These adorable paw print tablets look like they should have some sort of sweet flavor, but if that's what you're expecting when you take a bite, you'll be in for a big surprise—they're fish cakes.
The Japanese kamaboko fish cakes have are playfully called 'Nyankama' and the bite-sized snacks are filled with a cream cheese filling. To make this food item even more interesting, established fish cake manufacturer Ikuji Kamaboko uses one of the "100 best waters in Japan" to ensure a quality product.
The miniature snacks can be purchased for just over $4 and the set of five includes four fish cakes printed with paws and one fish cake shaped like a cat face. As well, when ordering, there's also an option for "no cheese," which will appeal to those who like their fish cakes plain.
Deceptive Fish Cakes
The Nyankama Japanese Fish Cakes Look Like Candy
Trend Themes
1. Playful Food - Manufacturers can create unique and unexpected combinations to surprise and delight customers.
2. Crossover Flavors - Pairing traditional food items with flavors not commonly associated with them can create a new market of curious consumers.
3. Novelty Presentation - Using cute and visually appealing designs can attract customers and make a product stand out on shelves.
Industry Implications
1. Food Manufacturing - Innovative food manufacturers can create playful and non-traditional food items to cater to a younger demographic.
2. Snack Industry - The snack industry can experiment with unique flavors and packaging styles to create new product lines and attract adventurous eaters.
3. Tourism Industry - Marketing unique regional food products and using local ingredients can attract culinary tourists and support the local economy.