Kinoko-no-Yama Hazelnut Praline & Matcha Limited Edition Review – Japanese Snack by Meiji
Introduction
This article reviews Kinoko-no-Yama Hazelnut Praline & Matcha and explains its flavor, texture, ingredients, and allergen information based on the product sold in Japan.
This product was released as a limited edition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kinoko-no-Yama. It was supervised by Takao Yamamoto, the Grand Chef of CLUB HARIE.
Because this is a limited product, it may not be available once it sells out unless it is released again.
I found this box at a convenience store, and when I picked it up there was only one left.
Packaging
First, Takao Yamamoto, the Grand Chef of CLUB HARIE, is one of the most popular pastry chefs in Japan.
At the World Pastry Team Championship 2010, he participated as the captain of the Japanese national team and was responsible for the chocolate showpiece category. The Japanese team won first place, and he has received many awards both in Japan and internationally.
Being able to eat a version of Kinoko-no-Yama supervised by someone like him is not something that happens very often.
Hazelnut praline is a confectionery ingredient made by roasting hazelnuts and caramelizing them with cooked sugar. It can be crushed, powdered, or made into a paste depending on how it is used.
That already sounds delicious, but the package also says that crushed candy pieces are included.
And on top of that, there is matcha.
It is honestly difficult to imagine what kind of aroma and flavor this combination will create.
Inside the Package
I opened the box with a bit of nervousness.
Inside the lid there is a message from Takao Yamamoto.
It says something like:
“I have loved Kinoko-no-Yama since I was a child. As an adult and as a chocolatier, I thought about Kinoko-no-Yama again. Because I have loved it for so long, this version became something very meaningful to me.”
When I opened the bag, the first thing that surprised me was the aroma that naturally reached my nose.
It is difficult to describe, but it smelled roasted, slightly like matcha, and quite deep.
If someone approaches this snack with the attitude of “it’s just a snack,” that attitude might not last very long.
In the world of Kinoko-no-Yama fans, this could be called a legendary Kinoko-no-Yama.
Appearance
Kinoko-no-Yama has a wonderful structure where you can eat the chocolate part while leaving the cracker stem behind.
Because of that structure, I decided to first try eating only the chocolate part.
Taste & Texture
To describe it briefly:
“What on earth! This is amazing!!”
At first, the chocolate tastes slightly sweet, and despite the strong aroma the flavor feels somewhat modest.
But once the chocolate begins to melt in the mouth, everything suddenly changes.
The roasted hazelnut flavor spreads together with caramel and matcha at the same time.
It feels like an unbelievable combination.
Inside the melted chocolate there are also crushed candy pieces, which add a pleasant sweetness and texture.
At this point, even the chocolate part alone feels like a dessert disguised as a snack.
When eaten together with the cocoa-flavored cracker, which has a slight saltiness, the texture becomes better and the roasted flavor becomes stronger.
The cracker also works very well with the crushed candy pieces.
I really wish I had bought another box!
Quick Review
Product Information
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional values per box (64 g):
Energy: 363 kcal
Protein: 4.2 g
Fat: 22.7 g
Carbohydrates: 36.0 g
Salt Equivalent: 0.24 g
Ingredients
Vegetable oils and fats (manufactured in Japan)
Wheat flour
Sugar
Lactose
Whole milk powder
Cacao mass
Condensed milk powder
Cocoa powder
Shortening
Hazelnut praline paste
Crushed candy
Caramel powder
Matcha
Malt extract
Salt
Additives
Flavoring
Emulsifier
Trehalose
Leavening agent
Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E)
Caramel coloring
Allergens
Wheat
Milk
Almond
Soy
Macadamia nut
Manufactured in a facility that also handles:
Egg
Product Classification
Chocolate Confectionery
Brand: Meiji x CLUB HARIE
Supervised by: Takao Yamamoto (CLUB HARIE Grand Chef)
64g
Storage Instructions
Store in a cool place below 28°C.
Purchase Location
It used to be sold at mass retailers and convenience stores, but it's no longer seen.
It will be discontinued once it's out of stock.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
If you find these explanations helpful and would like to support the blog, you can use Buy Me a Coffee. Your support helps me continue buying snacks and posting new reviews regularly.
