KitKat Flavours in Japan; including Cough Drop Kit Kats?
Ever notice the different flavors of KitKat bars in Japan?
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| Japanese Kit Kats |
Back in 2012, Nestle Japan claimed that the brand was doing well than its competitor, which is Meiji at the time.
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| One of the KitKat Chocolate Bars in the 1950s |
The flavours of KitKats relate to the consumer by emotionally attachment; ie, maybe matcha reminded them of their childhood, Wasabi is a trigger from their school life.
The history behind this stretches back to the mid-1930s when (according to the Official KitKat website), the British confections company Rowntree decided that they wanted to create a new chocolate bar that 'won't make a mess' and easier on the go. (https://www.kitkat.com/kitkat-history)
It did not hit Japan sales for KitKat bars until 1973 when it finally made it to Japan. Causing a huge boost in sales due to the fact it included exclusive flavours and how it bonded to the 'emotional marketing' stance.
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| The region of Hokkaido |
Omiyage isn't the only thing why Japanese Kit Kats are growing in their culture. Another thing that they are interested in is the translation of 'kitto katsu'. This translation meaning 'good luck' on let's say... an upcoming exam, getting married, or meeting someone new for the first time.
According to the Second History website, the sales grew in the early 2000s, because parents gave it to students who were studying for their final exams. Remember the 'kitto katsu' meaning? Well, some say its to give them good charm and luck. In fact, according to Japan House website:
"One and three students will buy a Kit Kat just for anticipation of entrance examinations".
| Kit Kat Mail with someone writing a positive message to send out. |
It only grew bigger, as they introduced (in conjunction with Japan Mail) to have Kit Kats sent to their homes.
All in part of the tradition of omiyage the tradition to give souvenirs to homes. What they do is to write a personal message, 'Good Luck on your exams!', 'You'll be okay'.
And with an included postage stamp, you can write down their address and send it to them, like sending a letter, except with chocolate.
Now, let me show you some funny combinations of Kit Kats that were made in Japan.
Sushi KitKats
Matcha Kit Kats
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| Whole Wheat Kit Kats |
Yes, Whole Wheat Kit Kats. Although discontinued, its a crunchy texture with whole wheat biscuits. Very similar to eating a Digestive Cookie or a Breton cracker with chocolate.
Nuts and Cranberries Kit Kats
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| Nuts & Cranberry |
Yes, they also put nuts in their Kit Kats. This flavour in particular has nuts and cranberries. They also have Soy Milk & Cranberries, Ruby Nuts & Cranberries and even Yogurt Nuts and Cranberries.
Alcoholic Kit Kats
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| Premium Sake |
Yes, and even those who want to drink but still want a Kit Kat, they got you covered. They have Premium Sake (fermented rice wine), with 0.04 % alcoholic. Umeshi Sake (Plum fermented rice wine), Bijofu Yuzu Sake (sour Japanese Citrus) and even Sparkling Wine.
Cough Drop Kit Kats
Cough Drop Flavor
Yes, you read that correctly.
Japan has a lot of flavours, 300+ of them! Feel free to try and leave me a comment if you ever tried any of these flavors, especially the cough drop ones.
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