Japan Baby Snacks: Little Nomads Japan Top 5
When you’re traveling or living in Japan with little ones, finding the snacks can be fun. Japan is famous for its creative and healthy food and baby snacks are no exception. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite for your toddler or a healthy treat that’s easy and yummy, Japan has plenty of options that will make parents and kids happy. Here are some top picks for baby snacks in Japan that you can try on your little nomads!
Little Nomads Japan Top 5:
1. Baby Rice Crackers (せんべい - Senbei)
A classic. Baby senbei are light rice crackers made for young children. This was the first snack I gave my daughter when she first started solids. They come in various flavors from plain to slightly sweet or savory and are designed to dissolve in the mouth so safe for infants. And their shape makes them so easy for little babies to hold. The ubiquitousness of senbei in Japan in general means there are plenty of brands to choose from—Wakodo are our personal favourite at Little Nomads Japan, and they have individual, travel-sized packs perfect for on-the-go snacking. Gluten-free, low in additives and easy for the youngest snackers to eat—Pigeon make senbei that kids as young as 6 months can enjoy!
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2. Fruit and Veggie Pouches
For parents looking for something healthy and mess-free, fruit and veggie puree pouches are a godsend. Morinaga's Yasai Juree pouches are designed with the health of little ones in mind, offering a blend of flavors like carrot, spinach, and pumpkin. For a more European taste, Baby Bio fruit pouches offer a nutritious, no-added-sugar snack option made with real, pureed fruits. Perfect for on-the-go, these pouches provide a convenient and healthy treat that babies and toddlers love. If your little one hasn’t quite got the hang of drinking from a pouch by themselves yet, you can always stop somewhere and offer it to them on a spoon.
Image credit: Akachan Honpo
3. Tamago Boro (たまごボーロ)
Probably our most nostalgic snack on the list, Tamago Boro have been a classic snack for young children in Japan for generations. Made from a simple blend of egg, potato starch, and sugar, these tiny, round cookies have a light, airy texture that melts in the mouth, making them perfect for babies and toddlers (and their parents sometimes too! Just me?). Their subtly sweet flavor and easy-to-eat size help introduce little ones to solid foods while providing a gentle snack that's easy to digest. They can be a bit tricky for babies who are still mastering the pincer grasp but they’ll get there with a bit of assistance from mum or dad. You can find the Wakodo brand in our Little Nomads Japan boxes, or several other brands in the shops, such as Iwamoto.
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4. Baby Cookies & Biscuits
In Japan, popular examples of baby cookies and biscuits include Wakodo's "Animal Biscuits," which are made with rice flour and fortified with calcium for healthy bone growth, and Pigeon's "Chestnut, Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Cookies" which come in various flavors and melt easily in the mouth for safe chewing. These snacks are designed with minimal additives and use simple, high-quality ingredients to ensure they meet the nutritional needs of young children while providing a delightful taste experience. The biscuit-types tend to be a bit crunchier than the cookies, which have a more crumbly texture.
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5. Baby Cheese Cubes
One of my daughter’s favourites, baby cheese cubes are a great source of calcium and protein. Many of these are softer and milder than regular cheese. These convenient, portion-sized snacks help support healthy bone development while introducing babies to new tastes and textures. Meiji make a cheese using Anpanman, Japan's most popular children's character.
Image credit: Meiji
You can find most of these snacks in major supermarkets like Aeon, Ito Yokado, and Seiyu, as well as in specialty baby stores such as Akachan Honpo and Nishimatsuya. Drugstores also offer travel-sized packs for those last-minute snacking needs. It’s less common to find them in convenience stores, with the exception of baby cheese cubes.
Diving into the world of baby snacks in Japan is not just about nutrition; it's also an opportunity to explore unique flavors and textures that can expand your child's taste buds. There are a lots of flavours your baby won’t have the opportunity to try back home so why not let them broaden their tastes while you can! Whether you're a parent residing in Japan or just visiting with your little one, these snacks provide a delightful and healthy way to keep your child content and satisfied.