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Japanese Kit Kat Ehime Orange: A Zesty Twist on Chocolate Excellence

by Bokksu Staff

Japan is probably the best place to enjoy unique flavors of Kit Kat (formerly Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp). But if we were to make a list of the best flavors, the Kit Kat Ehime Orange would be at the top of that list. This treat may become your new favorite snack after you try its chocolate-orange taste.

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Meet the Japanese Kit Kat Ehime Orange Flavor

The Japanese Kit Kat Ehime Orange is a popular region-exclusive snack consisting of crunchy wafer bars coated with chocolate that has been flavored with Iyokan fruit from Ehime Prefecture. It’s a seasonal chocolate orange flavor of Kit Kat produced by Nestle Japan.

This is Japanese Ehime Mandarin orange.

This is one of the most popular snacks in Japan, especially during the winter season, when Japanese people love to enjoy mandarin oranges. It’s inspired by Ehime mikan oranges, a symbol of Japanese citrus excellence. The wafers are coated with a mixture of milk chocolate and cream made from iyokan citrus fruit.

Ehime Mikan: Japan’s Citrus Treasure

Ehime mikan (or Iyokan orange) is a citrus fruit native to Japan that closely resembles mandarin orange. It’s one of the most widely produced citrus fruits in the country, second only to satsuma mandarin. Iyokan is called Ehime mikan because 90% of the entire amount produced in Japan comes from Ehime Prefecture.

Oranges starting color at Karihama in Seiyo city, Ehime prefecture, Japan

Brief History of Iyokan

The fruit did not originate from Ehime. According to historic records, it was first discovered in 1886 in an orchard located in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Yasunori Miyoshi, a zoologist living in Ehime, bought the tree from the orchard and transferred it to his residence. The fruits from the tree were named “iyo mikan” and became the prefecture’s specialty. They were later renamed “iyokan.”

Japanese citrus called 'Iyokan' ( Citrus Iyo ) Harvest. A type of tangor grown mainly in Ehime Prefecture, Japan.

Role of Iyokan in Japanese Cuisine and Snacks

Today, iyokan is a cultural symbol of Ehime. It also plays a role in Japanese cuisine and snacks, thanks to its tart and bitter flavor, which is used to bring balance to a variety of sweets and candy products, including Kit Kat.

Why Do People Like Orange Chocolate?

There is something about the chocolate and citrus combination that people find appealing. It’s not just in Japan—orange-flavored chocolate is a popular snack all over the world. They love how the tangy and zesty flavor of citrus fruits complements the rich sweetness of chocolate. The pairing also invokes emotions of nostalgia, as consumers are reminded of childhood celebrations featuring the zesty fruit.

Candied orange slices in chocolate. Slate background. Close up.

Kit Kat Orange Chocolate vs. Traditional Orange Chocolates

There are many different types of orange chocolate produced by companies all over the world. Some are made with dark chocolate, while others are accompanied by biscuits. Despite the many available options, the Japanese Kit Kat Orange Chocolate stands out from other traditional orange chocolate treats.

While traditional orange-flavored chocolate tastes like chocolate mixed with a subtle orange flavor, the Japanese Kit Kat Ehime Orange tastes like orange candy mixed with just the right amount of milk chocolate. In fact, the Ehime mikan flavor takes center stage in this snack.

Jeruk mandarin mikan, taste is sweet and fresh also light. Mikan Mandarin Orange is a special orange in several regions in Japan, Wakayama and Ehime, as well as in Korea, Jeju Island to be precise

Why is Kit Kat Different in the US?

The most obvious difference between Kit Kat US and Japan versions is that the former is produced by Hershey while the latter is produced by Nestle. But that’s just a surface-level distinction.

Japanese Kit Kat flavors are more creative and bold compared to US versions. They offer a wide variety of seasonal, region-exclusive, and limited-edition options to serve the peculiar tastes of the Japanese market. Examples include green tea, lemon crisp, and sake.

Do They Have Chocolate Orange in the USA?

Many candy manufacturers have created orange chocolate flavors in the USA. They include top brands like Terry’s and Purdys. While products like Terry's Chocolate Orange Milk Ball are great, they do not use special, real orange like Kit Kat’s iyokan flavor. Rather, they rely on common ingredients like cocoa butter, nonfat milk, and artificial flavor. Standard bars consist of individual segments that fall apart when struck on a hard surface.

Isolated Terry's Dark Chocolate Orange Ball against dark background.

The Kit Kat Ehime Orange is a seasonal flavor produced exclusively for the Japanese market. So, it’s not easy to find outside the country. Thankfully, folks in the USA can still enjoy this rare flavor by ordering it on Bokksu Market. It’s one of the most popular Japanese Kit Kat flavors available on the platform.

More Unique Japanese Kit Kat Flavors You Need to Try

The chocolate orange Kit Kat is only one of the many rare and regional flavors beloved by people all over the world. In this section, we’ll explore a list of other must-try flavors. These regional delights are known as “Gotochi Kit Kats.”

Nagano Shinshu Apple

The chocolate product is inspired by the vibrant apples grown on the farms of Shinshu Province in Nagano Prefecture. These apples are often used to create apple cider, pie, and soda pop, but Nestle has created a new way to enjoy the fruity and tangy fruit flavor.

Chikumagawa michi no eki a lot of local products from Nagano, here farmer's natural apple juice bottles.

Kyushu Amaou Strawberry

On the island of Kyushu lies Fukuoka Prefecture, the home of Amaou strawberries. These strawberries are known for having a sweet and slightly tart taste, which is reflected in the chocolate bar.

Hokkaido Yubari Melon

This treat is infused with the taste of Yubari Melon, a famous Japanese luxurious fruit grown in Hokkaido. Also known as Yubari King, the original melons are sumptuous, sweet, and ridiculously expensive.

Kanagawa Strawberry Cheesecake

Tourists who visit Kanagawa Prefecture often come away with the local specialty strawberry cheesecake. Nestle decided to throw a nod to the iconic dessert and souvenir. This special snack has the same creamy, fruity, and balanced flavor.

Nishinomiya, Japan. April 22, 2023. Japanese mini kitkat two finger bar in it's wrapping on plain white background. Strawberry cheesecake flavor.

What Makes Japanese Kit Kat Flavors So Unique?

Japanese Kit Kats stand out for their innovation and region-specific flavors. These limited-edition releases bring a sense of nostalgia and belonging to consumers across the country. The brand also supports local industries through collaboration with local producers like Ehime mikan farmers.

Sale
Japanese Kit Kat: Chocolate Orange

These mini biscuits are taken to the next level with a chocolate orange taste, featuring Japanese Iyokan citrus fruit from Ehime Prefecture! Like many other Japanese Kit Kat flavors, these tasty treats are seasonal. Use these bars for study motivation, like Japanese students before a big exam! Each bag provides the perfect amount to get you through the afternoon.

FUN FACT: To help reduce waste, Nestle Japan started switching from plastic to paper packaging in 2019. At the end of 2020, most of their bags became paper, reducing about 420 tons of plastic packaging since September 2019. Nestle Japan aims to go 100% recyclable or reusable by 2025!

Common Allergens: Milk, Wheat, Soy.

Please Note: Nestle Japan is updating the packaging for some Kit Kat flavors. The quantity of individual units in each bag may vary slightly, but the total weight of the Kit Kats remains the same. Rest assured, you'll receive the same overall amount of Kit Kats.

Please Note: If temperatures in your location are above 28°C (82°F), this chocolate product may get heat damaged in transit. We cannot be held responsible for any temperature-related damages caused during shipping.

Sale $7.89 Regular $10.49 25% OFF
2.86 oz

Kit Kat Ehime Orange: The Perfect Snack for Citrus Lovers

Kit Kat Ehime Orange features the same crunchy wafers and rich chocolate coating we’ve come to love about Kit Kat. But it offers so much more with an extra coating of iyokan orange cream, which brings zesty, tart, and refreshing notes to the snack bar. This rare find may serve as more than a personal treat because you can also offer it to someone special as a gift.

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Find Your Favorite Kit Kat on Bokksu Market

Japanese Kit Kats will open up a world of new tastes and textures for you. We urge you to explore Bokksu Market’s selection of Japanese Kit Kat flavors, including the Choco Orange. We also offer Green Tea, Milk Tea, and Dark Chocolate flavors. Check out our Kit Kat collection for an authentic taste of Japan.

 

 


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Japanese Kit Kat Ehime Orange: A Zesty Twist on Chocolate Excellence

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