Japanese Anime Candy "Chocobi": 20th Anniversary Shortcake Review
Introduction
This article reviews Chocobi Shortcake Flavor and explains its flavor, texture, ingredients, and allergen information based on the product sold in Japan. This product is a limited-edition item released for Chocobi’s 20th anniversary, and it was launched in Japan on March 9, 2026. Bandai’s official product page describes it as a shortcake-inspired flavor, while Tohato and Bandai’s joint announcement notes that Chocobi first launched in 2006 and reached its 20th anniversary in 2026.
“I want to eat Chocobi!” — if you have ever watched Crayon Shin-chan, there is a good chance you have heard that line at least once.
The snack Chocobi, the sweet that appears in the hugely popular anime Crayon Shin-chan, celebrated its 20th anniversary in March 2026. To mark the occasion, a brand-new anniversary flavor arrived: Chocobi Shortcake Flavor. It is made by Tohato, the company well known for Caramel Corn, so before I even opened it, my expectations were already sky-high. A company that knows how to make airy, crispy corn puffs handling a shortcake-themed Chocobi? That already sounded like dangerous levels of promise.
I reviewed the regular Chocobi on this blog before, but this shortcake version has a completely different kind of presence. It has that strange charm of feeling nostalgic and brand-new at the same time, and after actually tasting it, I was honestly impressed all over again by how polished it is.
Packaging
The moment I picked up the package, I instinctively went, “Oh wow, this is cute.”
When you think of Chocobi, that distinctive hexagonal box is part of the whole identity, right? It is not a can, not a bag, not even a normal tube. That one-of-a-kind six-sided shape makes it instantly recognizable on a shelf. Even from a distance, it says, “Yes, that’s Chocobi.” It also sits nicely in the hand, and I can absolutely see why the slightly larger box and bold silhouette are the kind of thing that instantly lock onto a kid’s attention.
Because this is a 20th anniversary version, the color scheme is built around soft pink and white, inspired by shortcake. It looks completely different from the standard Chocobi, with a more festive, delicate, almost feminine feel. The whole design communicates celebration. It has the kind of cheerful presence that would also work nicely as a small gift or a fun little treat to hand someone.
The lid also features a special 20th anniversary design, and that detail is adorable too.
And then there is the extra little hook: a sparkly sticker sealed inside as part of the anniversary edition. There are 20 designs in total, and you do not know which one you got until you open the box. That is such a smart little touch. It scratches the collector itch perfectly. It creates that exact feeling of, “Wait, which one did I get today?” That kind of bonus mechanic is simple, but honestly, it works. Bandai’s official product page also confirms that the shortcake flavor includes one sticker and that the lineup has 20 types.
Appearance
When I opened the inner bag, the first thing that drifted out was a soft, sweet strawberry-milk-like aroma. There is a creamy note to it, but also a faint tang in the background, and that combination alone sent my excitement straight to the ceiling.
Looking inside, the corn puffs appear to be a pale yellow, almost like the sponge part of a shortcake, with pink coating scattered over them. The familiar star shape is still there, but now it has been upgraded with a cute strawberry-pink look that makes it feel extra festive and playful.
Taste & Texture
The first surprise is the texture.
The moment one piece hits your mouth, you get that light, airy crispness that makes Chocobi so easy to like in the first place. Since it is made by Tohato, there is a real sense of familiarity in the base corn puff. It has that gentle, puffy crunch that feels comforting right from the first bite, like your mouth already knows how to enjoy it.
Then the coating starts to melt, and that is where the shortcake idea really comes alive. What spreads out is a flavor that genuinely feels built around fresh cream richness and strawberry sweetness with a gentle tart edge. The sweetened condensed milk gives the whole thing a mellow, rounded sweetness, while the strawberry purée brings a natural fruity tang that keeps the finish from getting too heavy. That balance is what impressed me most. It does not just taste sweet and stop there. It is designed so the aftertaste stays pleasant too.
Compared with the regular Chocobi I reviewed before, which leans more into straightforward chocolate sweetness, this shortcake version feels much more like a dessert snack. While eating it piece by piece, I kept getting this oddly delightful sensation of having tiny bites of cake in snack form. That was new. And honestly, it was fun.
The real sin of Chocobi, though, is how hard it is to stop once you start. Because the puff is so light, it disappears almost before your brain registers how many pieces you have eaten. That makes it a perfect choice for a sweet afternoon break or snack time with kids — though adults are absolutely going to keep reaching into the box too.
Bandai’s official description says the flavor was inspired by a shortcake made to celebrate Chocobi’s 20th anniversary, highlighting the sweet-and-tart strawberry profile, and Tohato’s product description similarly frames it as a limited shortcake flavor inspired by a celebratory cake.
Quick Review
Product Information
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 99 kcal
Protein: 0.4 g
Fat: 5.8 g
Carbohydrates: 11.3 g
Salt Equivalent: 0.07 g
Ingredients
Corn grits (made in Japan), vegetable oil, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, margarine, salt, cream, strawberry purée, dried whole egg, semi-chocolate / sorbitol, unbaked Ca, flavoring, emulsifier, sweetener (sucralose), monascus color
Dietary Info (Reference only)
Gelatin: Not listed
Emulsifier: Listed; may be soy-derived
Alcohol/Liquor: Not listed
Lard/Shortening: Not listed
Oils/Fats used: Vegetable oil, margarine
Allergens
Contains: Egg, Milk, Soy
Shared equipment with: Wheat, Peanuts, Shrimp, Crab, Walnuts
Product Classification
Company: Tohato Inc. / Seller: BANDAI CO., LTD.
Name: Snack, Chocobi Shortcake Flavor
Net Weight: 18g
Storage Instructions
Avoid direct sunlight and high temperature and humidity.
Purchase Location
Confectionery sections of mass retailers throughout Japan
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