16 Japanese 7-Eleven Snacks We Wish Were Available In The US - Tasting Table

"Japan's 7-Elevens are well-known for having all sorts of delicious and unique snacks that you just can't find in the United States. While the convenience store chain got its start in the U.S., it first opened locations in Tokyo in 1974. As of 2025, there were over 22,000 locations across Japan, which vastly outnumber the approximately 12,300 in the U.S."

"With people on social media fawning over their 7-Eleven finds in Japan, it makes us a little jealous that the locations in the U.S. tend to stock such ordinary snacks. We'd absolutely love for some of the treats available in Japanese locations to make their way to North America. While we wish, we'd largely prefer imports to attempts to recreate the same products with U.S. ingredients. It's never quite the same otherwise."

"Our list is heavy on dessert pastries and frozen treats, but it also includes chocolate, savory snacks, sandwiches, and soups. Many inspire repeat purchases among tourists visiting Japan, and others are viral sensations. Whether you're planning a trip to Japan or just like to live vicariously through the enjoyment of others, here are the 16 Japanese 7-Eleven snacks we most wish would show up on shelves in the U.S."

"Pancakes with maple syrup and margarine are one of the 7-Eleven snacks you never knew you needed until you've tried it. If you watch videos or read discussion threads on social media with people talking about their favorite treats at Japan's 7-Eleven, this one comes up quite often. With rice, soup, fish, and other less-familiar breakfast items featured prominently in Japanese breakfasts, these pancakes are likely to be tried more often in the morning because they're more familiar to Westerners."

Japan's 7-Eleven chain operates over 22,000 locations as of 2025, far exceeding the U.S. count of about 12,300. Many Japanese stores stock distinctive snacks—pancakes with maple syrup and margarine, dessert pastries, frozen treats, chocolate, savory snacks, sandwiches, and soups—that attract tourists and social media attention. Visitors often praise certain items as repeat purchases and viral sensations, and many express a desire for authentic imports rather than U.S.-recreated versions. Familiar breakfast options like pancakes appeal to Western tastes and are commonly chosen in the morning. The list highlights sixteen specific Japanese 7-Eleven snacks that would be popular on U.S. shelves.

Read at Tasting Table