Discover Japan’s Best Kept Secret: The Irresistible Black Thunder
Have you ever heard of Black Thunder? You might be thinking, “What’s that?”—and that’s perfectly okay! Even in Japan, this crunchy chocolate bar only gained widespread recognition recently. Today, I’ll be sharing its history and unique texture while explaining why this snack will keep you coming back for more, once you’ve had a taste.
So, What is Black Thunder?
Let’s start with the basics. Black Thunder is a Japanese chocolate bar that features cocoa cookies and biscuits, all covered in a delicious layer of milk chocolate. Imagine your favorite cookie wrapped in a chocolate coating that’s even better than you imagined. When you take a bite, the satisfying crunch explodes in your mouth, and the chocolate and cookie blend together to deliver an experience that’s nothing short of blissful.
It’s not too sweet, not too bitter—it strikes the perfect balance, leaving you thinking, “This is just right!”
The Backstory: How Black Thunder Became a Hit
Black Thunder first hit the shelves in 1994. However, back then, nobody really knew about it. Sales were so poor that production would often only run once a month, even as late as 2003. Then, in 2008, everything changed when Japanese gymnast Kohei Uchimura, during the Beijing Olympics, casually mentioned on TV, “I love Black Thunder!”—and boom, it was suddenly a sensation.
With just that one comment, the snack went from obscurity to stardom overnight. Since then, it’s become a staple in Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores, and even made its way into collaborations with other desserts and snacks. It’s as if the “Black Thunder” name itself struck like a bolt of lightning, making everyone sit up and take notice.
For First-Timers: How to Enjoy Black Thunder
If you’re about to try Black Thunder for the first time, make sure to savor that first bite. As soon as you sink your teeth into it, you’ll be greeted with a crisp crunch, followed by the smooth melting of the chocolate. The bold name “Black Thunder” perfectly matches the satisfaction it delivers.
Worried it might be too sweet? Don’t be. The flavor is just right, with the bitterness of the cocoa cookie balancing the sweetness of the chocolate, making it an ideal snack even for those who prefer less sugary treats.
Tips to Enjoy Black Thunder Even More
There are a variety of ways to enjoy Black Thunder, so why not try a few of these?
- Eat it as is: This is the classic way! Enjoy the harmony of crunch and chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- Chill it: Pop it in the fridge for a bit to make the texture even crispier. This is an especially great way to enjoy it in the summer!
- Crush it and top your ice cream: Crumble Black Thunder over ice cream to add a delightful crunch and elevate your dessert game. You won’t regret it!
One Last Thing: One Bar is Never Enough!
Once you’ve had your first taste, you’ll probably be thinking, “I want more!” That’s the allure of Black Thunder—it’s almost impossible to have just one. So if you get the chance to buy it, don’t stop at a single bar. Pick up two, three, or more—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. When I first tried it, I found myself reaching for a second and third bar before I even realized it (oops!).
Black Thunder isn’t just another chocolate bar. Its unique texture and flavor will have you hooked from the first bite. If you’re a fan of delicious snacks, it’s definitely something you have to try at least once in your life!
So for those visiting Japan, or if you find Black Thunder at a local Asian market, give it a try. You’ll see why it’s earned a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of so many snack lovers.
Nutrient | Per Serving (21g) |
---|---|
Calories | 111 kcal |
Protein | 1.3 g |
Fat | 6.0 g |
Carbohydrate | 13.0 g |
Salt Equivalent | 0.2 g |
Ingredients List
Semi-chocolate (sugar, vegetable oil, whole milk powder, skimmed milk powder, cocoa powder, cocoa mass, lactose, salt), cocoa cookie, processed fat food (sugar, vegetable oil, skimmed milk powder, lactose), wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil, shortening, cocoa mass, salt, whey powder, skimmed milk powder, whole milk powder, sweetener (sorbitol), leavening agent, emulsifier (derived from soybeans), flavoring.
Allergen Information
Allergen (Specified Raw Materials) | Presence |
---|---|
Egg | Not present in the product, but manufactured in a facility that handles eggs. |
Milk | Present |
Wheat | Present |
Peanut | Not present |
Shrimp | Not present |
Buckwheat | Not present |
Crab | Not present |
Walnut | Not present |
Note: This product is manufactured in a facility that also handles eggs. Additionally, the following ingredients, which are specified as allergens, may be present in trace amounts:
- Soybean
- Banana
- Yam
- Cashew Nuts
- Peach
- Sesame
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- Squid
- Chicken
- Apple
- Abalone
- Orange
- Beef
- Gelatin
- Pork
- Almond
- Macadamia Nuts