No matter where you go in Japan, whether it’s a konbini, grocery store, or you’re shopping for souvenirs, you’re bound to run into the Meiji Group brand. Founded in 1916, the Meiji Group continues founder Hanji Souma’s legacy by staying true to his aspiration to ‘contribute to our nation’s people through nutrition’, providing snacks, dairy products and medicines throughout Japan. As of 2025, Meiji is the top-selling chocolate brand in Japan, but how did this company that prioritizes nutrition become so well-known for its chocolate? What makes it different from other brands? And with so many products to choose from, how are you supposed to know what the best ones are? Well, that’s what we’re here for! Today, we’re going to go through all things Meiji Chocolate, so you know exactly what you’re buying next time you come across the iconic logo.
Historic 1917 photo of the production of Meiji caramels and biscuits. Photo Credit – Official Meiji Group Website
A Brief History
So, back to the question at hand, how does a company that sells pharmaceuticals, and that’s dedicated to putting out nutritional food, end up being the biggest chocolate brand in Japan? Well, they actually began as a confectionery company! Whilst it may seem contradictory for a company that prioritises nutritional value, Meiji Group have been specialising in refined sugars since their very beginning. When Western chocolate became popular in the 1920s, Meiji Group (formerly Tokyo Confectionery) imported manufacturing machinery from Germany and invited chocolate makers from there to teach them techniques and recipes so they could begin providing Japan with delicious chocolate without expensive international shipping fees. This was the origin of the Meiji Chocolate milk chocolate bar.
Given how popular chocolate was becoming at the time, it’s no wonder that Meiji’s bar was a hit, and they’ve only continued to grow more and more popular over the last 100 years, not only in Japan, where they currently hold 24.7% of the entire chocolate market, but across the world. They now ship their products to China, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and parts of the USA, as well as all over Japan, and source their cocoa from 9 different countries to provide the best tasting chocolate possible. Now experimenting with other forms of chocolate beyond just the classic bar, and working on their commendable sustainability program, Meiji even allows people to book a factory tour to see their dedicated workers in action and to learn more about the art of chocolate making.
Meiji Chocolate Factory Milk Chocolate Mural. Photo Credit – Meiji Group Official Japanese Website
Top Meiji Chocolates To Try
So now you know a bit about where this incredible chocolate comes from and how it is made, let’s talk about all the different forms it comes in and which ones you should try out first!
Meiji Chocolate Bar. Photo Credit – Official Meiji Group Website
Meiji (Milk) Chocolate Bars
A classic. The best way to really get a taste of a chocolate brand is to have it in its original form however, if you prefer your chocolate a little bit more adventurous than the standard milk chocolate, you can also get bars of dark, white or almond chocolate to try. With the 100th anniversary of this product next year, now is the perfect time to try out what 100 years of dedication to a craft tastes like.
MeltyKiss Premium Chocolates. Photo Credit – Meiji Group Official Website
Melty Kisses
Packaged a little fancier than your standard chocolate bar, these seasonal chocolates only appear in the winter but are definitely worth the wait! They come in smaller bite-sized pieces and a variety of flavours, making them an ideal gift for giving to loved ones around the holidays.
Kinoko-no-yama and takenoko-no-sato chocolates. Photo Credit – Official Meiji Group Website
Kinoko-No-Yama and Takenoko-No-Sato
Possibly one of my personal favourites, Kinoko-no-yama’s cute forest-y shapes make these chocolates feel seasonal, but with the benefit of being available all year round! Coming in a box containing lots of smaller chocolates also makes these fun”gi” chocolates the ideal treats for sharing (or not!).
Sqaures of Meiji The Cacao Chocolate. Photo Credit – Meiji Group Official Website
The Cacao
Designed to introduce people to different flavours from around the world, Meiji’s “The Cacao” chocolate line quickly became a popular item. The chocolate used for each bar is from a different country or region from around the world, allowing you to taste a fruity Dominican bar, nutty Venezuelan pieces or a Peruvian floral latte chocolate.
Hello Panda Chocolates. Photo Credit – Meiji America Website
Hello Panda Chocolates
Whilst not currently available in Japan, these adorable panda-shaped treats are one of the products shipped to countries like Thailand and the United States, making them the perfect chocolates to pick up once you get back home after your trip and are craving a taste of Japan.
And there you have it! Now you’re fully informed on all things Meiji chocolate! After a century of practice, it’s safe to say that Meiji Group has got chocolate making down to a fine art and anything with their logo on is worth a try. But I hope now that you have some recommendations and a bit of backstory, you’ll be able to appreciate it even more! So, next time you’ve got a bit of chocolate on your mind, don’t look past the Meiji brand!
Featured Photo Credit: pimpampix
