Puccho is at its heart a chewy candy, similar to Hi-Chew or a softer Starburst (although never with the boring fruity flavors of those American lines). The genius, or at the very least odd, twist of Puccho is the inclusion of tiny flavored gummy balls, small enough to swallow without notice, or, if one is so inclined, to bite into several smaller pieces. They’re fun, and, even after you’re on your fiftieth pack, unexpected.
Posts from ‘September, 2009’
Watagashi Hi-Chew
Hi-Chew are often compared to Starburst, but Hi-Chew are much bouncier, have a softer chew, and are less sticky. The sugar bits in the cotton candy flavor take some getting used to, but add a nice variety of texture and crunch. I think I’d like to see them in other Hi-Chew flavors. The cotton candy flavor is extremely creamy with hints of vanilla and burnt sugar, and there isn’t a weird aftertaste.
Kinako Ohagi Kit Kat
I picked up this きなこ おはぎ味 (Kinako Ohagi) Kit Kat from my local conbini for about 150 yen. The flavor was released for autumn in early September, and I’m not sure how long it will stay on shelves (I’d guess through winter, but maybe only through fall). Before I get into the candy, let me explain what it’s supposed to be imitating. An ohagi is a traditional Japanese sweet rice ball, usually made in fall from rice and sweet azuki beans or kinako.
