Popular Kit Kat Flavors, Ranked Worst To Best
Although they are an English invention, Kit Kat bars are beloved in the United States. In fact, a Mashed poll that had 40,000 respondents found that Kit Kat bars are America's favorite candy bar, beating out other iconic candy bars like Snickers and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. These days, you can find a handful of Kit Kat flavors on grocery store shelves across the country.
While America may really, really like Kit Kat bars, it's not hyperbolic to say that Japan is utterly obsessed with all things Kit Kat. These candy bars have a cult-like following in Japan and there are currently hundreds of flavors of Kit Kat bars in production in the country.
In this ranking, we'll list Kit Kat flavors beginning with the worst of the bunch and finishing with the best. While we obviously won't include every flavor of Kit Kat you can find in the world, we have included all of the most popular flavors.
28. Wasabi
From wasabi peas to wasabi almonds, wasabi-related snacks can be found at grocery stores in every corner of the United States. The best part of these green snacks is the unmistakable bite you experience due to the presence of wasabi powder. Tragically, Wasabi Kit Kat bars completely miss the mark; you'll be totally underwhelmed if you make the mistake of purchasing this candy bar.
Instead of having a wasabi-powered bite, these Kit Kat bars are actually way too sweet. When you put one of the green logs in your mouth, all you will taste is extra sweet white chocolate. In fact, the only thing that reminds you that you're eating Wasabi Kit Kat is the light green color of the bar.
The disappointment doesn't end at the lack of wasabi flavoring. To make you regret buying this Kit Kat flavor even more, these bars instantly turn into a melty mess after touching your fingertips. Pick literally any other flavor of Kit Kat and you'll be happier.
27. Cough Drop
The Cough Drop Kit Kat flavor has to be some sort of marketing gimmick, right? Actually, no, this is a completely legitimate flavor. These Kit Kat bars are made from powdered throat lozenges and, yes, they're as gross as you're imagining.
The first thing you'll notice is the waxy texture and the slight peppermint flavor. It's almost as if each Kit Kat bar is coated with watered down toothpaste. If you ignore the urge to spit it out and dare to swallow, your tongue will tingle and your throat will be numb. Nothing about how these bars taste is pleasant and the numbing sensation is annoying.
When Cough Drop Kit Kat bars were released, they were marketed to rowdy sports fans who wanted to be able to cheer even louder for their home team. However, it was a strange idea and the execution was poor, so stay away from these weird Kit Kat bars.
26. Whole Grain Biscuit
At first, you may be intrigued by Whole Grain Biscuit Kit Kat bars. After all, candy bars that are flavored like Church's Chicken legendary biscuits would be glorious. Imagining honey butter biscuit flavored Kit Kat bars may be enough to make your mouth water, but sadly, that's not at all what you experience if you buy Whole Grain Biscuit Kit Kat. Instead, these bars taste like whole grain crackers.
Both the flavor and the texture of this candy are messed up. First of all, it has a powerful whole grain flavor that overwhelms the chocolate coating. Secondly, the texture is way too crunchy. On your first bite, you'll be convinced that you got a stale Kit Kat bar — but then you'll realize that's just the way the bar is supposed to taste. It's so crunchy that bits of it will get stuck in your teeth and it will be a chore for your jaw to chew it all. Hard pass.
25. Baked Potato
The good news is that Baked Potato Kit Kat bars are interesting. Unlike most Kit Kat flavors, you're supposed to bake these bars in the oven before you eat them. The instructions are on the packaging and it only takes a couple minutes.
The bad news is that Baked Potato Kit Kat bars taste way too much like a real baked potato, but not a baked potato that's loaded with tasty toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Instead, it tastes like a plain baked potato with nothing on it.
Unless a plain baked potato is your idea of a fun time, don't even think about trying this Kit Kat flavor. Sure, you could add the sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions to your Baked Potato Kit Kat — but anyone who sees you doing that will think you've lost your mind. Save your reputation and go with another Kit Kat flavor.
24. Red Bean Paste
In Japan, Ogura toast can be found at coffeehouses and features butter and red bean paste on hot toasted bread. While it looks odd, this toast tastes surprisingly awesome. The red bean paste has just enough sweetness to put a smile on your face early in the morning. Unfortunately, Red Bean Paste Kit Kat is unable to capture the magic of Ogura toast.
The main problem is the sweetness level; while Ogura toast has a subtle sweetness, Red Bean Paste Kit Kat has an overpowering sweetness that is enough to make you cringe. Without the saltiness and the savoriness of butter, the fact that these Kit Kat bars are way too sweet is impossible to overlook.
If you want to experience red bean paste at it's best, eat some Ogura toast. Even if you're curious, don't buy Red Bean Paste Kit Kat — you'll grow tired of this treat after one or two mouthfuls.
23. European Cheese
European Cheese Kit Kat sounds like it could be amazing. Cheese made in Europe is coveted in America — and rightfully so. You can find European cheese at Aldi that is so tasty that it will cause you to fall head over heels in love. However, it's important to realize that not all cheeses from Europe are created equal; Europe is home to cheeses so stinky that their aroma is comparable to rotting gym socks.
Regrettably, European Cheese Kit Kat is made using the smelly type of European cheese. Right when you open the package, you'll realize you've made a terrible error. Once the smell hits your nostrils, you'll be tempted to wave a white flag and throw away the candy. If you ignore your nose and eat the Kit Kat bar, your mood won't improve. Unless you're a stinky cheese connoisseur who's a glutton for punishment, don't waste your hard-earned cash on this smelly snack.
22. Edamame
Like the aforementioned European Cheese Kit Kat, Edamame Kit Kat also smells bad. Combine its putrid aroma and its green coloring and you'll think your Kit Kat bar is so rancid that it got moldy. Thankfully, it tastes a little bit better than it smells — but not a whole lot better. Edamame Kit Kat has a bland flavor and an off-putting chalky texture.
If you're dead set on trying an edamame-flavored Kit Kat bar, opt for the Edamame Milkshake Kit Kat. It not only smells nicer, it also tastes a lot better; instead of being bland, this version has a satisfying amount of sweetness and a hint of vanilla flavoring. It may be difficult to find but it's well worth the effort, especially if Edamame Kit Kat is the alternative.
If you've never heard of edamame before, it's basically a soybean that was picked prematurely. They're similar to sugar snap peas but not as sweet.
21. Hojicha Tea
Hojicha Tea Kit Kat would be tempting to anyone who enjoys hojicha tea. This roasted Japanese tea is reddish-brown and has an earthy taste without any bitterness. Since it's the perfect tea to sip while you're nibbling on a dessert, Hojicha Tea Kit Kat should theoretically be a winner. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
When you first start munching on these Kit Kat bars, the lack of sweetness is what you'll first notice, as a distinctive tea flavoring replaces the sweetness. That fact alone isn't a deal-breaker, so why is Hojicha Tea Kit Kat so low in this ranking? The issue is the texture of the white chocolate; it has small bits of tea leaves in it, which makes it too grainy to enjoy. It's like trying to enjoy a cup of tea that has too many bits and pieces of tea leaves floating around in it. You may deal with it for a while but eventually you will want to move on to another Kit Kat flavor.
20. Sake
When you go to your favorite sushi restaurant, sake may very well be your favorite part of your visit. This alcoholic drink has a clean flavor that's perfectly balanced. It's mild sweetness will leave you craving more and it pairs wonderfully with sushi of all kinds.
Sadly, Sake Kit Kat tastes nothing like the sake you know and love. Instead of a well-balanced flavor with a little bit of sweetness, these Kit Kat bars are super bitter — there's no sweetness to be found at all. Everything you adore about sake has been replaced by something that tastes like bitter rice and it single-handedly removes most of the joy from the white chocolate.
Interestingly, Sake Kit Kat has real alcohol in it, but since it's less than 1%, you're not going to get drunk or feel much of a buzz. That said, if you're searching for a Kit Kat bar with alcohol in it, look no further.
19. Mocha + Chocolate
Mocha + Chocolate Kit Kat sounds like a divine invention and a surefire hit. Chocolate Kit Kat bars blessed with mocha is a combination with a ton of potential, but tragically, this snack doesn't live up to the hype. The people responsible for this flavor need to go back to the drawing board because these bars should taste a lot better.
The chocolate half of the equation is fine and is exactly what you expect — it's the mocha half of the equation that is a failure. Instead of a rich mocha flavor, these Kit Kat bars have a strong, bitter coffee flavor. It's like they took old coffee from the bottom of a coffee pot that's been sitting around all day and infused it into each Kit Kat bar. To make matters worse, there are little coffee bits in the chocolate to make sure that the substandard mocha flavor takes center stage in each mouthful.
18. Sweet Corn
In theory, Sweet Corn Kit Kat could be tasty; a Kit Kat bar that tastes like buttered corn on the cob sounds like a worthwhile snacking option. Even a candy bar that tastes like candy corn would be an entertaining ride. In reality, though, these bars aren't worthy of a recommendation. They're not the worst of the worst but there's no way you'll buy them a second time after giving them a try.
Rather than tasting like corn on the cob with a side of buttery goodness or the Kit Kat version of candy corn, Sweet Corn Kit Kat bars taste like watery creamed corn. Despite what its name suggests, there's hardly any sweetness to be found. To take things from bad to worse, the wafers in these Kit Kat bars are soggy. The best thing about Sweet Corn Kit Kat is the smell, but once it enters your mouth, everything goes downhill.
17. Passion Fruit
If you want to take a walk on the wild side, open wide and take a big bite of a Passion Fruit Kit Kat bar. The explosion of flavor will shock you, even if you're fully prepared for an onslaught. If you know that you like passion fruit, go ahead and purchase this Kit Kat flavor; if you've never tried passion fruit, you'll be taking a gamble if you buy this candy bar.
It can't be stressed enough how forceful the flavor of the passion fruit is within these Kit Kat bars. It's extremely sweet and has enough sourness to make you pucker.
At the end of your first Passion Fruit Kit Kat bar, you will either love it or hate it — there's no middle ground with this treat. You'll either adore the supercharged tropical taste or you will be disgusted. If you're willing to take your chances, don't hesitate to roll the dice by buying this flavor of Kit Kat.
16. Maple
If you have an aggressive sweet tooth that thinks all Kit Kat flavors are underwhelming when it comes to sweetness level, Maple Kit Kat bars are for you; this flavor of Kit Kat is supremely sweet. Before you start chowing down on this candy bar, have a glass of water at your side in case the sugariness becomes too much for your senses. If you don't have water, be sure to take your time and eat these Kit Kat bars slowly.
Beyond the sweetness, Maple Kit Kat tastes just like authentic maple syrup from Canada. To that end, if you only eat your pancakes with Canadian maple syrup, you'll enjoy this candy's authenticity. In fact, if you imagine the wafer as being like a crunchy pancake, this snack can be considered a portable version of pancakes with maple syrup.
Even if you end up liking this Kit Kat flavor, it'd be difficult to eat more than one or two bars in a single sitting, so keep that in mind when ordering.
15. Melon
The Melon Kit Kat name only tells half of the story. Yes, these Kit Kat bars taste like melon — to be specific, the bars have a cantaloupe flavor. But in addition to the melon flavor that is foretold in its name, this Kit Kat flavor also features mascarpone cheese. The mascarpone actually has a stronger taste than the cantaloupe. A better name for this flavor would actually be Mascarpone and Melon Kit Kat.
Cantaloupe, mascarpone, white chocolate, and crispy wafer might sound like an odd combo but it works so well that this is the first Kit Kat flavor on this list that deserves a full-fledged recommendation without any caveats.
If you want a cheese-flavored Kit Kat, skip European Cheese Kit Kat and head straight toward Melon Kit Kat. There's no stinkiness involved and the mascarpone flavor is genuine. The cantaloupe flavor plays a supporting role and only adds to the happiness of this party.
14. Sakura
Be careful when you order Sakura Kit Kat, as this treat probably doesn't taste like you're expecting it will taste. Sakura is what people in Japan call their cherry blossom trees. When in bloom, these attractive trees have pink and white flowers. While Sakura Kit Kat bars are pink just like the flowers on cherry blossom trees, don't make the common mistake of thinking this candy tastes like cherries. It has a completely different flavor.
Cherry blossom trees don't bear cherries or any other fruit, so instead of being sweet or tart like cherries, Sakura Kit Kat bars have a flavor that's mostly floral with a hint of bitterness. At first, you may think this Kit Kat flavor is unappetizing but the more you eat it, the more you'll like it.
Don't second-guess yourself if you're interested in buying Sakura Kit Kat. As long as you know not to expect cherry-flavored Kit Kat bars, this Kit Kat flavor is worthy of your money.
13. Cranberry and Almond
If you want something that's quite a bit different than anything else in the Kit Kat universe, try Cranberry and Almond Kit Kat. You might not love this Japanese creation but there's a good chance that your mind will be blown.
The differences compared to most Kit Kat flavors are numerous. Firstly, instead of finding multiple bars inside of a package, you'll find one big bar. Secondly, you'll notice almond chunks and cranberry pieces that have been baked into the candy bar. Thirdly, the wafers are made with dark chocolate.
Purchasing Cranberry and Almond Kit Kat bars is a risky proposition because these things are more like a Clif Bar than a traditional Kit Kat bar. That said, at the very worst, you can tell all of your family and friends about the time you tried a luxurious Kit Kat that was unlike any Kit Kat bar that can be found in America.
12. Raspberry
Raspberry Kit Kat is so marvelous that it's sure to enter your snack rotation. These bars are coated with raspberry chocolate, and to add even more raspberry-powered authenticity, raspberry flecks are added to the mix. Each fleck represents a burst of honest-to-goodness raspberry flavor. Instead of being sweet like most raspberry candy, Raspberry Kit Kat is a blend of sweet, tart, and bitter — just like real raspberries.
In the United States, you can also find a similar flavor called Raspberry Creme Kit Kat. It's most widely available around Valentine's Day but you can find it any time of year if you look hard enough. Compared to its Japanese counterpart, the American version is a bit of a letdown; raspberry Creme Kit Kat is too sweet and there are no raspberry flecks. Additionally, it's tartness level is also lacking. It's not a terrible flavor, mind you, but it's a far cry from the Raspberry Kit Kat bars from Japan.
11. Brown Sugar Syrup
Like the previously mentioned Maple Kit Kat, the Brown Sugar Syrup Kit Kat is shockingly sweet. As the name suggests, these Kit Kat bars have been doused with a huge helping of syrup made from brown sugar. Your sweet tooth will instantaneously approve, even if the rest of your mouth is unsure of what to make of it.
Why is Brown Sugar Syrup Kit Kat ranked higher than Maple Kit Kat? The key is the aftertaste. Brown Sugar Syrup Kit Kat has an aftertaste that's reminiscent of tapioca pudding, which offers a helpful reprieve from what would otherwise be a flavor that is too, too sweet.
If you miss the tapioca pudding that your grandmother used to make, buy Brown Sugar Syrup Kit Kat and prepare to be flooded with fond memories of yesteryear. On the other hand, if you don't like tapioca pudding and you don't have a sweet tooth, move on to another Kit Kat flavor that is higher on this list.
10. Matcha Tiramisu
Matcha Tiramisu Kit Kat bars are sure to be an adventure for your taste buds. This treat tastes somewhat similar to tiramisu, the extremely popular dessert that has Italian roots. However, there are some important differences between the tiramisu you'll find in America and in Italy and this tiramisu-powered candy bar that was created in Japan.
The most prominent difference is that the coffee in traditional tiramisu has been traded out in favor of green tea. That may sound like a major downgrade but it actually tastes surprisingly good. These Kit Kat bars also feature a mascarpone cream that has a stronger flavor than the mascarpone found in traditional tiramisu.
Despite the differences, all it will take is one bite for you to taste the tiramisu influence. It may not taste just like the tiramisu that you can get at your local family-owned Italian restaurant but it's close enough for you to thoroughly enjoy every last crumb.
9. Strawberry Cheesecake
Many Kit Kat bars don't taste like you might imagine when you first see the name, but that's not a problem with Strawberry Cheesecake Kit Kat. From the first second you open the wrapper, the aroma of strawberry cheesecake will fill the room. When you put the bar to your lips, you will first taste fresh strawberries. Soon, a cheesecake aftertaste will join the festivities. By the time you finish this snack, you'll be convinced that you ate a slice of real, genuine strawberry cheesecake.
Additionally, there's a similar flavor called Chilled Strawberry Cheesecake Kit Kat. It's basically the same concept except that the bars were made to be kept cool in a refrigerator. Either one you pick, you can't go wrong. That said, if you fail to keep Chilled Strawberry Cheesecake Kit Kat in the fridge, the outer coating will totally melt. For that reason, the Strawberry Cheesecake Kit Kat is a safer bet.
8. Banana Caramel
If the thought of chocolate covered bananas is enough to make you drool, hurry up and order Banana Caramel Kit Kat from Japan. This treat is even better than it sounds: Imagine perfectly ripe bananas topped with rich caramel, lined with crispy wafers, and then covered with a thick layer of semi-sweet chocolate. It's truly a magical combination.
How does this candy taste so much like banana and caramel? Well, for starters, the wafers in these Kit Kat bars are flavored with both banana and caramel. Then, between the wafers, there's a layer of chocolate that has also been infused with banana and caramel. The only thing that isn't blessed with banana and caramel is the chocolate on the outside of the Kit Kat bar.
Banana Caramel Kit Kat is the best tropical flavor of them all. Even if you think most banana-flavored candy is disgusting, give this Kit Kat flavor a try and you'll be beyond pleased with your decision.
7. Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate Kit Kat is an optimal choice for picky snackers who crave richness instead of sweetness. To be fair, these bars have some sweetness, but only enough to counterbalance the natural bitterness of the dark chocolate. Even if you shy away from most dark chocolate candy because you're scared of it being too bitter, buy these Kit Kat bars with confidence. Yes, there is some bitterness at play but it's not harsh at all. In fact, compared to other flavors, you'll be impressed by the creaminess of the chocolate.
You need to be aware that Japan also makes a version of Kit Kat that's coated with dark chocolate. It has a similar name and it looks the same but these are not the bars that you want. They're so brutally bitter that you may be forced to dip each bar into a glass of milk to be able to eat it without gagging.
6. Matcha Green Tea
While the previously mentioned Hojicha Tea Kit Kat is entirely forgettable, don't let that flavor cause you to give up on all tea-powered Kit Kat bars. Specifically, Matcha Green Tea Kit Kat is spectacular and it's a flavor you will remember for the rest of your days. If green tea is your beverage of choice, you'll be blown away by how amazing this candy bar tastes.
This Kit Kat flavor doesn't use just any green tea; matcha is a type of green tea from Japan that's really expensive but you'll find that it's worth every penny. Once you try matcha, all other green teas will pale in comparison.
Matcha Green Tea Kit Kat has white chocolate that has been infused with matcha green tea. The texture of the white chocolate is outstanding and the taste is stunningly authentic. There's enough sweetness to remind you that you're eating a treat but not so much sweetness that it interferes with the legendary matcha flavor.
5. White Creme
White Creme Kit Kat doesn't appear to be too exciting at first, but you'd be unwise to judge this book by its cover. These white bars don't look like much but you'll soon be convinced that they wholeheartedly deserve this lofty spot on this list.
Think of this treat as the white chocolate version of original Kit Kat bars and you'll know basically what to expect. The white chocolate flavor is light yet delicious. The best part, though, is the wafer. White Creme Kit Kat allows the wafer flavor and texture to steal the spotlight and you won't be disappointed with the result. If the wafer is your favorite part of a Kit Kat bar, this is the flavor you should purchase again and again.
Note: This Kit Kat flavor is best served cold so store them in your refrigerator. If you're short on time, pop them in the freezer for a little while before you begin munching.
4. Peach Parfait
There's a lot to adore about Peach Parfait Kit Kat. In fact, you shouldn't be shocked if this ends up being one of your personal favorite Kit Kat flavors.
First of all, these Kit Kat bars are a beautiful shade of pink. Second of all, even though there are no actual peach pieces in it, the peach flavor is fresh and crisp. Thirdly, there's a yogurt-like flavor that mixes splendidly with the peach flavor and makes it taste like you're really eating a peach parfait. Last but not least, the wafer is extra crunchy. Add it all together and Peach Parfait Kit Kat is a winner.
The tanginess from the peach and the sweetness from the yogurt makes this a Kit Kat flavor that you will never grow tired of eating. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that these bars tend to melt a little faster than other flavors, so don't be bashful about gobbling them down in a hurry.
3. Mint + Dark Chocolate
Kit Kat fans clamored for years for a mint-flavored option, as it's a marriage that made way too much sense to not be a thing in real life. In recent years, Mint + Dark Chocolate Kit Kat hit the market and the fans were ecstatic. Mint-flavored Kit Kat bars were delectable in theory, and in reality, they're even better than you can possibly imagine. If you pick mint chocolate ice cream at Baskin-Robbins or if Thin Mints are your favorite Girl Scout Cookies, you will absolutely love these Kit Kat bars.
The bottom half of these bars are expertly dipped in dark chocolate that is extra rich. The top half is blessed with a generous amount of mint creme. The dark chocolate has the perfect amount of bitterness to allow the mint flavor to shine. Don't be surprised if you develop a full-blown addiction to this candy a few moments after biting into your first Mint + Dark Chocolate Kit Kat bar.
2. Lemon Crisp
If you love sour snacks, you owe it to yourself to try Lemon Crisp Kit Kat bars at some point before you're six feet under the dirt. These things are glorious, and unlike many of the flavors on this list, they're available in the United States. The bars aren't so sour that they'll make your tongue hurt but there's enough sourness to keep you on your toes. To stop the sour flavor from dominating, these Kit Kat bars also feature the right amount of sweetness. That said, if you're worried that they'll be too sour for your delicate palate, go ahead and buy the Lemon Crisp miniatures.
Of all the Kit Kat flavors, this is by far the lightest and the most refreshing. If it's a hot summer afternoon and you just need a little snack to keep you going, reach for a Lemon Crisp Kit Kat bar.
Japan has their own lemon-powered Kit Kat that's saltier. It's decent but can't hold a candle to the American version.
1. Original
While the wide array of Kit Kat flavors are a fun and yummy distraction, the original Kit Kat flavor is unquestionably the best of the best. Even if you spend years taste-testing all the flavors of Kit Kat under the sun, you will undoubtedly circle back around to where your journey began. The original flavor isn't just the best Kit Kat flavor, it's one of the very best candy bars you will ever find.
If you've never had the pleasure of eating an original Kit Kat, this sweet treat is basically wafers lovingly wrapped in milk chocolate. Flavor-wise, the scrumptious milk chocolate and the flavorful wafer will win you over in a matter of seconds. The texture is also worth writing home about, as the crunch you experience when you bite into an original Kit Kat is part of what makes this snack so memorable.
Go ahead and try as many Kit Kat flavors as you can get your hands on. However, once your taste buds demand that you locate the best Kit Kat flavor, return to the original where it all started.