Konami Candy

This konami, or soy flour, candy comes to us from Kasugai, the makers of the ubiquitous gummy candies. But comparisons must end there, because in contrast to the gummies' almost-premature explosion of flavor ecstasy, this candy holds back until the end.

It's an attractive two-tone candy, with a white stripe that is identified as "miruku" candy (you figure it out). It has a slightly textured outside that seems to be by design. The fracture is nice, although it leaves an unacceptable amount of residue on the tooth.

The initial flavor notes are caramel, toasted grain and nuts. But they float gently behind a pleasant, shall we say, candyness that makes it hard to discern the flavors. Don't expect a big flavor burst at the crushing finale -- this candy is just that way.

In the 1970's, Kraft made a line of flavor-boosted peanut butters called Koogle. This candy tastes like Candybowl thinks a flavor-inhibited peanut butter would taste like. Inscrutable.

Long ago, Candybowl knew someone who drank Postum, a coffee substitute made out of roasted wheat. This candy tastes like what Candybowl thinks Postum must taste like. Earthy and delicious.

Konami candy comes in a mixed bag with green tea and red bean flavors. All highly recommended, though Candybowl feels compelled to say that the red bean flavor has been an issue for a denizen or two.