GITNUXREPORT 2026

Japan Snack Industry Statistics

Japan's snack market is growing strongly by focusing on premium and healthy trends.

Rajesh Patel

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Calbee Inc. reported snack revenue of 210 billion JPY in FY2022, up 4.7%.

Statistic 2

Koikeya's annual sales reached 85 billion JPY in 2023, with potato chips at 40%.

Statistic 3

Meiji Co. Ltd. snack division grew 6.2% YoY to 150 billion JPY in 2022.

Statistic 4

Bourbon Corp. confectionery snacks sales: 95 billion JPY in FY2023.

Statistic 5

Ezaki Glico snack segment revenue: 320 billion JPY in 2022, 5.1% growth.

Statistic 6

Yamazaki Biscuits market share in crackers: 28% in 2023.

Statistic 7

Lotte Japan snack sales up 3.9% to 180 billion JPY in 2023.

Statistic 8

Kabaya Foods nuts snacks revenue: 45 billion JPY, +7% YoY.

Statistic 9

Orion Breweries snack division: 60 billion JPY in 2022.

Statistic 10

Fujiya Co. premium snacks sales grew 8.4% to 55 billion JPY.

Statistic 11

Calbee's export sales: 25 billion JPY in FY2023, 15% of total.

Statistic 12

Koikeya's new product launches contributed 12 billion JPY in 2023.

Statistic 13

Meiji's healthy snack line: 30 billion JPY, 10% market share.

Statistic 14

Bourbon's regional exclusivity snacks: 20% of revenue.

Statistic 15

Glico's Pocky alone generated 120 billion JPY globally, 70% Japan.

Statistic 16

Yamazaki's Senbei sales: 40 billion JPY annually.

Statistic 17

Lotte's Koala March: 15 billion JPY in Japan sales 2023.

Statistic 18

Kabaya's mixed nuts line: 18% profit margin.

Statistic 19

65% of Japanese consumers aged 20-39 snack daily.

Statistic 20

Women account for 62% of healthy snack purchases in Japan 2023.

Statistic 21

45% of seniors over 60 prefer traditional rice-based snacks.

Statistic 22

Urban millennials snack 3.2 times per day on average.

Statistic 23

78% of consumers seek low-sugar options in snacks.

Statistic 24

Children under 12 consume 25% more confectionery snacks.

Statistic 25

52% of working adults snack during office breaks.

Statistic 26

Regional preference: Hokkaido residents favor potato snacks 40% more.

Statistic 27

70% of Gen Z prefer innovative flavors like matcha-ume.

Statistic 28

Health-conscious consumers (35%) avoid MSG in savory snacks.

Statistic 29

41% of families buy snacks for bento boxes weekly.

Statistic 30

Nighttime snacking peaks at 55% among 18-24 year olds.

Statistic 31

60% prefer domestically produced snacks over imports.

Statistic 32

Allergy-aware purchases rose 18% among parents.

Statistic 33

48% of Tokyoites snack on-the-go daily.

Statistic 34

Convenience stores account for 52% of all snack sales in Japan 2023.

Statistic 35

Supermarkets hold 28% share of snack retail sales volume.

Statistic 36

E-commerce snack sales grew 28% to 180 billion JPY in 2023.

Statistic 37

Vending machines dispense 15% of daily snack consumption.

Statistic 38

Drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi: 12% snack market share.

Statistic 39

Department store food halls: 5% but 20% premium snack sales.

Statistic 40

Direct-to-consumer via company sites: 8% growth 2023.

Statistic 41

Airport and station kiosks: 10 billion JPY annual snack sales.

Statistic 42

Discount stores like Don Quijote: 18% of impulse buys.

Statistic 43

Subscription box services for snacks: 25 billion JPY market.

Statistic 44

Export channels via Amazon Japan: 30% of overseas sales.

Statistic 45

Wholesale to izakayas: 7% of savory snack volume.

Statistic 46

Pop-up stores contributed 5 billion JPY in limited snacks.

Statistic 47

7-Eleven Japan sold 1.2 billion JPY in private label snacks 2023.

Statistic 48

FamilyMart snack sales per store: average 2.5 million JPY monthly.

Statistic 49

Lawson convenience chain: 22% share in urban snack sales.

Statistic 50

Japan's snack food market reached a value of 1.12 trillion JPY in 2022, reflecting a 3.2% year-on-year growth driven by premiumization trends.

Statistic 51

The savory snacks segment in Japan accounted for 58% of the total snack market revenue in 2023, totaling approximately 650 billion JPY.

Statistic 52

Japan's overall snack market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2028, reaching 1.45 trillion JPY by 2028.

Statistic 53

In 2023, the confectionery snacks subcategory grew by 5.8% YoY, outpacing savory snacks at 2.9% due to seasonal demand.

Statistic 54

Export value of Japanese snacks reached 45.6 billion JPY in FY2022, up 12% from the previous year.

Statistic 55

Per capita snack consumption in Japan stood at 8.2 kg in 2022, higher than the global average of 6.5 kg.

Statistic 56

The healthy snack segment expanded by 7.3% in 2023, comprising 15% of the total market.

Statistic 57

Japan's snack market saw a 4.5% volume growth in 2022 despite inflation pressures.

Statistic 58

Premium snack sales surged 9.2% YoY in 2023, driven by gifting culture.

Statistic 59

The market for extruded snacks in Japan was valued at 180 billion JPY in 2023.

Statistic 60

Nuts and seeds snacks grew 6.1% in volume terms in 2022.

Statistic 61

Japan's snack industry contributed 0.8% to the national GDP in 2022.

Statistic 62

Online snack sales increased by 22% in 2023, representing 12% of total sales.

Statistic 63

The post-COVID recovery boosted snack market growth to 5.2% in 2021-2022.

Statistic 64

Regional snack market in Kansai region grew 4.8% faster than national average in 2023.

Statistic 65

Japan's snack import value hit 120 billion JPY in 2022, mainly from US and China.

Statistic 66

Vegan snack segment projected to reach 50 billion JPY by 2027, CAGR 8.5%.

Statistic 67

Inflation-adjusted snack market growth was 1.8% in 2023.

Statistic 68

Tokyo metropolitan snack sales volume: 250 billion JPY in 2022.

Statistic 69

Snack market share of non-Japanese flavors rose to 22% in 2023.

Statistic 70

Potato chips hold 35% of savory snack market share in Japan 2023.

Statistic 71

Rice crackers (Senbei) segment valued at 220 billion JPY in 2022.

Statistic 72

Chocolate-coated snacks sales: 150 billion JPY, 12% growth 2023.

Statistic 73

Extruded snacks like Jagarico: 95 billion JPY market in 2023.

Statistic 74

Nuts category grew to 180 billion JPY, 22% share in savory.

Statistic 75

Seaweed snacks market: 45 billion JPY, popular health option.

Statistic 76

Pretzels and sticks: 60 billion JPY, 8% CAGR past 5 years.

Statistic 77

Fruit-based snacks: 70 billion JPY, driven by kids segment.

Statistic 78

Wasabi-flavored snacks: 25% of spicy segment sales.

Statistic 79

Low-calorie snacks: 90 billion JPY, 18% of health category.

Statistic 80

Gummy candies: 110 billion JPY, top confectionery subcategory.

Statistic 81

Puffed rice snacks: 40 billion JPY annually.

Statistic 82

Cheese snacks market share: 15% in extruded category.

Statistic 83

Traditional mochi snacks: 55 billion JPY, stable 2% growth.

Statistic 84

Energy bars as snacks: 35 billion JPY, athlete demand.

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Move over, world: from savory potato chips to beloved chocolate treats, Japan's massive 1.12 trillion yen snack industry isn't just feeding a nation of avid nibblers, it's a fascinating, flavor-packed engine of innovation and premiumization driving impressive growth.

Key Takeaways

  • Japan's snack food market reached a value of 1.12 trillion JPY in 2022, reflecting a 3.2% year-on-year growth driven by premiumization trends.
  • The savory snacks segment in Japan accounted for 58% of the total snack market revenue in 2023, totaling approximately 650 billion JPY.
  • Japan's overall snack market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2028, reaching 1.45 trillion JPY by 2028.
  • Calbee Inc. reported snack revenue of 210 billion JPY in FY2022, up 4.7%.
  • Koikeya's annual sales reached 85 billion JPY in 2023, with potato chips at 40%.
  • Meiji Co. Ltd. snack division grew 6.2% YoY to 150 billion JPY in 2022.
  • Potato chips hold 35% of savory snack market share in Japan 2023.
  • Rice crackers (Senbei) segment valued at 220 billion JPY in 2022.
  • Chocolate-coated snacks sales: 150 billion JPY, 12% growth 2023.
  • 65% of Japanese consumers aged 20-39 snack daily.
  • Women account for 62% of healthy snack purchases in Japan 2023.
  • 45% of seniors over 60 prefer traditional rice-based snacks.
  • Convenience stores account for 52% of all snack sales in Japan 2023.
  • Supermarkets hold 28% share of snack retail sales volume.
  • E-commerce snack sales grew 28% to 180 billion JPY in 2023.

Japan's snack market is growing strongly by focusing on premium and healthy trends.

Company Performance

  • Calbee Inc. reported snack revenue of 210 billion JPY in FY2022, up 4.7%.
  • Koikeya's annual sales reached 85 billion JPY in 2023, with potato chips at 40%.
  • Meiji Co. Ltd. snack division grew 6.2% YoY to 150 billion JPY in 2022.
  • Bourbon Corp. confectionery snacks sales: 95 billion JPY in FY2023.
  • Ezaki Glico snack segment revenue: 320 billion JPY in 2022, 5.1% growth.
  • Yamazaki Biscuits market share in crackers: 28% in 2023.
  • Lotte Japan snack sales up 3.9% to 180 billion JPY in 2023.
  • Kabaya Foods nuts snacks revenue: 45 billion JPY, +7% YoY.
  • Orion Breweries snack division: 60 billion JPY in 2022.
  • Fujiya Co. premium snacks sales grew 8.4% to 55 billion JPY.
  • Calbee's export sales: 25 billion JPY in FY2023, 15% of total.
  • Koikeya's new product launches contributed 12 billion JPY in 2023.
  • Meiji's healthy snack line: 30 billion JPY, 10% market share.
  • Bourbon's regional exclusivity snacks: 20% of revenue.
  • Glico's Pocky alone generated 120 billion JPY globally, 70% Japan.
  • Yamazaki's Senbei sales: 40 billion JPY annually.
  • Lotte's Koala March: 15 billion JPY in Japan sales 2023.
  • Kabaya's mixed nuts line: 18% profit margin.

Company Performance Interpretation

Even as kale reigns supreme in wellness circles, Japan's snack titans are proving that perfectly engineered potato chips, chocolate-laden biscuits, and an army of snackable Pocky can still generate hundreds of billions of yen, because sometimes the path to happiness is paved with umami, crunch, and a little bit of whimsy.

Consumer Demographics & Preferences

  • 65% of Japanese consumers aged 20-39 snack daily.
  • Women account for 62% of healthy snack purchases in Japan 2023.
  • 45% of seniors over 60 prefer traditional rice-based snacks.
  • Urban millennials snack 3.2 times per day on average.
  • 78% of consumers seek low-sugar options in snacks.
  • Children under 12 consume 25% more confectionery snacks.
  • 52% of working adults snack during office breaks.
  • Regional preference: Hokkaido residents favor potato snacks 40% more.
  • 70% of Gen Z prefer innovative flavors like matcha-ume.
  • Health-conscious consumers (35%) avoid MSG in savory snacks.
  • 41% of families buy snacks for bento boxes weekly.
  • Nighttime snacking peaks at 55% among 18-24 year olds.
  • 60% prefer domestically produced snacks over imports.
  • Allergy-aware purchases rose 18% among parents.
  • 48% of Tokyoites snack on-the-go daily.

Consumer Demographics & Preferences Interpretation

Japan's snack culture is a delightful paradox where urban millennials graze like clockwork, health-conscious shoppers and traditionalists carve their own lanes, and the entire nation, from Hokkaido's potato lovers to Tokyo's commuters, collectively agrees that the perfect bite is both an innovative flavor adventure and a proudly local, often guilt-free, indulgence.

Distribution & Sales Channels

  • Convenience stores account for 52% of all snack sales in Japan 2023.
  • Supermarkets hold 28% share of snack retail sales volume.
  • E-commerce snack sales grew 28% to 180 billion JPY in 2023.
  • Vending machines dispense 15% of daily snack consumption.
  • Drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi: 12% snack market share.
  • Department store food halls: 5% but 20% premium snack sales.
  • Direct-to-consumer via company sites: 8% growth 2023.
  • Airport and station kiosks: 10 billion JPY annual snack sales.
  • Discount stores like Don Quijote: 18% of impulse buys.
  • Subscription box services for snacks: 25 billion JPY market.
  • Export channels via Amazon Japan: 30% of overseas sales.
  • Wholesale to izakayas: 7% of savory snack volume.
  • Pop-up stores contributed 5 billion JPY in limited snacks.
  • 7-Eleven Japan sold 1.2 billion JPY in private label snacks 2023.
  • FamilyMart snack sales per store: average 2.5 million JPY monthly.
  • Lawson convenience chain: 22% share in urban snack sales.

Distribution & Sales Channels Interpretation

Japan’s snack economy is a meticulously organized chaos where convenience stores reign supreme, but everyone—from vending machines to department store food halls—has carved out a delicious, data-driven slice of the action.

Market Size & Growth

  • Japan's snack food market reached a value of 1.12 trillion JPY in 2022, reflecting a 3.2% year-on-year growth driven by premiumization trends.
  • The savory snacks segment in Japan accounted for 58% of the total snack market revenue in 2023, totaling approximately 650 billion JPY.
  • Japan's overall snack market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2028, reaching 1.45 trillion JPY by 2028.
  • In 2023, the confectionery snacks subcategory grew by 5.8% YoY, outpacing savory snacks at 2.9% due to seasonal demand.
  • Export value of Japanese snacks reached 45.6 billion JPY in FY2022, up 12% from the previous year.
  • Per capita snack consumption in Japan stood at 8.2 kg in 2022, higher than the global average of 6.5 kg.
  • The healthy snack segment expanded by 7.3% in 2023, comprising 15% of the total market.
  • Japan's snack market saw a 4.5% volume growth in 2022 despite inflation pressures.
  • Premium snack sales surged 9.2% YoY in 2023, driven by gifting culture.
  • The market for extruded snacks in Japan was valued at 180 billion JPY in 2023.
  • Nuts and seeds snacks grew 6.1% in volume terms in 2022.
  • Japan's snack industry contributed 0.8% to the national GDP in 2022.
  • Online snack sales increased by 22% in 2023, representing 12% of total sales.
  • The post-COVID recovery boosted snack market growth to 5.2% in 2021-2022.
  • Regional snack market in Kansai region grew 4.8% faster than national average in 2023.
  • Japan's snack import value hit 120 billion JPY in 2022, mainly from US and China.
  • Vegan snack segment projected to reach 50 billion JPY by 2027, CAGR 8.5%.
  • Inflation-adjusted snack market growth was 1.8% in 2023.
  • Tokyo metropolitan snack sales volume: 250 billion JPY in 2022.
  • Snack market share of non-Japanese flavors rose to 22% in 2023.

Market Size & Growth Interpretation

Japan’s snack industry, driven by a relentless pursuit of both indulgence and wellness, has mastered the art of crunching its way to a projected 1.45 trillion yen by 2028, proving that whether it's savory, sweet, or surprisingly healthy, the nation's appetite for a sophisticated bite is as robust as its gifting culture and export ambitions.

Product Segments

  • Potato chips hold 35% of savory snack market share in Japan 2023.
  • Rice crackers (Senbei) segment valued at 220 billion JPY in 2022.
  • Chocolate-coated snacks sales: 150 billion JPY, 12% growth 2023.
  • Extruded snacks like Jagarico: 95 billion JPY market in 2023.
  • Nuts category grew to 180 billion JPY, 22% share in savory.
  • Seaweed snacks market: 45 billion JPY, popular health option.
  • Pretzels and sticks: 60 billion JPY, 8% CAGR past 5 years.
  • Fruit-based snacks: 70 billion JPY, driven by kids segment.
  • Wasabi-flavored snacks: 25% of spicy segment sales.
  • Low-calorie snacks: 90 billion JPY, 18% of health category.
  • Gummy candies: 110 billion JPY, top confectionery subcategory.
  • Puffed rice snacks: 40 billion JPY annually.
  • Cheese snacks market share: 15% in extruded category.
  • Traditional mochi snacks: 55 billion JPY, stable 2% growth.
  • Energy bars as snacks: 35 billion JPY, athlete demand.

Product Segments Interpretation

In Japan's snackscape, while potato chips rule the salty roost with a commanding 35% share, a quiet rebellion of pecuniary palates sees nuts expanding by 22%, chocolate coatings enjoying a decadent 12% growth, and seaweed whispering promises of wellness for 45 billion yen.

Sources & References