What to Buy at FamilyMart:

Local Favorites You Don’t Want to Miss

April 21, 2025

FamilyMart, with its iconic blue and green stripes and recognizable entrance jingle, is one of Japan’s most beloved convenience stores. Known locally as conbini, these shops are indispensable for daily life in Japan—and just as fun for tourists. Even after living here for years, I still learn something new about the services offered (like printing official documents or sending golf bags to the course). But let’s save that for another article.

Although FamilyMart locations aren’t very large, their shelves are packed with choices. FamiChicken is an obvious must, but if you want to know what locals really buy, here are a few more must-try items.

Kororo gummies

Tsubu gummies

Must-Try Japanese Gummies

If you’re craving something sweet, FamilyMart has a wide selection of gummies. You can skip the Haribo—still yummy, but the ones sold in Japan are a bit too firm—and head straight for Kororo gummies. Their grape and Shine Muscat flavors are particularly amazing. Shine Muscat is a Japanese premium grape known for its sweet, juicy flavor—and Kororo captures it perfectly.

Another favorite is Tsubu Gummy which comes in a colorful variety of flavors like apple, peach, muscat, and grapefruit. Even better, they recently re-launched their premium line. We’ve seen the premium grape version at many locations, but you might also find premium flavors like pear, melon, kiwi, and more.

Classic and Nostalgic Conbini Treats

If you're looking for something more familiar or nostalgic for locals, try these two snacks:

Black Thunder is a beloved chocolate cookie bar with a crunchy biscuit base. It’s been around for over 30 years and is perfect for when you want something sweet but small. While FamilyMart typically carries the original version, you can sometimes find flavors like matcha, kinako, and strawberry at stores like Don Quijote.

Another nostalgic favorite among locals is Baby Star Ramen, a crunchy ramen snack that’s been around since 1959. It was originally created from the idea of eating ramen noodles straight—no cooking required. Since then, Baby Star has expanded into a full brand with themed snack shops and exclusive merchandise, but at its core is still the same salty, addictive chicken-flavored noodle snack.

What makes it so fun is how it’s eaten: you can scoop it with a spoon or just pour it straight into your mouth—no rules here. It’s crunchy, savory, and surprisingly satisfying for such a simple concept.

FamilyMart’s Original Snacks Worth Trying

FamilyMart has its own line of branded products, including their famous striped socks and a growing collection of snacks. One of the most surprising standouts is their vanilla cream sandwich. The combination of salty biscuit and sweet cream is incredibly satisfying—especially with coffee. The portion might seem big at first, but it’ll be gone before you know it.

What to Drink: A Refreshing Favorite

The drink section at FamilyMart can be overwhelming, but one fan-favorite you can always count on is Mitsuya Cider. With its light, citrusy taste and gentle fizz, it’s the perfect pairing for a snack or a hot day. It’s been around for decades and continues to be a top seller—proof that you can’t go wrong with the original.