Japanese vs. American 7-Eleven (Taste Test)
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Japanese 7-Eleven snacks are known for sophisticated and unusual flavors, often incorporating local ingredients like yuzu shichimi and hojicha.
- ❖American 7-Eleven snacks tend towards familiar, indulgent, and often sweeter profiles, such as edible cookie dough and classic apple pie.
- ❖Link observed distinct cultural norms in Japan, including a lack of public eating, minimal napkin usage, and a general absence of unpleasant odors.
- ❖The hosts' subjective scoring resulted in a tied outcome, challenging the common perception that Japanese convenience store snacks are universally superior.
- ❖Specific Japanese items like Hojicha Truffles and Crunky chocolate were highly praised for their unique textures and balanced flavors.
Insights
1Japanese KFC Chips Feature Unexpected Lemon Notes
Japanese KFC-flavored chips, described as 'Yuzu Shichimi Chicken flavor,' initially deliver an undeniable KFC taste but are quickly followed by a prominent lemon flavor. Both hosts found the lemon to be a detractor, preventing a perfect score.
Link: 'The lemon is the only part I don't like.' Rhett: 'I don't like that either. If it weren't for the lemon, I might give it a 10.' Both rated it an 8.
2American Edible Cookie Dough Wins on Texture and Indulgence
American 7-Eleven's chocolate chip edible cookie dough was highly praised for its light, fluffy, and shelf-stable consistency. Both hosts found it exceptionally good, suitable for eating straight or with milk, highlighting its indulgent appeal.
Rhett: 'Dang, this is good. This has no business being in America. This should be in Japan.' Both rated it a 9.
3Japanese Crispy Ramen Snack Disappoints with Burnt Flavor
The 'Baby Star Crispy Ramen Snack' from Japan was described as bland and reminiscent of a burnt french fry. One host found it unappealing, giving it a very low score, while the other found it acceptable but not outstanding.
Link: 'It tastes like a burnt french fry.' Rhett: 'I don't like 'em... I'm gonna give it a two.'
4Japanese Hojicha Truffles Impress with Mild Green Tea Flavor
Japanese Hojicha Truffles, a 7-Eleven premium item, were lauded for their soft, chewy texture and mild green tea flavor. Both hosts, even those not typically fond of green tea, found them rich and very palatable.
Rhett: 'That is such a mild green tea flavor. Even I like it. It's very good.' Both rated it a 9.
5American Hotdog Chips Lack 'Dog' Flavor, Overpowered by Condiments
American 7-Eleven's 'Hotdog Chips' (7 Select limited edition) were criticized for being too mustardy and tasting more like relish and mustard than actual hotdog. The hosts felt there wasn't enough 'dog flavor' to justify the name, leading to low scores.
Link: 'I could use more dog flavor. Not enough dog in it to really deliver.' Rhett: 'The more I eat them, the more I don't like them. Four.' Link rated it a 2.
6Japanese 'Crunky' Chocolate Offers Unique Malty, Crispy Texture
The Japanese 'Crunky' chocolate bar, featuring a texture similar to a Nestle Crunch with rice crisps, was highly rated for its malty flavor and satisfying crunch. The hosts found it tasty and snackable, unlike anything readily available in the US.
Rhett: 'Malty, not ricey. That's pretty tasty. I don't think we have anything like this.' Rhett rated it a 9, Link an 8.
7Japanese Steak Chips Feature Unexpected Truffle and Foie Gras
Japanese 'Steak Chips' surprised the hosts by also featuring truffle oil and foie gras flavors, making them 'niche rich.' While one host found them very good and unusual, the other was less impressed, leading to a split in scores.
Rhett: 'It is a truffle oil and a foie gras.' Link: 'Those are nice, ah. No, they're not bad. That's very good and really unusual.' Rhett rated it a 9, Link a 6.
Bottom Line
Japan maintains an exceptionally clean and 'stinkless' environment, even in urban areas, contrasting sharply with other major cities.
This observation highlights a significant cultural difference in public hygiene and waste management, suggesting a societal emphasis on cleanliness that impacts daily experiences.
Businesses focused on urban planning, waste management, or public health could study Japanese practices for transferable solutions to improve urban living standards globally.
Public eating is generally frowned upon and even ticketed in Japan, with minimal provision of napkins in establishments.
This cultural norm affects consumer behavior and convenience store design, as food is typically consumed indoors or in designated areas, not while walking. The lack of napkins implies a different expectation for 'on-the-go' cleanliness.
Food packaging companies or convenience store chains looking to expand into Japan must adapt their product design and marketing strategies to align with these local customs, focusing on easy-to-eat, mess-free options or encouraging in-store consumption.
Japanese 7-Elevens offer unique food hacks, such as combining an egg salad sandwich with a fried chicken thigh.
This demonstrates a local culture of culinary experimentation within convenience stores, suggesting that customers are encouraged to innovate with readily available items.
Food brands could explore 'hackable' product lines or promote user-generated content around creative food combinations to engage customers in markets where such culinary play is appreciated.
Lessons
- When visiting Japan, prioritize exploring 7-Eleven for unique, high-quality snacks and prepared foods beyond typical American convenience store fare.
- Be mindful of Japanese cultural norms regarding public eating; avoid consuming food or drinks while walking down the street to respect local etiquette.
- If you enjoy novel flavor combinations, seek out Japanese snacks that blend savory and sweet, or incorporate traditional ingredients like yuzu, shichimi, or hojicha.
- Don't underestimate American 7-Eleven for comfort food indulgences; items like edible cookie dough can offer surprisingly high quality for a convenience store.
- Consider the 'no chewing fruit in dessert' preference when evaluating dessert items, as some cultures prefer smooth, uniform textures over chunky fruit pieces.
Quotes
"Do Japanese 7/11's have better snacks than American 7/11's? Let's talk about that."
"This has no business being in America. This should be in Japan."
"I didn't experience one stink in Japan. Nothing stunk. Yep, and I could count on my one hand the number of napkins that I was given. For two weeks, I probably got five or less napkins. But no stink. It's a napkinless and stinkless society."
Q&A
Recent Questions
Related Episodes
EMILY IN PARIS (2020) Season 1 Episodes 1x1, 1x2 & 1x3 Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Lily Collins
"CinePals hosts Jabby and Brandon react to the first three episodes of 'Emily in Paris,' dissecting the cultural clashes, workplace dynamics, and relationship challenges faced by an American in France."
We’ll Do It LIVE! — Howie Mandel
"Howie Mandel discusses the evolution of media, the psychology of comedy, and the importance of continuous curiosity in a rapidly changing world."
Cheap vs Fancy Macaroni & Cheese
"This episode pits Dollar Tree against Whole Foods in a mac and cheese and broccoli salad showdown, revealing surprising results about ingredient cost versus taste and quality."
The Filipino Fridge Stockers | Ep 312 | Bad Friends
"Bobby Lee's household chaos unfolds as he comically accuses his Filipino staff of 'racism' for speaking Tagalog and 'indentured servitude' for not stocking his personal Red Bull fridge, leading to an unhinged debate on cultural sensitivity and domestic expectations."