Umaibō

Umaibō or delicious stick is a small, cylindrical, puffed corn snack from Japan. It is produced by Riska and sold by Yaokin. The name comes from the Japanese words umai (delicious) and bō (stick).

History

Umaibō was first introduced in Japan in 1979. Since then, it has become a popular snack food in Japan and other parts of Asia. The snack is known for its wide variety of flavors, with over 50 different types available.

Production

Umaibō is made from corn grits, a type of coarse-ground cornmeal. The corn grits are mixed with flavorings and then extruded through a machine that shapes and cooks them. The resulting product is a light, crispy snack that is then packaged individually.

Flavors

Umaibō comes in a wide variety of flavors, including cheese, chocolate, and even some unusual ones like takoyaki and natto. Each flavor has its own unique packaging design, often featuring the snack's mascot, a blue cat named Umaemon.

Nutritional Information

While the exact nutritional content can vary depending on the flavor, Umaibō is generally low in calories and fat. However, it can be high in sodium and carbohydrates due to the flavorings used.

Cultural Impact

Umaibō has become a cultural icon in Japan, with its mascot Umaemon appearing in various media and merchandise. The snack is often used in dagashi shops, which are traditional Japanese candy stores.

See Also

• Dagashi
• Japanese cuisine
• Snack foods