Leave it to Kasugai, those purveyors of culinary delights, such as kiwi gummies and wasabi peas, to create a whole new taste experience: Pizza Beans.
Pizza Beans seem like a bad idea. A dichotomy exists between beans (healthy and nutritious) and pizza (delicious and lard-inducing) which seems too insurmountable to overcome. Kasugai already has snacks similar to this, though.
Kasugai Pizza Beans!
Wasabi peas, fried broad beans, and coated peanuts are among Kasugais savory offerings. All three have a tasty, crisp coating which is flavored or plain. Never before, however, was pizza used as a flavor in the coating.
Not only has Kasugai created a new taste sensation, they’ve attempted to merge two opposites together! How has Kasugai done this? What diabolical deliciousness (or not) awaits me in this bag? Let’s get this Pizza Bean party underway!
Packaging
Mega points on the packaging. First off, there’s a giant slice of meaty, greasy pizza, oozing with cheese right at the top of the bag. The flavor within must be hardcore pizza for the company to boldly slap a photo of it on their packaging. The picture dissolves into a darker gradient emblazoned with kanji. Immediately below the writing is a green banner declaring “Pizza Beans With Beer or Wine“. Thanks Kasugai.
Now I know what to munch on when I’m throwing back a few bottles of merlot ^_^. I’m also informed of these beanies’ pizza bend by “Pizza taste of rich flavor“. Seriously though, the design is colorful, artfully arranged and highly informative. I know exactly what I’m getting and how it’s supposed to taste. Even if the beans taste like crap, the packaging did its job; I bought ‘em cause the bag was so attractive. Score: A+
Appearance
Far from looking like beans, Pizza Beans look like flat pebbles covered in cheese. It’s an interesting effect. Score: A
Taste the pizza flavor!
Taste the pizza flavor!
Texture
These beans have a helluva crunch. The outer coating smacks the mouth around first, followed by the satisfying crunch of the “roasted” (read as “fried”) beans. It’s the perfect amount of texture with zero greasy feel. Unlike other fried, flavored snack foods, these lil’ treats don’t leave much on the hands in the way of powder and oil. Very satisfying. Score: A+
Flavor
I expected to be greeted with the smell of pizza after opening the bag, but there’s nothing but a slight scent of old socks and seaweed. The taste however is actually kinda pizza-y. Pizza Beans have a subtle, mature flavor which hints at pizza. The first flavor to hit is the tang of cheddar cheese, followed by a hint of sugar and herbs/spices, then finishes off with some heat and pepper. The coating adds a bit of a wheat note, giving the vague impression of pizza crust. It’s not bad, not exactly pizza, but a fair attempt thereof.
I wouldn’t immediately say these beans taste like “PIZZA”, but they do taste cheesy, tangy, and wheat-y, all of which are characteristic of pizza. If anything, Pizza Beans taste a lot like cheddar Combos with some zest. Not a bad thing, and slightly healthier than the Combos. Score: A
The Verdict
I highly recommend trying these beans. You’ll never know they’re beans and you’ll get taste and texture which beats any Western junk food, hands down.
Whoa! Looks delicious!
I’m definitely going to see if my local Ranch 99 store has it(My own source of Pocky and Ramune).
Apart from the taste, I hope it’s healthy(or at least not a complete junk food), should check the nutrition facts…
The name sounds questionable but your review makes them sound great! I haven’t seen them yet but I’ll keep my eye out for them.
@Piroko, They’re not complete junk food, believe me. One of the reason’s I like Japanese snacks is because they have some saving graces in the way of the ingredients, i.e. beans, soy, fish, as opposed to wheat, pork rinds and dairy. Japanese snacks are still caloric, but they don’t taste as heavy as American junk foods.
@Caitlin, I agree, the name is quite dubious. They’re not really too pizza-y, but they’re still really tasty, if a bit weird. IN other words, it’s totally Japanese!
These pizza beans sound wonderful. Now we just need Dominos to make a version of them to get the delivered to your door.