【Classic vs 7 PB】The manufacturer is the same! Are there differences between the two "Caramel Corns"?

I happened to see the "7 Premium Caramel Corn" at Seven Eleven. Is this a generic version of the long-standing "Caramel Corn"...?

The original is 〇〇, but 7 Premium is 〇〇!

The "Caramel Corn" from Tohato and the "7 Premium Caramel Corn" from Seven Premium. In fact, these two snacks are manufactured by the same Tohato! This is why one might think that the appearance and taste are also the same... However, when compared closely, differences were discovered.

Two snacks made by Tohato

Since its release in 1971, "Caramel Corn" has been loved for over 50 years. The author has been eating it since childhood, so seeing this red package brings back sweet and sour memories. The salty roasted peanuts included with the corn puffs serve not only as a palate cleanser but are also designed to transfer their flavor to the corn puffs, enhancing the overall taste.

Product Name / Caramel Corn
Price / Open price (Purchase price 105 yen)
Contents / 70g
Calories / 392kcal

● Tohato

Next is the "7 Premium Caramel Corn," which is also produced by Tohato, the same manufacturer of the original Caramel Corn. Unlike the familiar red package, it has a color design reminiscent of caramel. It contains 10g more than the "Caramel Corn," but the price is 127 yen. Slightly higher in price!

Product Name / 7 Premium Caramel Corn
Price / 128 yen (retail)
Contents / 80g
Calories / 446kcal

● Seven-Eleven Japan

What about the ingredients and calories?

When comparing the ingredients, everything from the corn grits (domestically produced) to sugar, vegetable resin, and peanuts is in the same order. The differences start from here! While the "Caramel Corn" uses butter, the "7 Premium Caramel Corn" apparently uses "fermented butter" as noted on the package. Does this difference in ingredients affect the taste?

The calories for the original Caramel Corn are 392kcal per 70g (5.6kcal per gram). For the 7 Premium, it’s 446kcal per 80g (5.575kcal per gram). The calorie content is almost the same.

The taste and flavor are a bit different!

First, I'll try the original Caramel Corn. Yes, this taste! The moment it enters my mouth, the sweet and mellow flavor of caramel spreads. And this crunchy texture is addictive. After eating several and filling my mouth with sweetness, I reset it with the salty roasted nuts. This allows me to enjoy it like the first bite again. That's why it's hard to stop!

Now, let's try the "7 Premium Caramel Corn" that I bought from Seven Eleven. Compared to the original Caramel Corn, the color and aroma are a bit lighter. However, after enjoying the light texture, the caramel flavor comes chasing after. Compared to the original, it seems to have slightly less caramel flavor, but it has a different taste that is delicious! There is also a faint aroma of butter and saltiness, and this one has a firmer texture.

It wouldn't be surprising if some prefer the 7 Premium. I am a sweet tooth, so I lean toward the original, but my family unanimously preferred the "7 Premium Caramel Corn."