*Arare* is a traditional Japanese snack food consisting of rice crackers flavored with shōyu ([soy sauce](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soy-sauce-explained)) and various seasonings. The name comes from the Japanese word for “snow pellet,” as the rice crackers are typically about the same size and shape as bits of hail. *Arare* gets its airy puff and light crunch from the same glutinous rice as *wagashi* sweets like mochi. *Arare* is gluten-free and typically enjoyed alongside beer, as trail mix, or prepared in honor of specific festivals. 

There are many different types of *arare*, from regional styles to mixed *arare*, which feature an assortment of flavors and specialty ingredients, like wasabi peas. 

1. __*Hina-arare*__: This bright and multi-colored mix of crackers is a core component of Hinamatsuri, or Doll’s Day, a special celebration in Japanese culture.
2. __*Norimaki arare*__: *Norimaki arare* are cylindrical rice crackers wrapped in small pieces of dried, roasted nori seaweed.
3. __*Kaki no tane arare*__: This popular bar mix combines small crescent-shaped pieces of senbei with red Iso peanuts.

*Arare* and *senbei*, another type of rice cracker, are both popular snacks in Japanese cuisine with two key differences: size and main ingredients. Senbei are larger flat palm-sized discs made from *joshinko* (non-glutinous) rice available in many different flavors—among the most popular are black sesame seeds, chili powders like *togarashi*, split black soybeans, or dusted with sugar. *Arare* are bite-sized crackers made from glutinous rice and soy sauce (some *arare* mixes include pieces of *senbei*).
Become a better chef with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Niki Nakayama, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more.
*Arare*—crunchy, Japanese-style rice crackers known as *kakimochi* or *mochi* crunch in places like Hawaii—are the ultimate salty-sweet-savory snack. 


*Arare*—crunchy, Japanese-style rice crackers known as *kakimochi* or *mochi* crunch in places like Hawaii—are the ultimate salty-sweet-savory snack. 


Arare Crackers: Learn About Japanese Rice Crackers

Arare is a traditional Japanese snack food consisting of rice crackers flavored with shōyu (<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soy-sauce-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soy-sauce-explained","linkCopy":"soy sauce","category":null}'>soy sauce</a>) and various seasonings. The name comes from the Japanese word for “snow pellet,” as the rice crackers are typically about the same size and shape as bits of hail. Arare gets its airy puff and light crunch from the same glutinous rice as wagashi sweets like mochi. Arare is gluten-free and typically enjoyed alongside beer, as trail mix, or prepared in honor of specific festivals.

What Is Arare?

There are many different types of arare, from regional styles to mixed arare, which feature an assortment of flavors and specialty ingredients, like wasabi peas. <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Hina-arare: This bright and multi-colored mix of crackers is a core component of Hinamatsuri, or Doll’s Day, a special celebration in Japanese culture. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Norimaki arare: Norimaki arare are cylindrical rice crackers wrapped in small pieces of dried, roasted nori seaweed. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Kaki no tane arare: This popular bar mix combines small crescent-shaped pieces of senbei with red Iso peanuts. </li></ol>

3 Types of Arare 

Arare and senbei, another type of rice cracker, are both popular snacks in Japanese cuisine with two key differences: size and main ingredients. Senbei are larger flat palm-sized discs made from joshinko (non-glutinous) rice available in many different flavors—among the most popular are black sesame seeds, chili powders like togarashi, split black soybeans, or dusted with sugar. Arare are bite-sized crackers made from glutinous rice and soy sauce (some arare mixes include pieces of senbei).

What Is the Difference Between Arare and Senbei?

Become a better chef with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Niki Nakayama, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more.

Want to Learn More About Cooking?

Arare—crunchy, Japanese-style rice crackers known as kakimochi or mochi crunch in places like Hawaii—are the ultimate salty-sweet-savory snack.

Arare—crunchy, Japanese-style rice crackers known as kakimochi or mochi crunch in places like Hawaii—are the ultimate salty-sweet-savory snack. 
