Yes. We’re being serious. There really are 350 KitKat varieties in Japan!
For those who follow us on Twitter, you may have noticed our little poll that asked our followers just how many KitKat varieties there were in Japan. It may seem a strange question, but a good one nonetheless because the answer is simply staggering. As 58% of you correctly guessed, there were indeed over 200 variations of chocolate wafer bar in production. And as this title *ever so subtly* hints at, there’s actually 350 of them…
Unquestionable popularity.
Now we all love KitKat. Here in the UK, and according to an independent survey carried out by Ranker, it’s strongly believed to be the Nation’s favourite. Over 100,000 people voted for it, which is impressive given that our favourite chocolate bar is as unique to us as our fingerprint. But if you think us Brits love KitKat, that’s nothing for the love it receives on Japanese territory. Love that’s so strong, they’ve mixed almost every food and flavour you can think of with the popular candy bar. Some may so it ruins a classic. The Japanese would argue that KitKat is so great, it goes with almost anything. Soy Sauce KitKat anyone?
KitKat Flavours to make you look twice.
Admittedly, many of these have been limited edition flavours and therefore aren’t available completely when your taste buds desire. But if your taste buds are craving a bizarre surprise, Japan is the place to be. So maybe something to think about when planning your next holiday? Alongside Soy Sauce, the list is almost endless. Baked Potato, French Salt, Pumpkin, Apple and Vinegar, Melon with Mascarpone Cheese. Such varieties are ones that you’d expect most of the world to baulk at, but in a country that quite clearly sees KitKat as more than just a chocolate bar, you can’t help but be amused. Japan doesn’t just like KitKat. They obsess over it.
The story behind the KitKat love story…
How long has it been like this, though? Rowntrees introduced the much loved wafer bar to Great Britain in the 1930’s, but the love story in Japan had to wait until 1973 for it to begin, when the classic chocolate and wafer was introduced. It wasn’t until the turn of the millennium that such untoward flavours began to appear. It started with the rather underwhelming strawberry variant, when Nestle Japan saw a great opportunity to increase sales in a part of the world that was partial to rather unique snacks and foods. And boy was it popular. So much so, that Nestle kept on going. Since then, hundreds of different flavours have flew on – and off – the shelves in different parts of the country.
The sweet potato flavours, arguably one of the craziest, was inspired by the sweet potatoes grown in Okinawa. Hence, this is the region you’ll find it. Likewise, the Adzuki-Bean Sandwich bars are associated with the city of Nargoya where the sweet, toasted snack originated from. In any given year, there are believed to be 40 new varieties arriving. And believe it or not, it’s believed that every single one is popular.
Any that tickle your fancy?
It’s recently come to our attention that one of these wild flavours is making its way to Europe…including here in the UK. More on that soon, but why not comment below and tell us what you think – or what you’d like – it to be. And who knows. Maybe if we like it, we could soon have our own crazy, wonderful, KitKat obsession that makes its way to our vending machines?
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