The forbidden encounter between Nanbu Senbei (rice crackers) and chocolate! Hachinohe's most popular sweets [Choco Q-Suke
- Aomori
- Souvenirs
Too popular and difficult to obtain! What is the charm of Choco Q-Suke?
Nanbu senbei are rice crackers made of flour, often eaten in Hachinohe and northern Iwate Prefecture, and some contain sesame or peanuts.
These Nanbu senbei are covered with chocolate, and their popularity is so great that they are sold out one after another, with a limit on the number of units that can be purchased!
Traditional Japanese confections such as tsuruko manju and mame-shitogi have long been loved by the local people.
And Choco Q-Suke was developed to compensate for the decline in sales due to the spread of coronavirus infection in 2020!
The charm is "cheap and tasty!"
The balance between the saltiness of the Nanbu senbei and the sweetness of the chocolate is so good that once you start eating it, you cannot stop!
Furthermore, both Choco Q-Suke and White Choco Q-Suke come in 75g packages and are priced at 270 yen (including tax: suggested retail price), making them quite affordable!
The reason for the popularity of these products is that they are both inexpensive and tasty. This is the reason for their popularity.
The cute name comes from...
Kusuke covered with chocolate, hence the name Choco Qusuke!
First, we went to the Yashoku Center in search of Choco Q-Suke!
We arrived around noon and went straight to the directly-managed store! The Choco Q-Suke I was looking for was located right near the cash register, where the products were. Also on sale was a new product, Mame-Q-suke, which is a Mame Senbei rice cracker covered with chocolate.
In addition to Choco Qsuke, the store also sells Japanese sweets such as Yomogi Daifuku and Nanban Miso Dango, seafood crackers such as salted grilled mackerel, squid and scallop, and "Inorun Black Sesame Rice Flour Cookies" featuring a clay figure in the shape of a palm tree.
*This service is currently suspended as of January 2026.
In front of the new factory...
You cannot go inside, but in front of the factory there were vending machines dedicated to Shinbori products.
There were two vending machines when we visited in August 2024, but the number has increased to five!
The two machines on the right were "Choco Q-Suke" and "White Choco Q-Suke," while the other three machines were selling new products such as "Choco Q-Suke," the "Gari Choco" series, and "Usuyaki Crack Chee," a Nanbu cracker covered with cheese instead of chocolate. Next to the vending machine, there is a face-framed panel where you can pretend to be Choco Q-Suke. Please take a picture to remember your visit!
The replenishment time is indicated on the display, so customers came one after another according to the time. It's hard to decide which one to buy!
BEICHOCO, a high-end version of Choco Q-Suke!
It is one of the most popular products that has become a hot topic on social networking sites! The main difference between BEICHOCO and ChocoQ is the roasted almonds scattered on the top. The roasted almonds add a savory flavor and a deeper taste.
The chic design of the box packaging is also great. BEICHOCO, a perfect souvenir, costs 788 yen per box (including tax: suggested retail price)â
Available at "Utory" next to Hachinohe Station♪
In addition to the directly-managed store, you can also purchase them at the souvenir store on the first floor of the "Utori" facility adjacent to Hachinohe Station. However, since these products are also popular, you will be very lucky if you come across them!
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Location
22-2 Kawaraki-Kamisai, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture Inside the Hachishoku Center
Access
10 minutes drive from Hachinohe IC Hachinohe Kita IC of Hachinohe Expressway
About 10 minutes from Hachinohe Station by 100-yen bus
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
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Location
1-9-22 Ichibancho, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
Access
Approximately a 1-minute walk from the East Exit of Hachinohe Station
Approximately 8 minutes by car from the Hachinohe IC of the Tohoku Expressway
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
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