Ritz Revamped: Savoring Asia's Exclusive Flavors

Nov 28, 2024by Bokksu Staff

America’s favorite cracker, Ritz, is fast becoming one of the most beloved snacks in Asia. The brand appears to have released a wide variety of exclusive products for its Japanese, Korean, and Chinese markets. Although these unique adaptations were created for the Asian market, we believe that everyone in the world should enjoy them. Let’s delve into the finer details of Ritz Crackers in Eastern and Western countries.

Ritz Crackers' Global Flavor Journey

Ritz is an American brand of buttery crackers owned by Mondelez International. The original snack consists of disc-shaped crackers with seven evenly distributed holes in each piece. The crackers have a light brown color, resembling light toast. Ritz Crackers was first launched in 1934 by then owner, Nabisco. An employee named Sydney Stern chose the name "Ritz" to convey a sense of enjoying the "good life." Since this was during the Great Depression, his gimmick worked, and Ritz Crackers became an instant hit. Stern also designed the brand's logo, drawing inspiration from a label inside one of his hats. Today, the Ritz brand is owned by American multinational confectionery Mondelēz International. Upon entering the Asian market, the company launched unique adaptations of the original crackers. Many of them are exclusive flavors that were only made for Japan, Korea, China, and some of the other countries on the continent.

The Legacy of Ritz: A Staple Reimagined

Ritz Crackers was introduced around the peak of the Great Depression. A lot of Americans were struggling at the time. However, at 19 cents a pack, the biscuits allowed the working class to get a taste of luxury. The fact that wealthy Americans could also enjoy the snack in their luxurious hotel only boosted the reputation of Ritz Crackers. The brand maintained its popularity well into World War II. It was in those moments that people began to use it in baking. The seven holes punched into each biscuit were necessary for its consistent texture and balanced crispiness. Ritz has different varieties in Europe, Asia, and North America. They include Peanut Butter, Honey Wheat, Garlic Butter, and Cheese Sandwich. However, the flavors in Asia are a lot more unique and exclusive.

Boxes of Nabisco Ritz original flavour crackers on display on a grocery store shelf

Japan's Unique Take on Ritz

Ritz Crackers is an important part of Japanese snack culture, thanks to the exclusive flavors available in the country. We’ve curated a list of the top Ritz flavors from Japan. Enjoy!

Vanilla Sandwich: This variant consists of vanilla-flavored filling in between two crackers. Given that Nabisco founded both companies, many believe that the vanilla filling in this product is the same as that used in Oreos.

Chocolate: This one is for lovers of sweet treats. It follows the same sandwich principle as the vanilla version. However, the filling used is chocolate, which helps to enhance the aroma of the baked crackers.

Black Pepper: The black pepper is a famous spice in global cuisine. It has been added to the surface of Ritz crackers to create this masterpiece. The crackers are served individually since they do not need to be paired into sandwiches. If you look carefully, you can see the coarse pepper on the crackers' surface.
Custard: Cookie brands don’t typically combine custard with baked food. However, it seems Ritz decided to step out of their shell and make a cracker sandwich filled with creamy custard filling.
Wasabi & Cheddar: Despite its discontinuation, the Ritz Wasabi & Cheddar continues to be one of the most iconic flavors ever introduced in Japan. The product perfectly combines the heat of wasabi and the sharpness of cheddar.

Korea’s Ritz Innovations: Sweet and Savory Blends

Next, we shift our focus to Ritz’s South Korean snacks. Check out the following treats:

White Chocolate: The brand has a sandwich version from Korea that contains yummy white chocolate filling. This creamy and crispy snack is the perfect standalone dessert. You can buy a Korean White Chocolate Ritz Sandwich directly from Bokksu Market and have it delivered to your doorstep.

Korean Ritz Cracker Sandwich: White Chocolate

This tasty Korean treat features a unique flavor - a white chocolate filling. This yummy filling is sandwiched between buttery Ritz crackers, creating a decadent sweet treat. Crispy, rich, and creamy, you won't want to put this box of cracker sandwiches down! Pack them for dessert or enjoy them as an afternoon snack.

Common Allergens: Wheat, Soy.

2.72 oz

Chocolate: The Korean Chocolate Ritz Sandwich is another snack that’s available in Bokksu Market. It contains a filling made from dark chocolate cream. The salty and buttery flavor of the crackers blends fantastically with the subtle sweetness of the chocolate.
Lemon: It features a sandwich of Ritz crackers filled with lemon-flavored cream. It’s zesty, crispy, and savory flavors are the perfect match for a cold midday beverage, especially on hot days.
Onion: Onion crackers is one of the more daring flavors from the brand. However, it seemed to appeal to a lot of people in South Korea. The product contains regular salty crackers infused with the taste of real Korean onion.

China’s Ritz Variations: Local Flavors Galore

China also enjoys an abundance of region-specific Ritz flavors. They also have some of the best cheese Ritz on the planet.

Wasabi: Ritz Wasabi from China is one of the most unique flavors on the market. Made with pairs of crispy golden crackers pressed against authentic wasabi, it embodies the essence of Chinese cuisine. The spiciness of the wasabi complements the cracker’s buttery and savory flavor.
Peach: This product combines the fruity, sweet flavor of fresh peach with the salty taste of crackers. The taste appeals to nearly all demographics, so it’s an ideal snack to share at social gatherings.
Yogurt Cheese: This Ritz biscuit sandwich blends extra creamy cheese filling with salty crackers. You can taste the distinct blend of real cheese and yogurt in the velvety filling.
Sea Salt Cheese: Ritz Sea Salt Cheese Wafer does not use regular crackers. Instead, it features salty wafers pressed against cheese-flavored cream.

Ritz Bits: Tiny Treats with Big Flavor

Ritz Bits are miniature versions of the classic cracker, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a quick snack. You can keep these treats in your pocket and eat them at intervals throughout the day. Ritz Bits have been released in the same flavors as regular-sized Ritz Crackers, such as cheese and peanut butter. It also has region-specific flavors, just like the traditional version. The only major differences between them are their size and logos.

Ritz Cheese Crackers: A Cheesy Delight Across Borders

Ritz cheese crackers are arguably the most popular variety on the international market. Cheese flavor and Cheese Sandwich are two famous variants in the U.S. and in European countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Japanese Ritz Cracker Sandwich: Cheese

Bring on the nostalgia of school lunches by trying these Ritz cracker sandwiches packed with a yummy cheese filling. This Japanese version is similar to what you'll find in the States. However, the crackers feature a slightly sweeter taste and are just a bit smaller. Add deli turkey or ham to make fun mini sandwiches that are great for camping trips.

Common Allergens: Milk, Wheat, Soy.

5.64 oz

Asian countries also offer variations on these mainstream versions. Japan has a cheese-flavored Ritz that’s similar to the one in the U.S., but it has a richer taste and aroma. China is home to different kinds of versions, many of which use local cheeses. Examples include Yogurt Cheese, Sea Salt Cheese, and Hongyu Cheese.

The Art of Snacking: Ritz as a Culinary Canvas

Ritz crackers are more than just standalone snacks. They also serve as a base for creative toppings and snack creations, especially in party settings and casual dining. The brand encourages people to use its biscuits in the kitchen by posting creative recipes on company-affiliated websites. The following is a list of snacks and desserts that you can make with Ritz crackers:

Vanilla ice cream Ritz sandwich with salted caramel
Ritz topped with cranberry sauce
Cheeseburger Ritz wrapped with bacon
Ritz mac and cheese sandwich
Ritz Crackers and milk

Ritz in Pop Culture: From West to East

Ritz Crackers have had some impact on popular culture, particularly in America, where people voted it the “best perceived snack brand” in a 2011 poll. In 1939, Walt Disney produced an animated advertisement for Nabisco called Mickey's Surprise Party. A box of Ritz Crackers appears in this animation, further driving the popularity of the snack at the time. Some of the ads run by Ritz for the Asian market utilize trendy elements like ASMR to appeal to the young generation. According to South Korean actress Han So Hee, her appearance in a 2016 Ritz commercial was a major turning point in her career. She’s not the only Asian celebrity to endorse the brand. Actress and model Go Youn-jung has also appeared in Ritz commercials.

Healthier Alternatives: Ritz’s Approach to Snacking Smart

Ritz crackers are notorious for their high calories and low fat content. However, Mondelez released Ritz Crisp & Thins in an effort to meet changing consumer preferences by offering a healthier and reduced-calorie version of their popular snack. The product did well in health-conscious markets, showcasing how much a nutrient profile for processed food contributes to its sales. Also, people were more confident to add it to their daily diet. One serving contains a reasonable amount of healthy ingredients like soy, whey, and oat fiber.

Where to Find Exclusive Ritz Flavors

If you’re in Japan, China, or Korea, you can find exclusive Asian Ritz flavors in supermarkets, convenience stores, and vending machines. However, people in the U.S. can get access to some of these unique products by shopping at Bokksu Market, the best online store for Asian snacks.

The Enduring Appeal of Ritz

Ritz is as big as it is today because of its delicious, salty, and buttery crackers. They taste fantastic and also pair well with a variety of flavors. And let’s not forget the brand’s adaptability to global tastes and continued innovation in the snack industry. All those traits have contributed to its lasting appeal in the last century.

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