In the past few years, I have seen a few frozen taiyaki products—even Trader Joe’s had their own version. But this was the first time I came across a shelf-stable taiyaki product, and it happened to be at Costco. Taiyaki is such a popular street food in Japan, and I wanted to see if this shelf-stable version could compare to the frozen ones. Read on for my review of the Costco Kuze Fuku & Sons Taiyaki Japanese Pancakes.
Product Overview
The Costco Taiyaki Japanese Pancakes box was $8.69 for 12 individually packed taiyaki. This product is made in Japan and distributed by St. Cousair in Newberg, Oregon 97132.
What is Taiyaki?
Taiyaki is a popular Japanese street snack shaped like a fish. The exterior is pancake-like, while the interior is typically filled with custard or red bean. You can also find other unique fillings, like Nutella or matcha.
Rating and Review
I love that this is a shelf-stable product, making it more convenient compared to the frozen versions. It also gives you the option to enjoy it warmed up in the oven. When I tried it at room temperature, the custard was dense and more set. In the air fryer, the pancake part never really crisped up and ended up a bit dry, though the custard turned out creamier when heated. Overall, it is a solid option for being shelf-stable. However, I still prefer the frozen ones, which tend to have a crispier, chewier bread and a more runny, creamy custard. If you are a busy taiyaki lover, this snack option is for you.
Each pack is around $.75 so it is an affordable taiyaki snack compared to other taiyaki products sold in stores.
Heating Instructions
You can enjoy it right out of the package or heat it at 350°F for 5-6 minutes or until the crust is crispy.
Costco Kuze Fuku & Sons Taiyaki Japanese Pancakes Nutrition Facts
- 12 servings per container
- Serving size: 1 bag
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Total Carbohydrate: 15g
- Total Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 2g
Costco Kuze Fuku & Sons Taiyaki Japanese Pancakes Ingredients
Custard (water, palm oil, sugar, reduced starch syrup (corn, potat and sweet potato), sorbitol, skimmed milk powder, food starch -modified, whey protein, glycine, artificial flavors, egg white powder, wheat flour, salt, thickeners {carob bean gum, xanthan gum, gellan gum}, citric acid, b-carotene {color}), eggs, wheat flour, sugar blend {sugar, sorbitol), trehalose, shortening (canola oil, emulsifier {glycerol fatty acid ester, soy lecithin}, artificla flavors, tocopherol {antioxidant}), sorbitol, canola oil, processed oil (sorbitol, canola oil, emulsifiers {glycerol fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, propylene glycol fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, propylene glycol fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, soy lecithin}, water, rum, artifical flavor, b-carotene {color}), honey, baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate sodium bicarbonate, cornstarch, monocalcium phosphate).
Contains: egg, milk, wheat, soybeans
If you enjoyed this Costco Kuze Fuku & Sons Taiyaki Japanese Pancakes review, you might like my Costco Japanese crepe cake review.
