Hey everyone! Have you ever heard of "Karu"?

...No? Yeah, I figured.

Karu is a Japanese snack that used to be available all over Japan, but in 2017, it became a Kansai-exclusive product. That means you can only find it in Kansai (the western part of Japan, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto).

But guess what? I got my hands on it through Meiji’s shareholder benefits! Since it’s almost impossible to buy outside Kansai, I’m super excited to finally try it again. So, let’s see if this legendary snack still holds up!

What is Karu?

Karu is a snack made by Meiji, one of Japan’s biggest food companies. It has a light, fluffy texture and a rich yet mild cheese flavor.

You might think it’s similar to Cheetos, but nope! They’re completely different in taste and texture. Here’s a quick comparison:

Comparison	Karu (Cheese Flavor)	Cheetos (Cheese Flavor)
Texture	Light, crispy, melts in your mouth	Crunchy and hard
Flavor	A mild but rich blend of 6 different cheeses	Strong artificial cheese powder
Calories	324 kcal (64g)	~330 kcal (60g)
Availability	Only in Kansai (western Japan)	Sold worldwide

If Cheetos are a bold and punchy cheese snack, Karu is a soft and delicate cheese treat.

How Did I Get Karu? Meiji’s Shareholder Perks!

Meiji, the company that makes Karu, has a special shareholder benefit program where they send out assorted Meiji products once a year.

When I opened my shareholder benefit package…

＼ KARU CHEESE FLAVOR! ／

I honestly didn’t expect to see it there, so I was pretty hyped!

Tasting Karu Cheese Flavor – A Nostalgic Experience!

First Impressions

As soon as I opened the bag, a delicious cheesy aroma filled the air.

At that moment, I knew… this was going to be good.

First Bite – Texture & Flavor

I took a bite and…

"Oh wow, it’s so light! It’s crispy, but it melts in your mouth!"

Karu has a unique fluffy crunch that’s nothing like Cheetos. The texture is soft but satisfying, and the more you chew, the more it melts away.

And the cheese flavor? Absolutely perfect.

It’s not an artificial cheese overload like Cheetos. Instead, it’s a rich, well-balanced blend of six different cheeses, giving it a deep but gentle cheesy taste.

This is the kind of snack where you think, "Okay, just one more…", and suddenly, you’ve finished the entire bag. 😅

Where Can You Get Karu? (If You’re Not in Kansai)

Since Karu is only sold in Kansai (western Japan, including Osaka and Kyoto), it’s really hard to get if you’re in Tokyo, let alone overseas.

Here are a few ways to hunt it down:

1. Go to Kansai – The most reliable way! Any supermarket in Osaka or Kyoto should have it.
2. Ask a Kansai friend to send you some – A great excuse to make new friends in Osaka!
3. Buy it online – Some online stores sell it, but it’s often out of stock.
4. Get Meiji’s shareholder benefits – A rare but fun way to score some Karu!

Final Thoughts: Karu is Still AMAZING!

After years without eating it, Karu Cheese Flavor is still just as delicious as I remember.

The crispy-yet-fluffy texture, the perfectly balanced cheese flavor, and the fact that it’s so hard to find make this an absolute must-try snack if you ever visit Kansai.

So, if you’re ever in Osaka, Kyoto, or anywhere in western Japan, definitely pick up a bag! You won’t regret it.

That’s all for today’s snack review! See you next time! 😊

Who is "Karu Ojisan" (Uncle Karu)?

If you’ve ever seen the packaging of Karu, you might have noticed a friendly-looking character with a mustache and a big smile.

That’s Karu Ojisan (Uncle Karu)!

Karu Ojisan was the mascot for Karu and often appeared in its TV commercials, along with the catchy jingle:

🎶 Sore ni tsukete mo~ Oyatsu wa Karu~ 🎶
(Whatever happens, snack time means Karu!)

Unfortunately, when Karu stopped being sold nationwide in 2017, Karu Ojisan also disappeared from TV commercials. It was the end of an era.

But don’t worry! He still appears on the packaging, so if you manage to find a bag of Karu in Kansai, you’ll get to see him again!