Takahashi Seika “Vitamin Castella”

Takahashi Seika is a Asahikawa-based confectionery established in 1917. It was established by Mr. Takahashi, who trained in the art of castella making in Nagasaki, trained mochi and Japanese sweets making in Honshu, where he eventually found his way to Asahikawa as the first owner of Takahashi Seika.

Takahashi Seika’s “Vitamin Castella” is a snack every Hokkaido, Asahikawa citizen has eaten once. To solve the nutrition and food crisis post-war, the Vitamin Castella was made to create a food that was “cheap but nutritious”. It features more wheat than regular castella and is infused with Vitamin B1 and B2.

Vitamin Castella, a Hokkaido citizen’s favorite snack, has a fluffy, yet firm texture. This is because the castella contains less water to have it preserved longer. This texture and sweetness is loved as a nostalgic taste for Hokkaido citizens.