Part 1: Payke Staff Picks! Top 5 Store-Bought Snacks for Pairing with Drinks
Japan offers a wide variety of snacks that pair well with alcohol. Store-bought snacks, in particular, are not only easy to purchase but also require no preparation, making them convenient to enjoy right away.
This article introduces five recommended store-bought snacks for pairing with drinks, as chosen by Payke staff. All of the featured items can be easily found at supermarkets, drugstores, or convenience stores! These snacks also make for great gifts, so feel free to use this as a reference.
How to Choose Snacks
１．Match the Snack to the Drink
Selecting snacks that complement the type of alcohol you’re drinking can enhance the experience. Here are some suggestions based on different drinks:
-
Beer & Chuhai
Light and salty snacks like potato chips or crunchy items such as “Kaki no Tane” are perfect. -
Sake & Shochu
Snacks rich in umami and saltiness, like dried seafood or nuts, pair excellently. -
Wine & Champagne
Cheese-based snacks, nuts, or fruit-flavored snacks go well. Less sweet and slightly tart snacks are also a good choice. -
Brandy & Whiskey
Rich snacks like chocolate, dried fruits, or nuts match well.
２． Other Tips for Choosing Snacks
-
Portability
Opt for small packages or resealable bags for easy storage and transport. -
Shareability
When planning to share with friends or family, choose snacks that are easy to divide. They make gatherings, trips, and parties more enjoyable. -
Healthiness
For those concerned about calories or sodium, there are low-calorie or additive-free snacks that pair well with drinks.
Top 5 Recommended Store-Bought Snacks
1.「CRATZ」
“A crunchy, rich, and savory snack cracker that’s addictive.”
CRATZ offers a robust flavor of roasted nuts and is a snack made for adults. With a firm texture and bold flavor, it pairs wonderfully with beer and highballs. 
The small package makes it ideal for sharing. Inside, you’ll find bite-sized pretzels and roasted almonds, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
2.「Cheeza」
“A luxurious snack packed with intense cheese flavor.”
Cheeza is a rich, cheesy snack that melts in your mouth with a creamy, slightly salty flavor, perfect for pairing with wine or whiskey.
The light and crispy texture adds to its appeal, and its compact packaging makes it easy to carry.
3.「Pizza Potato」
“Thick-cut potato chips with a rich, cheesy pizza flavor.”
For cheese lovers, this snack offers a satisfying pizza taste with a spicy kick. Perfect with beer or citrus-flavored chuhai.
The crispy chips are generously coated with cheese powder.
4.「Kaki no Tane」
“A classic snack perfect for beer.”
A quintessential Japanese snack, Kaki no Tane is made from rice and has a spicy soy sauce flavor with a crispy texture. It pairs well with beer, sake, or shochu.
6 small packages make it easy to share.
The combination of Kaki no Tane and peanuts inside adds a perfect balance of crunchiness and savory flavor．
5.「Happy Turn」
“A sweet and salty powdered snack that’s highly addictive.”
Happy Turn is a long-selling favorite featuring a unique powder with a sweet-salty balance. Light and crispy, it pairs well with beer or chuhai.
With its addictive flavor and convenient packaging, it’s perfect for sharing and snacking anytime, anywhere.
Conclusion
The five snacks introduced here are easy to enjoy and pair excellently with a variety of drinks. Experimenting with different combinations of snacks and alcohol can make your meal or gathering even more enjoyable and special. Stay tuned for the next round of snack recommendations in Part Two!