Santo Kinako Nejiri by Sapporo Daiichi Seika: Bite-Size Twisted Soybean-Flour Sweets Perfect for a Quick Snack

One delicious type of souvenir that transcends regional boundaries is anything made with kinako, or roasted soybean flour.

I am not especially health-conscious, but this looked tasty, so I bought a bag. Sometimes you want a kind of sweetness that is different from chocolate, don’t you? Because it uses santo, or soft brown sugar, I initially thought it might be particularly healthy. Apparently that is not necessarily the case: it is still a type of sugar, so eating a lot of it certainly does not make something healthy.

I bought this at a Hokkaido fair in Tokyo.

Santo Kinako Nejiri (Sapporo Daiichi Seika)

A 170-gram bag cost 324 yen.

The label highlights that it is “rich in dietary fiber” and “contains soy isoflavones,” clearly presenting it as a health-conscious snack.

I bought it simply because I like the kinako sticks sold at old-fashioned candy shops, but kinako really is considered good for beauty and health.
If you are going to enjoy something sweet anyway, choosing a snack like this can be a nice option.
That may be especially appealing to women. 🙂

The best-before date is printed along the bottom of the back. It keeps for about three months.

The ingredient list is remarkably simple:
kinako, starch syrup, soft brown sugar, and rice oil.
Another welcome point is that it contains no artificial sweeteners or additives.

It has 371 kcal per 100 grams.

Out came a pleasantly plump, bite-size piece of twisted kinako candy. It really does have a nice twist to it.
Apparently, this shape is inspired by the shimenawa sacred ropes seen at Shinto shrines.

What Does Santo Kinako Nejiri Taste Like?

The outside is coated with sugar and has a light crispness, while the inside is dense and chewy, almost like caramel.
Unlike caramel, however, it does not stick to your teeth, so it is easy to eat.

The kinako flavor is wonderfully rich and mellow.
Then the gentle sweetness of the soft brown sugar spreads across your palate.

Because each piece is bite-size, it is easy to keep reaching for another while drinking tea or coffee.
And if I am getting plenty of isoflavones, perhaps that makes it all right!

Kinako twists may look understated and rather plain, but they are genuinely delicious, and my child liked them very much too. 🙂

They contain no unnecessary ingredients and feel like a gentle, wholesome treat.
We liked them so much that I would happily keep a bag at home for snacks for both parents and children.

Thank you for the treat!

Santo Kinako Nejiri Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer