Japan Invented Chocolate Slices Designed to Look Like Cheese Singles, and It’s Genius
In 2015, a Japanese confectionery company released a product that instantly confused and delighted people. The packaging resembled that of individually wrapped American cheese singles. But the contents were not cheese at all. Each slice was chocolate.
What These Chocolate Slices Are Made Of
Image via X/斎藤充博
The product originated from Bourbon, a long-established snack maker renowned for its experimentation with form and presentation. Instead of selling chocolate in bars or blocks, the company flattened it into thin slices and wrapped each one separately.
Bourbon’s chocolate slices were produced using nama chocolate, a type of chocolate known for its smooth texture and balanced sweetness. Each slice measured approximately 2 millimeters in thickness, thin enough to bend and melt evenly when heated.
They were sold in bulk packs, often containing 60 individually wrapped slices. Pricing reported in 2015 placed those packs at around ¥3,000, which translated to roughly $34 at the time.
Despite the unusual presentation, the flavor was familiar. The chocolate tasted as expected, without added novelty ingredients or unexpected textures.
Built For Toast, Waffles, And Easy Use
Image via iStockphoto/Charnchai
The format was designed for convenience. Traditional chocolate bars often require chopping or melting before they can be used. These slices removed that step entirely.
Bourbon promoted them as ready-to-use toppings for toast, pancakes, waffles, and crepes. The flat shape allowed the chocolate to melt evenly across the bread without pooling or sliding. The slices could also be cut into shapes for decorating desserts or layered neatly inside baked goods. The format made portioning easier than spreads like Nutella or chopped chocolate.
A Familiar Pattern In Japanese Food Design
Japan has a long history of food products that combine novelty with function. Chocolate slices addressed a small but standard issue. Melting chocolate evenly can be messy, and spreading it can feel imprecise. A slice removes both problems.
The cheese-style format also tapped into a sense of familiarity. Many people recognize that packaging from childhood lunches. Replacing cheddar with chocolate turned that memory into something playful without making it complicated.