Vitamin Castella," which is slightly sweet when put in the mouth, is one of the standard snacks for Hokkaido residents. Vitamin Castella was originally born from the kindness of a certain confectionery store owner in Asahikawa. In this article, we will introduce the history of Vitamin Castella, which has been loved by Hokkai-do residents for more than a century, and the secret behind its delicious taste.

Vitamin Castella was born from the kindness of the owner, who wanted to make something cheap and nutritious.

Vitamin Castella is produced and sold by Takahashi Seika in Asahikawa. It is a long-established confectionery store founded in 1917. Vitamin Castella was born in 1921, shortly after World War I broke out. It was a time when many children were malnourished due to food shortages. It was during this time that the founder of Takahashi Seika, Kashio Takahashi, set out to provide cheap and nutritious food. Originally from Shikoku, Mr. Takahashi trained in the authentic Nagasaki area to make sponge cakes, and after gaining experience in Japanese confectionery and other confectionery products, he created Castella at a price that was affordable even for the common man.

The product was sold at a price that could easily fit in the palm of one's hand, and was improved to last longer by adjusting the moisture content. Then, in a renewal around 1960, vitamins B1 and B2, which were used in school lunches at the time, were added, and after much research and study, the current Vitamin Castella was completed. It is no exaggeration to say that Vitamin Castella, which we used to eat casually, was the first "nutritional food" with excellent taste and nutrition.

At its peak, 60,000 units were manufactured daily! A long seller with the same great taste.

Vitamin Castella was initially developed for children with nutritional deficiencies, but it was also useful as a snack for those who helped with farm work. In physically strenuous work, the right amount of sweetness and saltiness is essential. For this reason, vitamin castella attracted attention as a way to fill small bellies and provide nutritional support. At its peak, 60,000 units were manufactured per day. It is said that at that time, the factory was making Castella without sleep. Since the vitamin Castella has become what it is today, the ingredients have not changed. The secret of the long-selling product is its unchanged deliciousness.

It goes perfectly with milk, whipped cream, and jam!

On the left is the regular size "Vitamin Castella" and on the right is the "Vitamin Castella Mini

Vitamin Castella, which lasts for a long time, has a low water content and is best enjoyed with a drink in hand. It goes especially well with milk, and the marriage of the slightly sweet Castella and rich milk is irresistible. We also recommend pairing it with whipped cream or jam. The moderate moisture from the cream and jam keeps the sponge cake moist, so it is fun to decorate it and enjoy it a little richer.

Perfect for filling a small stomach! Vitamin Castella continues to be loved by Michiganders

Vitamin Castella is sold by the piece, as well as in three other products: "Fives," a set of five pieces of one size, and "Vitamin Castella Mini," a set of five pieces of a smaller size. They last for a long time and are easily priced, and can be purchased at souvenir shops as well as local supermarkets.

Vitamin Castella is a product that is easy to get your hands on. The easy-to-eat shape, taste, and price all make it a favorite among Michiganders. Enjoy it with your favorite beverage as a snack for the day or to accompany your studies!

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