Whole wheat bread & "real" peanut butter in Japan

[JerseyBoy]

I used to eat the whole wheat bread when I was in the States. Since I am back in Japan, the whole wheat bread is one of the few things I miss. For some reason, I noticed not many stories carry the 100% whole wheat bread in Japan. I see so many white bread (which I don't like) and other multigrain look-alike bread (the labeling is not too clear and I could not make out if they mix some refined grain among the whole grain). I have to go to a larger store to find the whole grain bread. Is this the similar experience you are having?

The expiration date for the bread is like 2 days. I think that is because the bread makers do not include the extra chemical to prolong the longevity of the bread. Back in the States, the loaf of bread lasts like a 6 to 10 days.

I am having a very difficult time to find the authentic peanut butter. The peanut butters I see on the regular stores in Japan are not a peanut butter in my opinion. They are like a peanut cream laced with extreme quantity of sugar (I don't like sugar). I used to buy Crazy Richard's at the local supermarkets in USA and I have to really look for a similar authentic peanut butter in Japan. The close one I found is the peanut butter made in Chiba; but, that peanut butter is sold only one store (among so many stores) in my neighborhood. If you have any suggestion on the store, please let me know.

 

[ddrrll89]

I used to eat the whole wheat bread when I was in the States. Since I am back in Japan, the whole wheat bread is one of the few things I miss. For some reason, I noticed not many stories carry the 100% whole wheat bread in Japan. I see so many white bread (which I don't like) and other multigrain look-alike bread (the labeling is not too clear and I could not make out if they mix some refined grain among the whole grain). I have to go to a larger store to find the whole grain bread. Is this the similar experience you are having?
The expiration date for the bread is like 2 days. I think that is because the bread makers do not include the extra chemical to prolong the longevity of the bread. Back in the States, the loaf of bread lasts like a 6 to 10 days.
I am having a very difficult time to find the authentic peanut butter. The peanut butters I see on the regular stores in Japan are not a peanut butter in my opinion. They are like a peanut cream laced with extreme quantity of sugar (I don't like sugar). I used to buy Crazy Richard's at the local supermarkets in USA and I have to really look for a similar authentic peanut butter in Japan. The close one I found is the peanut butter made in Chiba; but, that peanut butter is sold only one store (among so many stores) in my neighborhood. If you have any suggestion on the store, please let me know.

You _could_ make your own peanut butter... Just a little bit more effort; just make a lot to make it worth it. I can't really help you with bread as it's time consuming to make.... But, baking.about.com/od/peanutbutter/r/homemade.htm seems like a good recipe for peanut butter(peanut that you put in the food processor lol). Just add sugar if you want it sweeter.

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

I don't know about where you live, but here in Mikawa, the first place I would for is a store that caters to Brazilians.

 

[bakaKanadajin]

I see you're in Tokyo.. if you try Kaldi Coffee Farms (they have them here and there, there's one in ShimoKitazawa for sure if you go out the North exit) they carry a wide selection of Western goods and I'm fairly sure I've seen condiments and spreads like peanut butter there. Some larger grocery stores like Odakyu OX will carry Skippy, which is an American brand.

As for bread, I feel your pain, the bread in Japan is no good compared to the stuff here in the West. No multi-grains, ryes, pumpernickels, kaiser buns, nothing. Your best bet is to find a good local bakery/panya and buy a fresh loaf, those breads usually look quite hearty.

 

[Pachipro]

As for bread, I feel your pain, the bread in Japan is no good compared to the stuff here in the West.

I beg to differ here. In the US I strictly eat only whole grain bread. Even though whole grain bread is not widly available in Japan, I find that their white bread is among the tastiest I have ever eaten especially Yamazaki pan in the blue and red labels for sandwiches (8 slices) and toast (6 slices) and cannot get enough of it while there. It may be refined (which loses all its vitimans and minerals) and such, but it sure is delicious. Also, I can never get enough of "cheesu pan" with the thick squares of white cheese inside a small loaf of bread! Hmmm Hmmm Good!

After all these years I have never eaten Japanese whole grain bread but will make an effort to do so during my next visit in December. I have a feeling that it will just as tasty as their white bread and probably more nutritious.