If you are like me, you love snacks. But not just any snacks, Japanese snacks.

From the savory to the sweet, there is a snack for everyone in Japan. And what better way to try a variety of these delicious snacks than with a subscription box?

Bokksu and Snakku are two of the most popular Japanese snack subscription boxes on the market, and for good reason – they offer a wide variety of delicious snacks from all over Japan. But which one is the best?

In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the two boxes, and help you decide which one is right for you.

What is Bokksu?

Bokksu is a subscription box that curates premium Japanese snacks and sends them to your door every month.

Bokksu sources its snacks directly from local snack makers in Japan, so you can be sure you are getting the real deal.

Each box comes with a curated selection of 20-25 snacks, as well as a tea pairing selected to complement that month’s flavors.

It may sound superfluous to you, but that’s because it is. However, it’s a thoughtful touch that really sets Bokksu apart.

As much as Bokksu is about the snacks, it’s also about the experience.

Each box comes with an information booklet that tells the story of the snacks and the makers who created them.

It’s a nice way to learn about the culture and history behind each snack, and it really brings the experience to life.

What is Snakku?

Snakku was founded in 2015 with the mission of introducing traditional Japanese snacks to the world.

Every month, Snakku handpicks a selection of authentic, small-batch snacks from artisans all over Japan and delivers them straight to your door.

The subscription helps you discover new snacks that you can’t find anywhere else, and also supports traditional Japanese snack makers who are struggling to keep their businesses alive.

You can decide to pause, skip, or cancel your subscription at any time if you’re not happy with the service.

Content

Both boxes contain an assortment of Japanese snacks, including chips, crackers, cookies, candy, and more.

Since the content of the boxes changes every month, it’s hard to say which one is better. However, we can still talk about some of the popular snacks that you might find in each box.

Bokksu

Bokksu is known for its wide variety of snacks, from savory to sweet. They source their snacks from small, family-run businesses in Japan, so you can be sure that you’re getting the real deal. Some of the popular snacks that you might find in a Bokksu box include:

Poteco Pumpkin Gratin

These little potato croquettes are filled with creamy pumpkin, and they’re the perfect snack for fall.

Even if you are not a big pumpkin fan, the Poteco snack really doesn’t have a strong pumpkin flavor. Moreover, the smooth creaminess of the filling will win you over.

The crunchy outside of the snack is also satisfying, making it hard to eat just one.

Osatsu Snack

This is a mochi ball snack that is filled with red bean paste. The sticky and chewy mochi outside is a great contrast to the smooth and creamy filling.

They are very light and easy to eat, making them a perfect snack for any time of day.

The Osatsu Snack is also one of the most popular Japanese snacks, so it’s definitely worth trying.

Sweet Potato Galette

This one is for the sweet tooths out there. The Sweet Potato Galette is a flaky pastry that is filled with sweet potato puree.

It’s not too sweet, and the flaky pastry pairs perfectly with the smooth filling.

It is not the most popular snack in the box, as some people find its fishy smell off-putting. However, if you can get past that, it’s a delicious snack that is unique.

Shiitake Mushroom Chips

I have never seen anything like this before, and I was really intrigued by them. The Shiitake Mushroom Chips are made from real shiitake mushrooms, and they are surprisingly crispy.

They have a slight umami flavor that is very addicting. I could easily eat a whole bag of these in one sitting.

You can also use them as toppings on salads or soups for a little extra flavor.

Handmade Persimmon Candy

This candy is exclusive to Bokksu, and it is made from real persimmons. The candy is chewy and slightly tart, and the flavor of the persimmon is very subtle.

They have the color of fall, and they are the perfect snack to enjoy with a cup of tea.

Even though I would have loved the flavor to be a little more pronounced, I still enjoyed this candy.

Snakku

Snakku offers a wide variety of Japanese snacks, including some that are hard to find outside of Japan. Some of the popular ones are listed below:

Nebuta Gaufre

Nebuta is wafer cookies filled with a sweet bean paste. They are often given as gifts during the Nebuta Festival in Aomori Prefecture.

The packaging for Snakku’s Nebuta is very beautiful and traditional. The cookies themselves are delicate and have a light, flaky texture. The bean paste filling is sweet and has a smooth, creamy texture.

Overall, these cookies are delicious and would make a great gift for any occasion.

Ringo Financier

Ringo means “apple” in Japanese, and these financier cakes are shaped like apples. They are made with almond flour, butter, and eggs, and have a moist and dense texture. The outside is coated in a thin layer of sugar glaze, which gives them a slight crunch.

Snakku’s Ringo Financier cakes are very well-made. The apple shape is perfect, and the sugar glaze is evenly applied. The cakes are moist and have a dense, but not heavy, texture. They are also very flavorful and not too sweet.

Aomori Apple Rusk

If you’re a fan of apples, you’ll love these rusks. They are made with Aomori apples, which are known for being the largest and most delicious apples in Japan. The rusks are twice-baked and have a crispy texture.

Snakku’s Aomori Apple Rusk is very tasty. The apples are very fresh and the rusk has a nice crisp texture. It’s not too sweet, and the apple flavor is well-balanced.

Aomori Ringo Cookies

These cookies are made with Aomori apples and have a tart apple flavor. They are coated in a thin layer of sugar, which gives them a slight crunch.

The cookies are crispy and have a tart apple flavor. The sugar coating is not too heavy, and the overall sweetness is well-balanced.

Ringo Chips Senbai

The Senbai has a very distinct taste that is hard to find in other chips. The chips are made with rice flour, which gives them a light and airy texture.

You can really taste the difference with Snakku’s Senbai chips. They are much lighter and airier than other chips, and the rice flour gives them a unique flavor that is perfect for those who are looking for something different.

Wari-Sen Peanuts

Whether you love or hate peanuts, you’ll be sure to enjoy these. They are roasted in a special way that gives them a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

It is an assortment of different blends, each with its own unique flavor.

Snakku’s Wari-Sen is a great way to try different flavors of peanuts. The peanuts are roasted in a way that gives them a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. You can really taste the difference in each of the different kinds of additions.

Packaging

Bokksu

The Bokksu box is beautifully presented. Inside the box has a little Thank You card. The box itself is a work of art, with a beautiful design that would look great on any coffee table.

The snacks are all well-packaged and there is a little information booklet – The Culture Guide.

This guide will tell you everything that is in your box. There are instances where some of the things on the culture guide are not in your box, but all in all, it’s a great addition.

Most of the contents of the box are names in Japanese, with some English too, so if you grab yourself a box, make sure you have a way to read Japanese or be prepared to do some Googling.

Snakku

When you first open the Snakku box, it always has a wrapped bento box-looking packaging that instantly takes you to Japan. It’s a great way to start your Snakku journey.

The box is filled with all kinds of snacks, with a little information card that tells you what everything is.

All of the snacks are packaged well and there is a good variety of both sweet and savory snacks.

Everything in the box is wrapped up nicely, with a lot of thought put into the presentation.

Verdict

Both Bokksu and Snakku packaging are great, but Bokksu’s box is more eye-catching and luxurious. The culture guide is also a nice touch.

Variety

Bokksu

Bokksu offers a wide variety of snacks, from savory to sweet. There are usually around 20-25 different snacks in each box, with some repeats every now and then.

You can expect to find chips, crackers, candy, cookies, and cakes. There is a good mix of savory and sweet, so you’ll never get bored.

Snakku

Snakku also offers a wide variety of snacks, with around 20 different snacks in each box.

However, the snacks tend to be on the sweeter side, with cookies, candy, and chocolate being the most common.

There are also a lot of repeats, so you might find yourself getting bored with the snacks after a while.

Verdict

Bokksu wins when it comes to variety. The box has a good mix of savory and sweet snacks, with fewer repeats than Snakku.

Price

Bokksu

A Bokksu subscription starts at $39 per month.

The price goes up to $49 per month for the premium box, which includes 8-10 full-size items.

Snakku

A Snakku subscription starts at $38.95 per month. Its premium box may take the price up to $41.95 per month

Verdict

Bokksu is slightly more expensive than Snakku, but you do get more bang for your buck. The premium box is also a great deal.

Quality

Bokksu

Bokksu only sources their snacks from small, family-run businesses in Japan.

This means that the snacks are of very high quality and you can taste the difference.

The company is also very transparent about where they source their snacks from, so you can be sure that you’re getting the real deal.

Snakku

Snakku sources their snacks from a variety of different places, both in Japan and abroad.

This means that the quality of the snacks can vary greatly.

Some of the snacks are delicious, while others are not so great.

Verdict

Bokksu wins when it comes to quality. The company only sources their snacks from small, family-run businesses in Japan, so you can be sure that you’re getting the real deal.

Similarities and Differences – Snakku vs Bokksu

Both offer a wide variety of snacks, but there are some key differences between the two. Here’s a look at some of the similarities and differences between Bokksu and Snakku:

Similarities

• Both boxes offer a wide variety of Japanese snacks
• Both boxes include a mix of sweet and savory snacks
• Both boxes ship internationally

Differences

• Bokksu includes a monthly culture guide with information on the snacks and their origins, while Snakku does not.
• Snakku offers a “Lucky Dip” option where you can choose to receive a surprise selection of snacks.

Conclusion

Now we’ve looked at what Bokksu and Snakku have to offer, it’s time to decide which one is the best for you.

Bokksu wins most categories outright. Aside from the fact that it is slightly more expensive, it offers more snacks per box and provides a greater variety of both sweet and savory snacks.

Snakku does have a few advantages, however. For example, its customization options are more robust.

If you’re looking for a wide variety of unique snacks, as well as an educational experience, then Bokksu is the way to go. If you’re looking for a wide variety of delicious snacks from all over Japan, then Snakku is the way to go.

Whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your Japanese snack box.