Marveling at the International KitKat Bars

I have witnesses who could testify that I have really been surprised at the popularity and the variety of flavors of Kit Kat Bars (yes, you know, Kit Kats!) on the international scene. I guess I knew they were there, but I first noticed it a couple of weeks ago when shopping online for the Meiji MeltyKiss. Flavor after flavor, store after store – tons of Kit Kats. Boy, the Japanese really seem to love Kit Kats. So then earlier this week, was chatting with my friend in London, and she made comment about some kind of KitKat. Good grief. How am I so in the dark?? I mean, we love Kit Kats – how could you not? But dang, I had no idea they were such international swingers. Really, I didnt.

This is White Peach KitKat. And Mini Kitto Sakura Saku Yo (cherry blossoms are blooming – how cool is that?). I have also run across Green Tea, Passion Fruit, Cheesecake, and dozens of other flavors (lots of truly exotic ones!). So the question absolutely begs asking – why on earth are these Kit Kat bars so popular in Japan and abroad in general, when Nestle can hardly sell one other flavor than the good old Milk Chocolate bars they sell in the United States? Well, I found the answer. In Japanese, “kitto katsu” loosely translates to “I hope you will win” and the Kit Kats have been adopted by Japanese students as good luck charms. [source] Ah ha. Now that makes a little more sense.

I am sure these funky KitKat flavors are super yummy, but what got me this morning was this review, on CandyBlog, of the KitKat Bitter – which is right up my alley. They point out that the KitKat Bitter is just loads better than the American dark KitKat, and a step above the Canadian version (which is better than the U.S. version, but not as good as the Japanese). Scrumptious! Must. find. this.

What is your favorite flavor of KitKat? You must have one. Give it up.