Must-Try Sweets in Japan: Japanese Pudding From TORAKU

If you’ve ever noticed a tree-shaped logo while browsing desserts at a Japanese supermarket, then you’ve discovered TORAKU, a popular Japanese dessert brand with a motto along the lines of “more delicious, more fun, more convenient.” TORAKU is known for their “Kobe Pudding,” which has long been a favorite in Japan, and their many pudding products are popular thanks to the packaging and the broad product lineup. With an elevated flavor profile and social media-worthy looks, we’ve even noticed these Japanese pudding cups popping up as a trend among travelers visiting Japan.

Considering these puddings are conveniently available in supermarkets across Japan, we can understand the appeal! To help you make the most of every dessert opportunity in Japan, we’ve put together a list of Japanese pudding recommendations from TORAKU, including some of their most popular products. Take a look before shopping for sweet treats on your Japan trip!

Must-Try Japanese Puddings! TORAKU Sweets to Try in Japan

Japanese Pudding Basics: TORAKU 101

For our first batch of TORAKU puddings, we’re dishing up some of the brand’s most popular products to offer Japanese pudding beginners a feast for the eyes and the mouth.

Royal Custard Pudding

Craving a sweet treat to get your energy levels up during a busy trip to Japan? Look no further than TORAKU’s Royal Custard Pudding! First launched in 2004, this long-time bestseller tends to be a favorite among Japanese puddings, with locals and travelers alike. It’s been awarded the International Quality Institute’s Monde Selection Grand Gold Award for 10 consecutive years (2015–2024), so there’s no doubt, its good enough to find fans the world over! Made with an irresistible blend of milk, fresh cream, and eggs, the velvety custard melts in your mouth, delivering a rich, luxurious flavor.

Of course, this is a Japanese pudding, so the caramel sauce is vitally important! The sauce that comes with TORAKU’s Royal Custard Pudding is less bitter, with a deep sweetness that emphasizes the pudding’s decadent flavor. You can add just a drizzle, or smother the pudding with the whole packet, and adjust the sweetness to your own liking!

Royal Custard Pudding (ロイヤルカスタードプリン)
Price: 216 yen (tax included)
Storage: keep refrigerated
Allergens: eggs, milk
Product Details (jp)

Brulee: Crème Brûlée

Toraku’s Crème Brûlée pudding, a part of their Brulee series, is a reinterpretation of the classic French dessert with its crackly top and creamy custard. Just sprinkle on the packet of caramel topping, and the contrasting combination of bittersweet caramel crunch atop a soft custardy pudding base might just make you feel like you’ve been whisked away for a moment in Paris. Of course, it’s the abundant use of domestically-produced Japanese milk and fresh cream straight from Hokkaido that gives the pudding its richly aromatic flavor.

Like a real crème brûlée, the bittersweet flavor of the caramel topping keeps the sweetness of the custard in check for a perfect balance, so you can enjoy every last bite! If Japanese pudding has never really called out to you, the unique combination of flavors and textures of the Brulee: Crème Brûlée might be just what you’ve been waiting for!

Brulee: Crème Brûlée (Brulee クレームブリュレ)
Price: 216 yen (tax included)
Storage: keep refrigerated
Allergens: eggs, milk, gelatin, soy
Product Details (jp)

Kodawari no Noko Cheesecake

Love a little savory mixed in with the sweetness of dessert? Try TORAKU’s Kodawari no Noko Cheesecake, or “Rich Specialty Cheesecake.” This unique cheesecake pudding cup is made with camembert, called the “Queen of Cheese,” for a luxuriously rich flavor, as well as plenty of cream cheese for a lusciously creamy texture. Add a touch of the sweet honey sauce to achieve a perfect savory-sweet balance!

With its decadent richness and just a hint of that Japanese pudding bounce, cheesecake lovers will definitely want to try this one in Japan!

Kodawari no Noko Cheesecake (こだわりの濃厚チーズケーキ)
Price: 216 yen (tax included)
Storage: keep refrigerated
Allergens: eggs, milk
Product Details (jp)

Mukashi-nagara Katame Pudding

If you prefer the firmly set texture of a traditional Japanese pudding over the soft, squishy varieties that have been trending in recent years, this one’s for you. Mukashi-nagara Katame Pudding literally means “old-fashioned firm pudding”! Prepared just like the retro puddings served in Japan’s beloved kissaten cafes, this classic custard pudding is made rich, dense, and full-bodied with the use of eggs, boasting a rich, authentic flavor free from unnecessary additives.

The delicate sweetness of the bitter caramel sauce at the bottom of each cup seeps through the custard the deliver a complex mix of flavors with each bite, ideal for those seeking a more sophisticated flavor. Plus, the size makes it a great lighter dessert option when you just want a little something during your trip to Japan!

Mukashi-nagara Katame Pudding (昔ながらのかためプリン)
Price: 151 yen (tax included)
Storage: keep refrigerated
Allergens: eggs, milk
Product Details (jp)

Feel Refreshed with Fruity Puddings in Japan!

Marugoto Shibori Setouchi Lemon Rare Cheesecake

Shizuoka Crown Melon Pudding

Miyazaki Apple Mango Pudding

Looking for a little palate cleanser? These next three fruit-based puddings are back on shelves after a recent rebrand, offering a silky sweetness with tart, fruity flavors!

The Setouchi Lemon Rare Cheesecake is lavish with zesty flavor thanks to the use of fresh lemons from Japan’s top-producing region, Setouchi, delivering a punch of real citrus in each bite. The refreshing flavor is paired with a smooth no-bake cheesecake base for a sophisticated balance, resulting in a fresh, fruity dessert perfect for hot summer days!

Marugoto Shibori Setouchi Lemon Rare Cheesecake (丸ごと搾り瀬戸内レモンのレアチーズ)
Price: 151 yen (tax included)
Storage: keep refrigerated
Allergens: milk
Product Details (jp)

Often referred to as the pinnacle of all musk melons, this pudding is a great way to enjoy the luxurious flavor of Shizuoka Prefecture’s Crown Melon! TORAKU makes the most of every bit of precious melon flavor, offering curious eaters an easy way to enjoy the rare flavor. Between the natural sweetness of the melon and the pudding’s delicate texture, this one’s a hit with sweet-tooths of all ages. We recommend trying it with the family during your trip to Japan!

Shizuoka Crown Melon Pudding (静岡県産クラウンメロンのプリン)
Price: 151 yen (tax included)
Storage: keep refrigerated
Allergens: milk, soy
Product Details (jp)

Our final fruity pudding of the bunch, the Miyazaki Apple Mango Pudding highlights the sweet and tangy flavor of Miyazaki’s famed mangoes, each one perfectly ripened beneath the warm rays of the sun. Enhanced with a splash of passionfruit juice, each bite offers a refreshing wave of sweet and sour flavor. Perfect after a heavy meal, like ramen or tonkatsu!

Miyazaki Apple Mango Pudding (宮崎県産アップルマンゴーのプリン)
Price: 151 yen (tax included)
Storage: keep refrigerated
Allergens: milk, soy
Product Details (jp)

Just Released! The Newest Puddings, Hot Off the Shelf

Already know and love the many flavors of Japanese pudding? You won’t want to miss these brand new varieties!

Almond Milk Creamy Pudding

Love dessert, but looking for something a little healthier? You’ll want to give yourself a pat on the back for finding this one! TORAKU’s Almond Milk Creamy Pudding blends nutty almond milk with rich eggs, soy milk cream, and a touch of maple sugar for a wholesome, indulgent experience that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.

Each pudding is packed with 7mg of Vitamin E and 3g of fiber! If almond milk is your go-to at the coffee shop, and you’re ready to branch out, you’ll definitely want to try this unique pudding.

Almond Milk Creamy Pudding (アーモンドミルク仕立てのクリーミープリン)
Price: 172 yen (tax included)
Storage: keep refrigerated
Allergens: egg, almond, soy
Product Details (jp)

Kokubuka Custard Pudding

You can’t get that rich custardy flavor without the use of good eggs, and the Kokubuka Custard Pudding is made with premium Yodoran Hikari eggs, known for their deep flavor with 3.5x the richness of regular eggs.

Dense yet smooth, you’ll get a whiff of this pudding’s enchanting vanilla aroma with every bite, and the caramel sauce at the bottom of the cup perfectly rounds out the flavor.

Kokubuka Custard Pudding (コク深カスタードプリン)
Price: 189 yen (tax included)
Storage: keep refrigerated
Allergens: egg, milk, gelatin, soy
Product Details (jp)

Kokubuka Nama-Cream Pudding

If you can’t get enough of rich, velvety, super-creamy desserts, the Kokubuka Nama Cream Pudding is a dream. The product name literally means “rich fresh cream pudding,” and true to its title, the pudding is made with a decadent dose of Hokkaido cream and milk for a silky texture that melts in your mouth. With each bite, the caramel sauce at the bottom mixes with the soft pudding, enhancing the unique milky creaminess.

Try it alongside the Kokubuka Custard Pudding to really savor the difference between both ends of the pudding spectrum: egg-forward richness or gentle dairy flavor!

Kokubuka Nama-Cream Pudding (コク深生クリームプリン)
Price: 189 yen (tax included)
Storage: keep refrigerated
Allergens: egg, milk, gelatin
Product Details (jp)

Where to Buy Japanese Pudding Cups

TORAKU offers a broad selection of pudding desserts, but most are widely available at Japanese grocery stores! While Japanese convenience stores will often stock a few options, too, you’ll find a full range of flavors and varieties at the supermarket – stop in during your trip to Japan to choose from a broader lineup!

Start Your Sweet TORAKU Treasure Hunt Today!

One of the most delightful parts of traveling in Japan is exploring all the local flavors, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, that means sampling Japanese desserts. Of course, while trendy cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants might be fun, you can’t beat the value and convenience of TORAKU’s delicious pudding lineup.

Beyond what we’ve featured here, TORAKU offers a pretty impressive selection of different dessert options, which makes it fun to find your own favorite. Find out more about TORAKU here to make dessert time quick and fun during your next trip to Japan!

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