Takenoko-no-Sato Yuzu Hazelnut Praline Limited Edition Review – Japanese Snack by Meiji
Introduction
This article reviews Takenoko-no-Sato Yuzu Hazelnut Praline, one of the collaboration products released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kinoko-no-Yama.
This product was created in collaboration with a famous pastry chef and can be purchased at supermarkets and convenience stores across Japan. However, since it is a limited product, it may become difficult to find once it sells out.
If you see it in stores, it is definitely worth picking up and trying.
Packaging
The box design gives a calm impression with black and purple as the main colors. On the left side, you can faintly see a blurred citrus fruit. This fruit is yuzu, one of Japan’s representative citrus fruits.
Yuzu has a refreshing citrus scent mixed with a slightly sweet aroma. It is widely used in Japanese cuisine and desserts and has been loved in Japan for a long time.
The package also mentions that Lorraine rock salt is used.
Lorraine rock salt is produced in northeastern France. Water is injected into underground salt layers, and the resulting concentrated salt water is boiled and recrystallized. The result is a white, fine, high-quality salt with very few impurities, containing about 99.4% salt per 100 g.
Hazelnut praline, another key ingredient in this snack, is made by roasting hazelnuts and caramelizing them with cooked sugar. It can then be crushed, powdered, or turned into a paste and used in various confectionery recipes.
Since the product is described as “yuzu scented,” it is easy to imagine that the hazelnut praline chocolate contains some yuzu aroma or flavor.
However, collaboration products like this are often difficult to fully imagine until you actually taste them.
This version of Takenoko-no-Sato was supervised by Takeshi Shibata, the Founder Executive Chef of chez Shibata, who is known for constantly pursuing high-quality confectionery.
For someone like me, who normally prefers Kinoko-no-Yama, this Takenoko-no-Sato feels a little like the Trojan Horse presented for the celebration of Kinoko-no-Yama’s 50th anniversary.
In other words, there might be a dangerously delicious elite unit of Takenoko hiding inside this box.
Another limited product released for the same anniversary is Kinoko-no-Yama Hazelnut Praline & Matcha.
Kinoko-no-Yama Hazelnut Praline & Matcha Review
Takeshi Shibata is one of Japan’s well-known pastry chefs and is widely recognized because of his appearances on television programs.
He continues to create unique sweets through his own brand while respecting the traditions and fundamentals of French confectionery. He also serves as an ambassador for the French chocolate company CEMOI, and in Japan he has been appointed as a tourism ambassador for both Gifu Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture.
Inside the Package
When opening the box, a handwritten message printed together with Takeshi Shibata’s signature appears inside the lid.
It says something like:
“After chasing dreams and going beyond reality, about forty years later, I am finally collaborating with one of the snacks from my childhood memories. Please enjoy the collaboration between roasted nuts and Japanese citrus. Hazelnuts and yuzu have met inside Takenoko-no-Sato!”
What a powerful line.
Appearance
When opening the inner bag, a roasted hazelnut aroma with a sweet fragrance immediately appears.
I first tried biting only the brown chocolate portion. The taste felt somewhat familiar.
Unlike Kinoko-no-Yama, the structure of Takenoko-no-Sato does not allow the chocolate and cookie to be separated easily.
So I decided to eat one whole piece.
Taste & Texture
To write the impression briefly:
“Okay… this is a dangerous one.”
I underestimated it a little.
The first impression is very gentle. The soft sweetness spreads together with the flavor and aroma of hazelnut praline.
Then the sweet citrus aroma of yuzu slowly follows.
After chewing for a moment, a hint of salt reaches the palate slightly later, and that final touch completes the whole flavor experience of the snack.
The balance between sweetness, aroma, umami, and saltiness feels far beyond what you would normally expect from a snack bought at a convenience store.
Quick Review
Other "Takenoko no Sato" articles
Nutritional Information
Nutritional values per box (61 g):
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Energy: 340 kcal
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Protein: 3.8 g
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Fat: 21.0 g
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Carbohydrates: 34.2 g
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Salt Equivalent: 0.34 g
Ingredients (Summary from Package)
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Sugar (manufactured in Japan and overseas)
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Wheat flour
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Vegetable oils and fats
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Lactose
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Shortening
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Liquid egg
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Whole milk powder
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Cacao mass
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Cocoa butter
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Egg white
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Margarine
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Condensed milk powder
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Almond paste
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Hazelnut praline paste
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Caramel powder
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Salt
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Skim milk powder
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Yuzu juice powder
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Malt extract
Additives:
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Emulsifier
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Leavening agent
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Flavoring
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Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E)
Allergen Information
Contains:
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Wheat
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Egg
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Milk
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Almond
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Soy
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Macadamia nut
Product Classification
Name: Semi-chocolate confectionery
Net weight: 61 g
Storage Instructions
Store in a cool place below 28°C and avoid direct sunlight.
