Japanese confectionery giant Meiji has expanded its WELLCACAO range with a new snack product, Spicy Crisp, crafted using its proprietary cacao-based ingredient, cacao granules. This breakthrough ingredient, developed through a controlled fermentation process, reduces bitterness and retains essential nutrients such as polyphenols and lipids.
Cacao granules are produced through a unique manufacturing method that minimizes damage to cacao cells, preserving the natural goodness of cacao beans. The result is a powder with less astringency and higher nutrient retention.
The Spicy Crisp crackers blend these granules with brown sugar, whole wheat flour, and a mix of five spices—cinnamon, ginger, chili, cardamom, and cloves—evoking flavours reminiscent of ancient cacao-based beverages. The product offers a crispy texture and a nutrient boost with added dietary fiber and iron.
“Through this launch, we aim to redefine cacao’s role in snacking, offering not just taste but also nutritional benefits for today’s health-conscious consumers,” Meiji stated.
The launch aligns with Meiji’s Now Open the Cacao initiative, introduced in 2022 to explore innovative applications of cacao and promote sustainability. Currently, only 30% of the cacao fruit is utilized in chocolate manufacturing, with the rest—such as pulp, skin, and shells—often discarded. Meiji is working to repurpose these parts into various products, adding value to the crop while supporting sustainable farming practices.
Since 2006, Meiji has partnered with cacao farmers globally, providing technical support for cultivation and fermentation, funding education, and building infrastructure. These efforts aim to improve the livelihoods of farmers while enhancing the quality and sustainability of cacao production.
The Spicy Crisp snacks will launch on Amazon starting November 5 and will be available in Albion Dresser stores across Japan from November 22.
With this expansion, Meiji continues to push the boundaries of cacao innovation, combining flavor, nutrition, and sustainability in its product offerings.