"Vitamin Castella", which has a slight sweetness the moment you put it in your mouth, is one of the standard snacks for Hokkaido residents. This Vitamin Castella was originally created out of the kindness of a confectionery store owner in Asahikawa. This time, we will introduce the history of Vitamin Castella and the secret of its deliciousness, which has been loved by Hokkaido residents for over a century.

"Cheap and nutritious" - Vitamin Castella was born from the kindness of the owner

Vitamin Castella is manufactured 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 the end of World War I. It was a time when food shortages caused many children to become malnourished. In the midst of this, Takahashi Kashio, founder of Takahashi Seika, stepped up to provide something cheap and nutritious. Originally from Shikoku, Takahashi trained in castella making in Nagasaki, where it originated, and gained experience in Japanese sweets, creating castella that was affordable even for ordinary people.

It was palm-sized and easy to eat, and was sold after being improved to have a longer shelf life by adjusting the moisture content. In a renewal around 1960, the vitamins B1 and B2 used in school lunches at the time were added, and after much research, the current Vitamin Castella was completed. It is no exaggeration to say that the Vitamin Castella we ate casually was the forerunner of "nutritious foods" that were both tasty and nutritious.

At its peak, 60,000 bottles were produced per day! A long-selling product with unchanging deliciousness

Vitamin Castella was originally developed for malnourished children, but it also became a popular snack for people helping with farm work. The right amount of sweetness or saltiness is essential for physically demanding work. That's why Vitamin Castella, which satisfies hunger and provides nutrition, attracted attention. At its peak, 60,000 bottles were produced a day. It's said that workers at the factory back then worked without sleep to make Castella. The ingredients haven't changed much since it was made into the current Vitamin Castella form. Its unchanging deliciousness is the secret to its longevity as a best-seller.

Goes great 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 has a long shelf life and is low in moisture, so it's best enjoyed with a drink in hand. It goes particularly 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 in cream and jam makes the Castella moist, so it's fun to decorate it a little more luxuriously.

Perfect for satisfying your hunger! Vitamin Castella is loved by Hokkaido residents

Vitamin Castella is available in three different products: single bottles, "Fives," a set of five single bottles, and "Vitamin Castella Mini," a set of five smaller bottles. They last a long time and are priced at an affordable price, so you can buy them not only at local supermarkets but also at souvenir shops.

Vitamin Castella is a snack that you can't help but reach for. Its shape, taste, and price have captured the hearts of Hokkaido residents. Enjoy it as a snack today, or as a study companion with your favorite drink!

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