Hey there snack lovers! Micki here. If you’re craving a taste of authentic Japanese treats, you’ve probably heard of the popular subscription boxes Sakuraco and Bokksu. Both deliver a selection of authentic Japanese goodies to your door each month, but how do they compare?
Our family of four took a closer look at Sakuraco and Bokksu to help you decide which one might be the better choice for you.
Curious to try one of these boxes for yourself? Keep reading to find out which one might be your perfect match!
Let the showdown begin!
First Impressions
Packaging & Presentation
Both the Sakuraco and Bokksu boxes landed on our doorstep in great condition and were the exact same size. The first thing we noticed? Sakuraco’s packaging was elegant and understated with gold accents on a light pink background, while Bokksu had a shinier orange box.
Sakuraco felt like a luxe gift, perfect for a tea party, whereas Bokksu was more like your everyday Japanese snack box.
Culture Guides & Booklets
Inside, both boxes came with über-informative booklets, diving deep into Japanese culture and the story behind each snack.
This is actually the third Sakuraco box we’ve tried, and I have to say, the attention to detail and cultural insights in their guides never disappoints. All three boxes have been consistently packed with high-quality treats and fascinating tidbits about Japan.
The Snacks
Sakuraco’s Seasons of Sakura Box
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Sakuraco’s Seasons of Sakura box was bursting with authentic Japanese treats, from delicate sakura mochi to crispy senbei crackers.
The traditional wagashi sweets, like the Sakura Daifuku and Sakura Manju, were melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
And can we talk about that adorable sakura sake glass? Totally Instagram-worthy.
I absolutely loved the fragrant, sweet sakura tea. I’ve never had cherry blossom tea before, so it was such a treat!
I loved the sakura daifuku, which are soft, sakura-infused mochi over a sweet white bean paste. So good!
The adorable little sakura konpeito candies were real winners in our family. So cute!
Overall, all of the treats in the Sakuraco box felt carefully chosen, and beautiful to look at, as well as tasty to eat.
Visit the Sakuraco website now.
Bokksu’s Sakura Sunset Glow Box
Meanwhile, Bokksu’s Sakura Sunset Glow box boasted some tempting treats. The Almond Chocolate Sand Kokuto Caramel cookie, made with Okinawian kokuto sugar, was a caramelly dream, with an interesting burnt caramel taste that we were divided on. I liked it, but my two teens definitely didn’t.
The anno imo sweet potato financier was a definite thumbs down from all of us, we found the heavy dough a bit too cloying and not light or sweet enough for our taste.
However, the Japanese Valencia Orange Cake, studded with juicy orange peel? That was delicious with a cup of the White Peach Rooibos Tea.
Traditional vs Trendy Treats
Both boxes served up a satisfying mix of sweet and savory, but Sakuraco definitely leaned into the traditional with items like the Sakura Kohakuto candy and the light and crunchy Kabukiage crackers.
Bokksu, on the other hand, had some fun fusion snacks, like the Gluten-Free Sakura Matcha Gaufrettes.
Glassware
Sakuraco’s the clear winner here, with their gorgeous sakura sake glass. Crafted in collaboration between Sakuraco and Ishizuca glass artisans, the glass is decorated with a delicate golden sakura. It feels delicate, but sturdy.
Bokksu didn’t offer any sort of glass or bowl, making Sakuraco the hands down winner here.
Sakuraco vs Bokksu for Special Diets
Allergens & Vegetarian Options
If you have dietary restrictions, you’ll be happy to know that both Sakuraco and Bokksu clearly mark allergens and vegetarian-friendly snacks in their handy booklets.
In the Seasons of Sakura box, treats like the adorably packaged Sakura Konpeito candies and Ryokucha Usuyaki tea cookies got the veggie thumbs up. Over in camp Bokksu, the Soft Sakura Mochi and Lan-de-boule Caramel Sand Cookie were among the vegetarian options.
While not every single item is suitable for those with allergies or plant-based diets, there’s still plenty to enjoy in both boxes. Just be sure to look at those info guides before diving in!
Pro tip: If you have severe allergies or follow a strict diet, reach out to the Sakuraco or Bokksu customer service teams before ordering. They’re always happy to help you determine which box is the safest snacking choice for you!
The Verdict: Sakuraco: Our winner!
So, which box takes the (rice) cake? Honestly, we lean pretty strongly toward Sakuraco.
To begin with, we loved the gorgeous sake glass included in our Sakuraco order, which made the entire box feel premium and elegant. Bokksu didn’t offer anything similar.
On top of that, if you’re keen on immersing yourself in traditional Japanese tea culture, Sakuraco’s elegant curation and bonus home goods give it an edge. The Ryokucha Usuyaki tea cookies were particularly charming touches.
Overall, our family just felt that the Sakuraco box felt more premium. The treats were also tied closely to the theme, even down to the color.
So, how did the taste compare? Well, that’s pretty subjective, but my personal favorites were all Sakuraco. I loved the sweet sakura tea. I’ve never had cherry blossom tea before, so it was a real treat!
I loved the sakura daifuku, which are soft, mochi over a sweet white bean paste. So good! The adorable little sakura konpeito candies were a huge hit as well!
Pricing & Shipping
Pricewise, Sakuraco starts at $37.50/month for a one month subscription, while Bokksu starts at $39.99/month for their one month subscription. Both offer pay-as-you-go options if you just want to dip a toe in.
Bottom Line
The final verdict? We’re huge fans of Sakuraco for a sophisticated, immersive cherry blossom experience. Your taste buds are in for an adventure! Until next time, happy snacking!