Konpeitō are tiny, spiked sugar candies one chews slowly, each piece a pastel star that feels almost like holding a sweet from another era. Introduced by Portuguese traders in the 1500s, konpeitō became part of Japanese imperial and ceremonial culture, thanks to their delicate craftsmanship and long, labor-intensive crystallization process. Today they’re gifted in colorful sachets, cherished at holidays, and beloved for their satisfying crunch and slow, steady sweetness.

Regional Roots

• Japan