From the mail-order site "Amazon.co.jp (hereinafter referred to as Amazon)", the popularity ranking of "food, beverages, and liquor stores" in the first half of 2016 was announced. Introducing products whose sales have increased rapidly on Amazon from January to May of this year in a ranking format (1st to 5th).

■ Popularity soaring ranking

"Domestic rice cake 280g (9.88oz)" (1,480 yen). Mochi wheat was taken up by the media as a food material rich in dietary fiber and became a hot topic. It is also fresh in my memory that the items named "mochi-mugi" disappeared from the supermarkets because they sold too much. At Amazon, the usual 10 months' worth was sold out in one day.



"Marukome Plus Jiuqu Rice Amazake 125ml (4.23us fl oz) x 18 bottles" (1,927 yen). It seems to be rich in B vitamins. It seems to be popular with people with high health consciousness.



"Manuka Health Manuka Honey MGO400 + 250g (8.82oz)" (4,400 yen). "Precious" honey from Manuka (Tea Tree), New Zealand. In the first half of 2016, it seems that it is updating the top-selling ranking in the "Jam / Honey" category.



"Tiger nuts (peeled) 150g (5.29oz)" (1,160 yen). It is a kind of vegetable and contains 3 times more dietary fiber than almonds. As a "superfood" of interest, it sold four times as much as expected in three months.



"Meiji chocolate effect cacao 72% BOX 75g (2.65oz) x 5 boxes" (1,200 yen). It is talked about that chocolate with 70% or more cacao is rich in "cacao polyphenols". It seems that he once sold the usual two months' worth in one day.

■ 4 popular seasonings

Next, we will introduce the trend foods "unique seasonings" and "Brazilian ingredients" that are likely to attract particular attention in the future.



"Akashu" from Kumamoto, Kyushu, which is also used in restaurants. It is said to be made by the method of "Akumochizake", a type of sake made by adding wood ash to brewed "moromi". It has become popular among cooks as a cooking liquor, and is now used regularly at restaurants. Amazon seems to sell twice as much as the previous year.



"Ume vinegar" is said to have been created using Shinshu Ryukyo Koume and incorporating the "secret handmade manufacturing method" that has been handed down from ancient times. You can enjoy the refreshing flavor. Not only for cooking such as vinegared foods, but also for diluting and drinking.



A "luxury product" of about 5,000 yen per bottle, white balsamic vinegar made only from grapes. Modena's specialty white grape "Trebbiano di Spazina" is aged for 5 years to finish. It goes well with seafood, vegetables and cheese, and it is recommended to drink it with carbonic acid.



A sweet scented "Ao Yuzukosho" sauce type. It has a rich flavor and is easy to use in soups, so you can enjoy the scent of yuzu.

■ 4 popular Brazilian ingredients

Lastly, we will introduce four Brazilian ingredients that are attracting attention at the Rio Olympics this summer, along with "authentic eating methods".



A paste like "yokan" made by boiling guava and sugar. In Brazil, the standard way to eat cheese and goiabada is to slice them and eat them together, called "Romeo and Juliet."



Mate tea, also known as "drinking salad". In Brazil, "Terere" is the standard way to drink "water-drained mate tea".



A "superfood" that is said to contain many minerals such as antioxidants, magnesium, copper, and calcium. It is recommended to eat it as a breakfast or afternoon snack.



An energy drink made with a focus on naturally derived ingredients and without the use of chemical compounds. Includes acai, guarana and mate.

* The listed price is the Amazon sales price as of June 15.