9 Best Tried and True Japanese Nama Chocolates of 2024 (Royce', Sils Maria, and more)
Nama chocolate, otherwise occasionally known as Japanese ganache or nama-choco, offers a totally different taste and flavor profile from regular chocolate. Nama chocolates can be great as a gift for someone special but are also a great way to reward yourself. There are also a variety of flavors, ranging from the standard milk and bitter chocolates, white chocolate, and even matcha flavors, to name a few, from brands like Royce', Sils Maria, and Ek Chuah. Recently, some nama chocolate brands have even collaborated with famous Japanese whisky distilleries like Taketsuru or Yamazaki! All of these options are great, but they can also make it hard to choose the best Japanese nama chocolate.
Figure out which were the best Japanese nama chocolates, we ordered the 7 most popular products from Japan’s e-commerce giants (such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping) and tested them all based on the following two points:
1. Deliciousness
2. Package Design
Which nama chocolates were our top picks? Keep reading to find out more! We'll also explain how to choose the right nama chocolate in our buying guide as well.
Quick List - Top Japanese Nama Chocolates
ROYCE'
Find Your Favorite Flavor With This Assortment of Chocolates
Ayumi is the only journalist and coordinator that specializes in chocolate. She covers the world 365 days a year both in Japan and cacao producing regions for the latest news and trends related to chocolate on various media platforms. She's been a chocolate lover for roughly 30 years, and now coordinates chocolate-related media and provides brand consulting.
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What is Nama Chocolate?
You might think of Belgium or France when it comes to chocolate, but nama chocolate was invented in Japan in 1988 by SilsMaria, a confectionery located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, which is roughly an hour's drive away from Tokyo.
The Japanese word "nama" (生) means raw, fresh, or uncooked. While nama chocolate doesn't exactly mean that it's raw chocolate, it does use a healthy dose of fresh cream, otherwise known as "nama cream" (生クリーム）in Japanese. According to major Japanese chocolate company Royce', famed for its nama chocolates, the term "nama" is also in reference to describe its soft and velvety texture.
The National Chocolate Industry Fair Trade Council of Japan defines nama chocolate as chocolates with a cream content of 10% or more, a water content of 10% or more, and a chocolate base consisting of 60% or more of its total weight. What this means in practice is that nama chocolate is much softer than your standard chocolate and has a smooth, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
However, this means that nama chocolates must be refrigerated. Once they start melting, they become incredibly goopy and lose all of their texture, so if you plan on gifting a box of nama chocolates, be sure to keep it chilled.
While the first nama chocolate was made at a Japanese confectionery store, its roots can likely be traced back to Pave de Geneve, a popular Swiss souvenir. While this chocolate isn't exactly a household name in Europe, it became massively popular in Japan thanks to its smooth, silky texture.
How to Choose a Japanese Nama Chocolate
In this section, we'll go over some pointers on how to choose the best nama chocolate for you.
The Base Chocolate Determines If Your Nama Chocolate is Sweet or Bitter
In addition to using regular chocolate as its main ingredient, nama chocolate can also be made using white chocolate or bitter chocolate with a high cacao content.
Additionally, there are other variations, such as matcha flavored nama chocolate or those that use lots of liquor. If you're choosing something for yourself, it's fairly obvious that you should choose something you like, but if it's for a gift, it's a good idea to know what your recipient likes.
For Sweet Tooths, Choose a Milk or White-Chocolate Base
If you want something that has that comforting chocolatey sweetness, choose a nama chocolate made from either plain or milk chocolate base. These chocolates have a lower cacao content than bitter chocolate, making them easier to eat for most.
If you want even sweeter nama chocolate, choose a white chocolate base. White chocolate doesn't contain any cocoa liquor, which is what gives chocolate its bitterness, and therefore has a more rounded, mellow taste.
Bitter Chocolates Offer More Cacao Flavors
If you're looking for a nama chocolate for someone who like the bitterness of cacao, choose a nama chocolate made with a bitter chocolate base. Bitter chocolate has 60% or higher cacao in them, so you'll really be able to taste its unique flavors. Bitter chocolate bases are great even for those who don't really like sweets.
If you're looking for an even more unique bitterness, consider matcha nama chocolate. While they're often made from a white chocolate base, they authentically replicate the signature flavors of matcha and offer a different kind of bitterness from cacao.
Consider Nama Chocolates With Alcohol
For alcohol fans, we recommend gifting nama chocolate made with alcohol. Since the soft, velvety texture of the nama chocolate directly conveys its flavors, if you or someone you're buying the nama chocolates for is of legal age and are known to have a drink on occasion, this would be a great nama chocolate to consider.
Lately, nama chocolates made in collaboration with Japanese whisky distilleries and sake breweries have been trending. If you're a fan of Japanese whisky or sake, then you might enjoy these collaborations.
9 Best Japanese Nama Chocolates
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Item Weight | Flavor | Alcohol Added | Calories per Serving | Serving Size | Servings per Container | |||||
1 | ROYCE' Premium Nama Chocolate Collection | | Find Your Favorite Flavor With This Assortment of Chocolates | (8x) 124g | Milk Chocolate, Matcha, Champagne, White Chocolate, Bitter Chocolate, Whiskey, Mild Cacao, Ghana Bitter Chocolate | 160 cal | 5 pieces | 4 servings | ||
2 | ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Au Lait" | | A Rich, Smooth Chocolate in a Classic Flavor | 124g | Milk Chocolate | 160 cal | 5 pieces | 4 servings | ||
3 | ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Ghana Bitter" | | A Rich Blend of Acidity and Bitterness | 124g | Ghana Bitter Chocolate | 160 cal | 5 pieces | 4 servings | ||
4 | ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Matcha" | | A Sweet, Green Tea Chocolate With Added Cherry Liqueur | 124g | Matcha | 160 cal | 5 pieces | 4 servings | ||
5 | ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Bitter" - Cognac-Infused Dark Chocolate | | Silky Indulgence, Cognac-Infused Chocolate | 124g | Bitter Chocolate | 160 cal | 5 pieces | 4 servings | ||
6 | ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Bitter" | | A Distinct Combination of Bitter Cocoa and Cognac | 124g | Bitter Chocolate | 160 cal | 5 pieces | 4 servings | ||
7 | ROYCE' Pure Chocolate "Sweet & Milk" | | Sweet Moments, Perfectly Wrapped | 210g | Milk Chocolate | 180 cal | 6 pieces | 7 servings | ||
8 | ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Mild Cacao" | | Smooth, Silky, and Unforgettably Mild | 124g | Mild Cacao | 160 cal | 5 pieces | 4 servings | ||
9 | ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Oolong Tea" | | A Harmony of Chocolate and Oolong Elegance | 125g | Oolong Tea | 160 cal | 5 pieces | 4 servings | ||
10 | ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Mild White" | | A White Chocolate That Is Smooth and Sweet | 124g | Mild White Chocolate | 170 cal | 5 pieces | 4 servings | ||
ROYCE'Premium Nama Chocolate Collection
| Flavor | Milk Chocolate, Matcha, Champagne, White Chocolate, Bitter Chocolate, Whiskey, Mild Cacao, Ghana Bitter Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 160 cal |
- Alcohol Added
Find Your Favorite Flavor With This Assortment of Chocolates
| Item Weight | (8x) 124g |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 5 pieces |
| Servings per Container | 4 servings |
ROYCE'Nama Chocolate "Au Lait"
| Flavor | Milk Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 160 cal |
- Alcohol Added
A Rich, Smooth Chocolate in a Classic Flavor
ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Au Lait" is a chocolate made from a blend of premium milk chocolate and fresh cream. With subtle notes of cherry and orange liqueurs, each piece has a rich and smooth taste. The use of fresh cream from Hokkaido, Japan, adds an extra layer of milky flavor.
Inside each box, you'll find 20 pieces. The chocolates do contain allergens such as milk and soy and may include traces of tree nuts. ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Au Lait" offers a soft, silky texture and rich taste, making it an ideal choice for either personal enjoyment or celebration.
| Item Weight | 124g |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 5 pieces |
| Servings per Container | 4 servings |
ROYCE'Nama Chocolate "Ghana Bitter"
| Flavor | Ghana Bitter Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 160 cal |
- Alcohol Added
A Rich Blend of Acidity and Bitterness
| Item Weight | 124g |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 5 pieces |
| Servings per Container | 4 servings |
ROYCE'Nama Chocolate "Matcha"
| Flavor | Matcha |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 160 cal |
- Alcohol Added
A Sweet, Green Tea Chocolate With Added Cherry Liqueur
Nama Chocolate "Matcha" provides a refined and aromatic chocolate flavor, blending white chocolate, fresh cream, and green tea with a subtle hint of cherry liqueur. This carefully chocolate offers a unique combination of sweetness, creaminess, and the distinctive flavors of matcha and cherry, creating a sophisticated treat. Each box contains 20 pieces, ensuring a consistent and luxurious flavor in every bite.
This chocolate is noted for its delicate balance of flavors and textures, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the fusion of green tea and white chocolate. The inclusion of liquor adds an extra layer of refinement, elevating the overall tasting experience. Nama Chocolate "Matcha" contains allergens such as milk and soy, and may include traces of tree nuts. This confection is a good choice for those who like a sweeter flavor profile over a more bitter one.
| Item Weight | 124g |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 5 pieces |
| Servings per Container | 4 servings |
ROYCE'Nama Chocolate "Bitter" - Cognac-Infused Dark Chocolate
| Flavor | Bitter Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 160 cal |
- Alcohol Added
Silky Indulgence, Cognac-Infused Chocolate
Elevate every occasion with ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Bitter," a luxurious blend of premium dark chocolate, rich fresh cream from Hokkaido, and a subtle hint of brandy. Renowned for its velvety texture and bold cacao flavor, this exquisite treat embodies the essence of Japanese craftsmanship and indulgence. Perfect for celebrations, it’s a chocolate experience that will impress anyone with its refined taste and elegance.
With 20 decadent pieces in each box, this delightful confection is ideal for sharing—or savoring alone as a well-deserved indulgence. Whether for a loved one or yourself, ROYCE' Nama Chocolate delivers a moment of pure bliss, crafted with precision and passion in the heart of Japan’s gourmet capital.
| Item Weight | 124g |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 5 pieces |
| Servings per Container | 4 servings |
ROYCE'Nama Chocolate "Bitter"
| Flavor | Bitter Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 160 cal |
- Alcohol Added
A Distinct Combination of Bitter Cocoa and Cognac
Nama Chocolate "Bitter" offers a blend of deep dark chocolate and fresh cream, complemented by the rich warmth of cognac. This chocolate combines the distinctive flavors of bitter cocoa and fine cognac. Each box contains 20 meticulously pieces.
The addition of cognac adds a layer of complexity and sophistication, making Nama Chocolate "Bitter" a standout choice for chocolate enthusiasts who prefer a less sweet taste. It is noted for its deep richness and nuanced flavors, appealing to those who appreciate the interplay of bitter chocolate and fine spirits. This product contains allergens such as milk and soy, with potential traces of tree nuts. Nama Chocolate "Bitter" is ideal for special occasions with its complementary blend of flavors and textures.
| Item Weight | 124g |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 5 pieces |
| Servings per Container | 4 servings |
ROYCE'Pure Chocolate "Sweet & Milk"
| Flavor | Milk Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 180 cal |
- Alcohol Added
Sweet Moments, Perfectly Wrapped
ROYCE' Sweet & Milk Pure Chocolate brings a delightful harmony of flavors to every occasion. With a luxurious mix of semi-sweet chocolate (55% cacao) and classic milk chocolate (43% cacao), each box offers 20 pieces of each variety, making it the perfect indulgence for chocolate lovers. Crafted with precision in Hokkaido, Japan, these chocolates are a testament to expert craftsmanship and the finest ingredients, delivering a smooth and creamy taste experience.
Ideal as a gift or a personal treat, ROYCE' Sweet & Milk Pure Chocolate makes every day a little more special. Whether celebrating with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment for yourself, this exquisite selection embodies elegance and indulgence in every bite.
| Item Weight | 210g |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 6 pieces |
| Servings per Container | 7 servings |
ROYCE'Nama Chocolate "Mild Cacao"
| Flavor | Mild Cacao |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 160 cal |
- Alcohol Added
Smooth, Silky, and Unforgettably Mild
ROYCE' Nama Chocolate "Mild Cacao" combines the gentle sweetness of milk chocolate with the velvety richness of fresh cream from Hokkaido, Japan. This luxurious confection melts effortlessly in your mouth, delivering a smooth and indulgent experience. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each box contains 20 perfectly balanced pieces that are ideal for celebrations or a quiet moment of self-care.
Celebrate life’s special moments with the refined elegance of ROYCE' Nama Chocolate. Whether shared with loved ones or savored alone, this exquisite treat showcases the Japanese principles of excellence, making it a delightful gift or a personal indulgence to cherish.
| Item Weight | 124g |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 5 pieces |
| Servings per Container | 4 servings |
ROYCE'Nama Chocolate "Oolong Tea"
| Flavor | Oolong Tea |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 160 cal |
- Alcohol Added
A Harmony of Chocolate and Oolong Elegance
Discover the sophisticated fusion of flavors in Nama Chocolate "Oolong Tea," where the rich creaminess of milk chocolate meets the aromatic depth of premium oolong tea. This gourmet treat balances sweet and bitter notes, creating a truly distinctive and indulgent experience. Handcrafted with care in Hokkaido, Japan, every bite embodies the precision and artistry of Japanese confectionery.
Beautifully packaged in a 125g box with 20 individually wrapped pieces, this exceptional chocolate is ideal as a thoughtful gift or a personal indulgence. Whether savoring it as a luxurious snack or presenting it to loved ones, Nama Chocolate "Oolong Tea" offers a refined taste journey that leaves a lasting impression.
| Item Weight | 125g |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 5 pieces |
| Servings per Container | 4 servings |
ROYCE'Nama Chocolate "Mild White"
| Flavor | Mild White Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 170 cal |
- Alcohol Added
A White Chocolate That Is Smooth and Sweet
Nama Chocolate "Mild White" is a liquor-free, soft white chocolate crafted from fresh cream. Each piece offers a subtly deep flavor profile, complemented by a sweet aftertaste and a hint of caramel aroma. The chocolate is made to ensure a smooth texture that melts on the palate. Each box contains 20 pieces.
Ideal for those seeking a milder chocolate experience, Nama Chocolate "Mild White" is perfect for everyday enjoyment or as a thoughtful gift. It contains allergens such as milk and soy, with potential traces of tree nuts, ensuring transparency for consumers with dietary considerations. This product stands out for its delicate balance of flavors and its luxurious mouthfeel, providing a satisfying treat that is both rich and comforting.
| Item Weight | 124g |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 5 pieces |
| Servings per Container | 4 servings |
How We Tested the Nama Chocolates
We gathered the 7 most popular nama chocolates available online from e-commerce sites popular in Japan like Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping, and put each one to the test in order to find out which was the best nama chocolate.
We tested each product for the following:
- Deliciousness
- Package design
Test ① Deliciousness
First off, we tested the deliciousness of each product. We gathered 12 Japanese men and women with ages ranging from their 20s to their 50s and asked them to compare all the nama chocolates focusing on the flavor and how well they melted in the mouth.
Moreover, while this didn't factor into the rankings, we also had them rate each product's sweetness to find out just how sweet or bitter each nama chocolate is.
Test ② Package Design
If you're going to gift a box of nama chocolates, you probably would want to give something that looks aesthetically pleasing. Nama chocolates are often gifted during Valentine's day, so we also had our testers evaluate each product's package design based on whether or not the package would lift their spirits if they purchased or gifted the product.
How to Store Nama Chocolate
When you buy a box of nama chocolates, store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator if possible. Minimizing temperature changes will ensure that your nama chocolates won't melt unexpectedly, and help retain their flavors.
Additionally, since nama chocolates are made with fresh cream, they have a shorter shelf life than regular chocolate. Be sure to check the expiration date, and finish the box before that date.
Nama chocolates have a tendency to absorb smells. Whenever you store them in your refrigerator, be sure your refrigerator doesn't have anything with strong scents in it. That also means you should keep your nama chocolates away from anything with strong spices or garlic, for example.
Additionally, if you put the box in your refrigerator before you finish all of the chocolates, I recommend putting them in a resealable container or freezer bag.
Top 5 Japanese Nama Chocolates
No. 1: ROYCE'｜Premium Nama Chocolate Collection
No. 2: ROYCE'｜Nama Chocolate "Au Lait"
No. 3: ROYCE'｜Nama Chocolate "Ghana Bitter"
No. 4: ROYCE'｜Nama Chocolate "Matcha"
No. 5: ROYCE'｜Nama Chocolate "Bitter" - Cognac-Infused Dark Chocolate
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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