Chocolate Crème Yan Yan
Classic Supermarket Snacks from Japan
Biscuit sticks + chocolate cream = winning packaged snack combo! Today you can find different versions of biscuit/cookie dipping snacks across the world, but Yan Yan is the real deal. Launched over 40 years ago, Yan Yan has been on the shelves of Japanese supermarkets since 1979! It’s no surprise that Yan Yans have stood the test of time, and they are worth trying.
Yan Yans come in a thin, cup-like shape: 1 side biscuit sticks, 1 side chocolate cream, or crème as the package suggests. (The cream is like a thicker frosting.) I prefer the chocolate flavor, but vanilla and strawberry cream are other popular options. Each cup comes with about 10-15 sticks. The sticks have a good crunch and are less sweet than the American dipping snack Dunkaroos.
One criticism I do have is the biscuit-to-cream ratio. As is usually the case with these types of single-serve dipping snacks: there is never quite enough cream. The cream side is much shorter than the full container.
Looking for a more unique Japanese snack? Check out Toppo x Tomoriko - Sweet Corn flavored Chocolate Sticks!
Yan Yan does win points for the cute, and sometimes bizarre, animal sayings printed on the biscuit sticks. Each stick has a different ‘clue’ on one end, with the correct animal answer on the other end. Even as an adult I think it’s a cute touch. Would probably be a hit with kids.
Although this is a common snack formula today, Yan Yans have a special place in my mind for just how long they’ve been in the packed snack arena. You can find Yan Yans for sale around the world, including with English packaging in the U.S. sold by Meiji Worldwide. This is no longer a unique snack, but it is definitely an important product in the history of supermarket snacks!
Looking for a fun gift idea for your travel-loving, foodie friend or family member? Consider making a DIY International Snack Box!
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