks lean toward the healthier side, and this is one of them. Made with carefully selected annou sweet potatoes from Tanegashima, these chips preserve the natural sweetness of the vegetable, with thick slices and a crispy texture. The only downside? The portion size is a bit small!

Avocado Cream Cheese Bread Crackers (Tax included, 148 yen)

This product is also quite popular on Japanese Instagram. Marketed as a low-sugar option, its unique “avocado” flavor is paired with a creamy cheese taste (which leans slightly toward mayonnaise) that complements the crispy bread crackers. Its relatively low calorie count also makes it a guilt-free treat.

Spicy Fried Squid (Ika no Sama Furai Piperi Karai) (Tax included, 108 yen)

This squid is one of Lawson’s most popular snacks. The crispy fried squid shows its bold flavor just by the color of the coating. The spiciness isn’t overpowering—it creeps up slowly—which makes it perfect as a drinking snack.

Retro Chocolate Sticks (Choko Bou) (Tax included, 100 yen)

“Chocolate sticks” are one of Japan’s classic, traditional snacks—a crispy corn stick coated in a layer of chocolate. After trying all kinds of fancy treats, going back to this retro favorite really highlights its simple yet delicious charm.

Sweet Potato Sticks (Imo Kenpi) (Tax included, 100 yen)

Following the popular Annou Chips, Lawson also released “Sweet Potato Sticks.” Their stick shape makes them even more convenient for snacking on the go. They retain the original sweet potato flavor, are fried until crispy, and are both tasty and guilt-free!

Conclusion

The original products from Japanese convenience stores are definitely not to be underestimated—their deliciousness can easily rival that of major brand-name products. The snacks introduced here are also great to bring back as souvenirs to share with friends, as they’re both tasty and conversation-worthy. If you’re visiting Japan, don’t miss the section dedicated to original products!

Author: MATCHA
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