In a previous article, I mentioned that senbei is the “Perfect Snack or Appetizer!” Among them, “Kaki no Tane” stands as the undisputed king of savory snacks that pair perfectly with alcohol 🍺
It is so iconic in Japan that you’ll often find it served as a standard bar snack or “Otsumami” at many drinking establishments.
Today, I’m reviewing “Kaki no Tane,” a true staple of the Japanese snack world.
Product Summary
| Cooking Method | Baked |
| Hardness | ★★☆☆（Level 2: Crispy & Light） |
| Flavors | Soy Sauce, Spicy |
Product Information
| Product Name | Kaki no Tane (柿の種) |
| Manufacturer | Kameda Seika (亀田製菓) |
| Quantity | 180 g (6 individual bags) |
| Price | Reference price: 200–300 yen |
| Where to Buy | Almost any supermarket, drugstore, convenience store in Japan |
Package & Individual Wraps
This is what the package looks like.
This snack is characterized by its unique mix of small, banana-shaped rice crackers and peanuts.
The package is specifically designed with a clear window so you can see exactly what’s inside before you buy it 👀
Those who read my previous article about “The Magic of Colors” might have noticed something.
This package also uses a color scheme very similar to Happy Turn and Setoshio. It’s a perfect example of a package design where the “Magic of Colors” is fully at work to stimulate your appetite.
It contains 6 individual snack packs.
On the back of each of the six individual small packs, there are different trivia tidbits.
For example, the trivia on this pack says: “Sea otters have a favorite stone that they use and cherish throughout their lives.”
It has absolutely nothing to do with rice crackers, but I love the casual, conversational feel rather than it being a sales pitch 😀
Ingredients & Other Information
You can check the ingredients, allergen information, and other details on the back of the package.
| Main Ingredients | Rice flour (non-glutinous rice), starch, peanuts, soy sauce, sugar, seafood extract seasoning, etc. |
| Allergy Information | wheat, eggs, peanuts, soybeans, chicken, pork |
Flavor & Texture
Inside are banana-shaped Kaki no Tane and peanuts.
The ratio of Kaki no Tane to peanuts is a frequent topic of debate.
Currently, the ratio is 7:3 by weight. Following a renewal in May 2020, it was changed from the long-standing 6:4 ratio to 7:3 after it won first place in a consumer vote.
And here is the cross section.
The secret to that incredible crunch is this hollow center! Because the dough is thin and the inside is hollow, it creates that wonderful, rhythmic texture 😋
This satisfying crunch, combined with the spicy kick and mild nuts, makes it the ultimate snack to pair with beer! 🍺✨
By the way, Kaki no Tane is commonly known by its popular nickname, “Kaki-P” (柿ピー). In fact, the “Nori P Pack” (海苔ピーパック) I reviewed previously is made by the same manufacturer, Kameda Seika (亀田製菓).
Just like Kaki no Tane, Nori P Pack is a fantastic snack for beer! 🍺
Size
For those curious about the size, here it is compared to a ruler.
Kaki no Tane is about 2.5cm.
