Curious about delicious foods to try at 7-Eleven in Japan? My wife and I have tasted every snack listed below.
While some are famous favorites, others are tasty surprises that most tourists don’t know about yet.
All these foods are not only delicious but also very cheap. I’ve included prices for each item to help you plan your budget ahead.
I hope this list makes your food adventure easier, tastier, and more enjoyable! 😊
1. Choco Monaka Jumbo
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: Popular Japanese ice cream sandwich sold at all 7-Eleven stores in Japan.
- Main Ingredients: Vanilla ice cream, thin crispy chocolate layer, wrapped in a crunchy wafer shell.
b. Taste and Texture
- Taste: Sweet vanilla ice cream combined with mild chocolate flavor.
- Texture: Crispy wafer outside, creamy ice cream inside, with a crunchy chocolate layer.
- Flavor Variations: Vanilla and Chocolate
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Great Texture: The mix of crispy wafer, crunchy chocolate, and creamy ice cream is fun and satisfying.
- Easy to find: Available at any 7-Eleven, convenient for a quick snack.
- Affordable: Good value for a tasty treat that’s easy on your wallet.
d. My Thoughts
- Impressive Quality: Surprising how good a convenience store ice cream can taste; it is creamy and tasty.
- Fun Eating Experience: Enjoyable crunch with each bite, easy to eat without making a mess.
- Tip for Crispness: Best eaten quickly after buying to enjoy the wafer’s crunch. If it melts too much, the wafer gets soft.
- Price: About ¥184 (around $1.28) including tax.
2. Sugar Butter Sand Tree
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: A crispy cereal cookie sandwich filled with creamy white chocolate.
- Main Ingredients: Made from seven types of grains, sugar, butter, and white chocolate.
b. Taste and Texture
- Flavor: Buttery, sweet, and rich with a hint of caramelized sugar.
- Texture: Light, crispy, and flaky cookie outside with smooth, creamy chocolate inside.
- Variations: Classic flavor available all year; seasonal flavors like Caramel Brulee or Strawberry pop up sometimes.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Convenience: Famous Japanese snack you can easily grab at any 7-Eleven.
- High Quality: Tastes like a premium dessert, not your typical convenience store cookie.
- Easy to Carry: Comes in three individually wrapped pieces, great for snacking or souvenirs.
- Affordable Indulgence: Delicious treat without spending much.
d. My Thoughts
- First Bite Magic: Super addictive from the first bite, with a cozy buttery taste.
- Perfect Pairing: Great with coffee or tea, especially after a long day exploring.
- Worth Trying: A small, satisfying treat you shouldn’t miss at 7-Eleven.
- Storage Tip: Keep it cool and avoid squashing it in your bag.
- Price: About ¥290 (around $2) including tax.
3. Ohayo Brulee
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: A frozen crème brûlée dessert with a crunchy caramel top and rich custard ice cream inside.
- Main Ingredients: Creamy milk ice cream and a caramelized sugar topping.
b. Taste and Texture
- First Bite: You’ll hear a nice crack when you break the caramel top with your spoon.
- Inside: Smooth, rich custard ice cream that’s creamy but not too sweet.
- Flavor Variations: Mostly the classic vanilla custard, but sometimes a chocolate version appears.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Special Experience: It feels like eating real crème brûlée but from a convenience store.
- Unique Technique: Ohayo uses a special way to caramelize the top without melting the ice cream.
- Popular Choice: Many people make a special trip to 7-Eleven just to buy it.
d. My Thoughts
- Personal Take: I didn’t expect much at first, but it turned out to be really amazing. It was creamy, rich, and just sweet enough.
- Where to Find: Check the freezer section at 7-Eleven, not the regular fridge.
- Eating Tip: Let it sit for 1–2 minutes if it’s too hard, then crack the top and enjoy.
- Be Quick: It often sells out, especially at busy locations, so try to grab it earlier in the day or check different stores.
- Spoon Reminder: Make sure you take a plastic spoon at checkout because it’s not always inside the package.
- Price: About ¥398 (around $2.80) including tax.
4. Fried Karaage
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: Hot, boneless fried chicken known as “NanaChiki”, popular at Japanese 7-Eleven stores.
- Main Ingredients: Chicken thigh marinated and lightly coated in crispy batter.
b. Taste and Texture
- Crunchy and Juicy: Crispy on the outside and juicy, tender chicken meat inside.
- Flavor Options:
- Regular: Mild and savory chicken flavor.
- Spicy: Black pepper seasoning for extra flavor.
- Spicy Red: Chili-garlic seasoning, slightly hotter and richer in taste.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Convenience: Easy to find at nearly every 7-Eleven, displayed near the checkout counter.
- Quick Snack: Perfect for eating on the move, comes in handy packaging.
- Good Taste: Reliable quality, freshly cooked ones are tasty and satisfying.
d. My Thoughts
- Surprisingly Good: Tastier than expected, with juicy chicken and crispy coating.
- Importance of Freshness: Best eaten hot; pieces sitting too long can be dry and less tasty.
- Best Time to Buy: Buy during lunch or evening rush hours for freshly cooked pieces.
- Choosing Fresh Pieces: Look for golden, juicy-looking chicken rather than darker, drier ones.
- Ask Staff: You can ask staff if it’s fresh by saying, “NanaChiki wa atsui desu ka?” (“Is the NanaChiki hot?”).
- Price: About ¥180–¥250 (around $1.30-$1.80) including tax.
5. Langue de Chat White Chocolate Cookies
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: A thin, crispy butter cookie filled with smooth white chocolate, available at 7-Eleven stores across Japan.
- Main Ingredients: Butter, flour, sugar, and creamy white chocolate.
- Popularity: Loved by locals, often compared to the famous Shiroi Koibito cookies from Hokkaido.
b. Taste and Texture
- Flavor: Slightly sweet and buttery, perfectly paired with creamy white chocolate.
- Texture: Crisp cookie outside with soft, melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate inside.
- Flavor Variations: Comes in two flavors – White Chocolate (most popular) and regular Chocolate (milk chocolate filling).
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Affordable Treat: Gives you the taste of a premium cookie at a budget-friendly price.
- Reliable Quality: Consistently good taste and quality make it a reliable snack choice.
d. My Thoughts
- Taste Experience: Surprisingly delicious for a convenience store snack; crispy and tasty without being too sweet.
- Value for Money: Excellent quality at a low price, making it a great snack to try and compare with pricier cookies.
- Easy Sharing: Each cookie is individually wrapped, so they’re easy to share and keep fresh.
- Enjoyment Ideas: Goes well with tea or coffee; perfect for a quick snack break or as an affordable souvenir to bring home.
- Price: About ¥214 for a pack of 9 cookies (around $1.50) including tax.
6. Nissin Cup Noodles Soup
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: Instant ramen noodles served in a cup. Just add hot water, wait 3 minutes, and it’s ready to eat.
- Main Ingredients: Noodles, seasoned soup base, dried ingredients like shrimp, pork bits, vegetables, and egg.
b. Taste and Texture
- Noodles and Broth: Thin, curly noodles with a soft yet slightly chewy texture. The soup is flavorful, and toppings add tasty variety.
- Flavor Choices: Many delicious options available at 7-Eleven:
- Cup Noodles (Original): Savory soy sauce and pepper broth with shrimp, pork crumbles, scrambled egg, and green onion.
- Seafood: Creamy broth with bits of squid, crab sticks, and vegetables.
- Curry: Mild, flavorful curry broth with potatoes, carrots, and pork pieces.
- Chili Tomato: Tomato-based soup with a mild spicy kick and vegetables.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Famous Japanese Snack: A classic comfort food loved by locals.
- Quick and Tasty: Fast to prepare, perfect for a snack or late-night hunger.
- Unique Flavors: Great chance to taste flavors you can only find in Japan.
d. My Thoughts
- Recommended Flavors: Seafood flavor is especially good, with a creamy broth and tasty seafood bits. Curry flavor is also very satisfying and delicious.
- Ideal for Travelers: Perfect after a tiring day, simple to make, and budget-friendly.
- How to Prepare: Use the hot water station inside 7-Eleven. Open lid halfway, fill with hot water to the marked line, close the lid, wait 3 minutes, and enjoy.
- Utensils Provided: 7-Eleven gives free chopsticks. Some locations have seating areas, or you can take it back to your hotel.
- Cleaning Up: Trash bins are inside the store. Make sure to pour leftover soup into the liquid disposal bin.
- Price:
- Regular Size: Usually priced around ¥255 (around $1.80) including tax.
- Bigger Size: Usually priced around ¥300 (around $2.10) including tax.
7. Custard Cream Puff
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: A popular cream-filled pastry from 7-Eleven in Japan, filled with sweet vanilla custard.
- Main Ingredients: Soft pastry made from flour, eggs, and butter, filled generously with custard cream made from milk, eggs, sugar, and real vanilla.
b. Taste and Texture
- Taste: Mild, sweet vanilla custard with a rich, creamy flavor.
- Texture: The pastry shell is soft and a little chewy; custard filling is smooth and creamy.
- Flavor Variations: Usually available in classic vanilla flavor; occasionally special flavors like matcha appear.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Good Value: Tasty pastry that’s bakery-quality but costs much less.
- Easy to Get: You’ll find it easily at almost every 7-Eleven store in Japan.
- Authentic Taste: Offers a true local Japanese snack experience.
d. My Thoughts
- Surprisingly Good: You’ll be pleasantly surprised how tasty this simple convenience store pastry is.
- Perfect Sweetness: Just sweet enough, with smooth custard you’ll enjoy to the last bite.
- Worth a Repeat: Likely to become one of your favorite quick snacks during your stay.
- Where to Find: Refrigerated dessert section at 7-Eleven, clearly labeled as “Custard Cream Puff”.
- Eating Advice: Eat cold straight from the fridge; don’t microwave. Hold with the wrapper to avoid mess.
- Freshness: Best enjoyed the same day for optimal taste and texture.
- Price: Around ¥162 (around $1.10) including tax.
8. Sandwiches
a. Fruit Sandwich
- Brief Overview: A sweet sandwich made with soft white bread, whipped cream, and fresh fruit (usually strawberries, but can change with the season). It’s popular in Japan as a light, dessert-like snack.
- Taste and Texture: Sweet, creamy, and refreshing. The bread is soft, and the fruit adds a juicy bite. The cream is light and smooth, with no crunch – just tender fruit and creamy goodness.
- Why It’s a Must-Try: This is a uniquely Japanese treat that’s fun to eat. It’s popular and often shared on social media because it’s delicious and visually appealing.
- My Thoughts: It’s like eating a portable cake! If you like fruit and cream, you’ll find this satisfying and refreshing.
- Tips: Best enjoyed chilled. Be careful when handling it, as the cream can get messy. It’s perfect as a dessert or light snack.
- Price: About ¥454 (around $3.20) including tax. It’s a bit more expensive than regular sandwiches but worth it for the treat.
b. Chicken Cutlet Sandwich
- Brief Overview: A sandwich filled with a breaded fried chicken fillet, tonkatsu sauce, and shredded cabbage, all tucked between soft white bread. It’s a common and tasty option at convenience stores in Japan.
- Taste and Texture: Hearty and savory, with tender chicken, a tangy sauce, and soft bread. The cabbage adds a little crunch, and the mayo gives it a creamy texture.
- Why It’s a Must-Try: A simple yet satisfying option for a quick meal. Offers a taste of Japan’s popular katsu dishes in sandwich form.
- My Thoughts: This sandwich is satisfying and perfect when you need a quick, savory snack. The sweet and tangy sauce complements the chicken perfectly.
- Tips: It’s a great option for lunch or a filling snack. If you like, microwave it for about 10 seconds to make it even more delicious.
- Price: About ¥410 (about $2.90) including tax. A good price for a filling and tasty meal on the go.
9. Bentos
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: A boxed meal you can easily buy at 7-Eleven in Japan, ready to eat whenever you want.
- Main Ingredients: Usually includes rice, meat or fish, vegetables, pickles, and sometimes sides like egg or salad.
b. Taste and Texture
- Makunouchi Bento: Gives you a variety of small items like rice, grilled fish, egg, veggies, and fried foods. It’s tasty and has a mix of textures.
- Nori Bento: Simple and tasty, featuring rice topped with seaweed and crispy fried fish. Mild, comforting flavors.
- Roast Katsu Bento: Breaded pork cutlet that’s crispy outside, tender inside, with a tasty sauce and rice. Very filling.
- Chicken Karaage Bento: Crispy fried chicken that’s juicy and flavorful, served with mayonnaise and pickled veggies.
- Salmon Bento: Grilled salmon that’s lightly salted, flaky, and pairs nicely with rice. Simple and tasty.
- Teriyaki Chicken with Dashi Rice Bento (My Pick): Tender grilled chicken covered in sweet and savory sauce, served on tasty, broth-flavored rice. Very satisfying.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Convenience and Quality: Great for busy travelers needing quick, tasty, and affordable meals.
- Good Value: Cheaper than restaurant meals, available anytime at most 7-Eleven stores.
d. My Thoughts
- Taste: You’ll find the meals tasty, fresh, and better than expected for convenience store food.
- Heating: Let the cashier heat it at the store, improves taste and freshness.
- Quality: Good quality ingredients and flavors, although not restaurant-level, still very satisfying.
- Value: Excellent choice when you want affordable, tasty meals without hassle.
- Overall Impression: Highly recommended for experiencing everyday Japanese food easily and quickly.
- Prices: Most bentos cost about ¥400 to ¥600 (around $2.80 to $4.20) including tax.
10. Nissin Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto Spicy Ramen
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: An instant spicy ramen sold at 7-Eleven Japan, created by Nissin in collaboration with Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto, a famous ramen restaurant in Tokyo.
- Main Ingredients: Thick chewy noodles, spicy miso broth, tofu cubes, vegetables (cabbage, wood-ear mushrooms), and special garlic chili oil.
b. Taste and Texture
- Flavor: Rich miso broth with garlic flavor and a satisfying spicy kick that’s not overly intense.
- Texture: Chewy, thick noodles, soft tofu cubes, and crunchy vegetables.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Famous Taste: Lets you experience a popular Tokyo ramen restaurant’s signature dish in an instant cup.
- Great Quality: Premium noodles and flavorful broth make it more like restaurant ramen than typical instant noodles.
d. My Thoughts
- Flavorful and Spicy: Spiciness is enjoyable and enhances the tasty miso broth without overwhelming.
- Filling Meal: Generous amount of noodles and toppings makes it feel more substantial than a typical cup noodle.
- Worth Trying: Recommended for anyone who likes spicy food or wants a quick and tasty ramen experience.
- Cooking Instructions: Pour boiling water to the line, wait 5 minutes, then add the included garlic chili oil and mix thoroughly.
- Spice Preparedness: If sensitive to spice, keep a cold drink handy.
- Convenience Advice: Remember to take disposable chopsticks available near the 7-Eleven counter.
- Price: About ¥260 (around $1.80) including tax.
Special Mention #1: Meiji Oishii Gyunyu
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: Popular Japanese fresh whole milk (100% cow’s milk) sold widely at 7-Eleven stores across Japan.
- Main Ingredients: Pure cow’s milk, no extra flavors or additives.
b. Taste and Texture
- Flavor: Mild, creamy, and slightly sweet without any sour taste.
- Texture: Smooth and creamy but not heavy, making it easy and enjoyable to drink.
- Flavor Variations: Mostly sold as regular milk, sometimes available in flavored types like milk coffee.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Great Taste: Fresher and tastier than typical milk you might have tried elsewhere.
- Local Favorite: A common everyday drink in Japan, giving you a taste of local life.
- Healthy Choice: A refreshing option with nutrients like protein and calcium, great as a quick snack or drink.
d. My Thoughts
- Pleasant Surprise: Simple but really delicious; you’ll enjoy it more than you expect.
- Recommended Pick: Perfect when chilled, especially good in the morning or after sightseeing.
- Carton Sizes: Usually sold in convenient 450ml cartons with twist-off caps. You might also find smaller (200ml) and larger (900ml) sizes.
- Pairing Ideas: Enjoy with breads, pastries, or sweets from 7-Eleven. You can also mix it with coffee from 7-Eleven machines to make your own latte.
- Price: About ¥186 (around $1.30) for a 450ml carton, tax included.
Special Mention #2: LOTTE Almond Chocolate
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: Crunchy roasted almonds coated in smooth milk chocolate, sold in a shiny gold box at 7-Eleven in Japan.
- Main Ingredients: Roasted almonds, milk chocolate, sugar, and cocoa butter.
b. Taste and Texture
- Flavor: Mildly sweet milk chocolate combined with lightly roasted almonds.
- Texture: Crunchy almonds coated in creamy chocolate that melts smoothly without sticking to your fingers.
- Variations: Available in several flavors including classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, matcha, and caramel.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Tasty Combination: Almond crunch paired perfectly with chocolate, making it enjoyable to eat.
- Easy Snack: Portable, neat to eat, great for sharing or having on-the-go during sightseeing.
d. My Thoughts
- Hard to Resist: Tastes great and is very easy to keep eating; you might finish the box quickly.
- Convenient Snack: Perfect size and packaging make it handy during travel, especially when exploring or taking breaks.
- Smaller Packs: If you prefer a smaller portion, grab the small “Popjoy” pouch near checkout or the candy section.
- Best Pairing: Enjoy it with hot coffee or tea for a tasty combination.
- Prices
- Classic Milk Chocolate: About ¥296 including tax (around $2.10).
- Dark Chocolate: About ¥292 including tax (around $2).
- Matcha Flavor: About ¥350 including tax (around $2.50).
Special Mention #3: Mochifuwa Pancake
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: A soft pancake sandwich with a sweet maple syrup filling and creamy margarine.
- Main Ingredients: Pancakes, maple syrup paste, and margarine.
b. Taste and Texture
- Flavor: Mild sweetness from maple syrup combined with slightly salty margarine, very balanced.
- Texture: Soft, fluffy pancakes with a slightly chewy bite.
- Variations: Usually maple flavor; seasonal flavors like purple sweet potato sometimes available.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Convenience and Quality: Easy snack that tastes homemade despite being from a convenience store.
- Highly Recommended: Many travelers and locals love it; great first-time snack.
d. My Thoughts
- Delicious Snack: The fluffy pancakes and sweet filling taste great together.
- Lives Up to Expectations: Definitely worth trying; tasty without being too sweet.
- Price: About ¥138 (around $1) including tax.
Special Mention #4: 7-Eleven Fresh Smoothies
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: Fresh smoothies blended instantly at 7-Eleven stores in Japan, using frozen fruits and veggies.
- Main Ingredients: Made with real fruits, vegetables, yogurt, soy milk, and honey. No artificial stuff.
b. Taste and Texture
- Berries & Yogurt Smoothie: Has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor from strawberries and blueberries, mixed with creamy yogurt, icy texture.
- Green Smoothie: Lightly sweet and fresh, featuring a smooth but slightly thick texture with vegetables like kale and broccoli, plus fruit.
- Strawberry & Banana Soy Smoothie: Smooth, creamy, and lightly sweet, blending strawberries, banana, and soy milk.
- Acai Banana Smoothie: Rich berry taste from acai and banana, thicker texture with a creamy yogurt base.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Fresh and Healthy: A quick and tasty way to get vitamins and fiber while traveling.
- Fun Experience: Choose your cup, blend it yourself at the store’s smoothie machine in just over a minute.
- Great Value: Much cheaper and just as tasty compared to smoothie shops and cafés.
d. Prepare Your Smoothie
Pick your smoothie cup from the freezer and pay at the cashier first.
At the smoothie machine, scan the barcode on the cup, then peel off the seal, place the cup into the machine, and press start to blend.
e. My Thoughts
- Berries & Yogurt Smoothie: I tried this smoothie (¥331 tax included). It had quick-frozen strawberries and blueberries with yogurt ice cubes from Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt. It tasted refreshing and mildly sweet with a nice, icy yogurt texture. Perfect for a warm day.
- Drink Slowly: It’s icy cold; take your time to avoid brain freeze and enjoy the taste as it melts slightly.
- Prices:
- Berries & Yogurt Smoothie: About ¥331 (around $2.30)
- Green Smoothie: About ¥300 (around $2.10)
- Strawberry & Banana Soy Smoothie: About ¥330 (around $2.30)
- Acai Banana Smoothie: About ¥380 (around $2.70)
Special Mention #5: Namacha
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: Namacha is a popular bottled green tea you can easily find at any 7-Eleven in Japan.
- Main Ingredients: Made purely from Japanese green tea leaves without sugar or additives.
b. Taste and Texture
- Original Namacha (Green Bottle): Smooth and refreshing taste, mildly bitter with a fresh green tea flavor.
- Houji Sencha (Brown Bottle): Roasted green tea with a slightly nutty, warm, and toasted taste.
- Texture: Both types have a clean, light feel, similar to freshly brewed tea, without sweetness.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Everyday Japanese Drink: Gives you a taste of what locals regularly drink.
- Fresh and High-Quality: Specially brewed to taste like freshly prepared tea.
- Healthy and Refreshing: Zero calories and no sugar, perfect for staying hydrated.
d. My Thoughts
- Worth a Try: Even if unsweetened tea is new to you, it’s refreshing and easy to enjoy.
- Great Refreshment: Ideal for hot weather or after meals, leaving your mouth feeling clean.
- Simple and Convenient: Easy to grab on-the-go and a nice way to experience daily life in Japan.
- Drink It Cold: Always choose chilled bottles from the refrigerator for best taste.
- Prices:
- Original Namacha (Green Bottle): About ¥160 (tax included) per 600 ml bottle, around $1.10.
- Houji Sencha (Brown Bottle): About ¥171 (tax included) per 600 ml bottle, around $1.20.
Special Mention #6: Calbee
a. Brief Overview
- What It Is: A popular brand of Japanese potato snacks sold at all 7-Eleven stores across Japan.
- Main Ingredients: Mostly potatoes, with some snacks using corn or shrimp.
b. Taste and Texture
- Flavors: Many tasty varieties like classic salted, seaweed (nori), butter soy sauce, consomme (savory soup flavor), pizza, and limited seasonal flavors.
- Texture: Potato chips are thin and crunchy (some are thicker or have ridges). Stick snacks like Jagarico and Jagabee have a crunchy texture that softens as you chew.
c. Why It’s a Must-Try
- Local Flavors: Lets you enjoy unique Japanese flavors like seaweed or butter soy sauce you might not find at home.
- Great Quality: High-quality snacks with tasty seasoning and satisfying crunch.
d. My Thoughts
- Personal Favorite: Definitely worth trying; the flavors are delicious and addictive.
- Perfect Snack: A great choice to grab at 7-Eleven; you might end up loving them too.
- Souvenir Idea: Calbee snacks are inexpensive, easy to pack, and make nice gifts for friends or family.
- Price: Usually about ¥190 to ¥250 per pack or cup (around $1.30 to $1.80), tax included.
