KAMEDA's "Salad Hope

Kameda Seika is well known for its "Kaki-no-tane" (persimmon seeds) and "Happy Turn. Did you know that there is actually a snack that is popular in Niigata but not so well known throughout Japan?

Its name is "Salad Hope. It was launched in 1961, but sales exceeded expectations and production could not keep up, so shipments out of the prefecture were temporarily halted. The company then resumed nationwide sales, but similar products were appearing on the market, and the company could no longer handle them, so they were sold mainly within Niigata Prefecture. It is a rice cracker with a sad (?) history. It is a rice cracker with a sad (?) history.

The "Salad Hope 4 Flavor Mix" comes in four flavors: Umashio, Edamame, Ebi Shio, and Curry. It was purchased at the Omotesando Niigata-kan Nespas, Niigata Prefecture's antenna store. The price is 864 yen (tax included).

Umashio Flavor

The size is about three times that of a kaki no tane. Although these are larger, they are airier and lighter than the crunchy kaki no tane. The use of bonito extract powder gives it a mild salty taste with a hint of umami. It is simple, yet addictive.

Shrimp Shio Flavor

Slightly pink salad hop with red grains visible. The moment you put it in your mouth, the fragrance of the prawns is soft and fluffy. The deep richness lingers on the tongue for a long time.

Edamame Flavor

This is the one I personally liked the most. It has an exquisite salty flavor that enhances the sweetness. It is just like tasting freshly boiled green soybeans sprinkled with salt! It makes me want a beer.

Curry flavor

The sweetness of the rice comes first, then the spiciness. The curry taste is not that strong, but the spiciness slowly rushes in. The spiciness that lingers at the end is addictive!


Salad Hope" has a pleasantly crispy texture that makes it hard to stop eating. It is perfect not only as a snack for tea, but also as a snack for alcoholic beverages.