Available at supermarkets across Japan, “Chiisana Cheesecake” (Mini Cheesecake) is a product sold by the major dairy manufacturer “Morinaga Milk Industry.” It features sweet cheese that can be enjoyed just like a dessert. Now, a limited-edition autumn flavor has arrived: “Morinaga Milk Caramel Flavor.”
About Morinaga Milk Industry’s “Chiisana Cheesecake”
Morinaga Milk Industry’s Chiisana Cheesecake comes in a round, six-wedge portion box similar to standard 6P processed cheese, offering the sweet, moist mouthfeel of a real cheesecake. Alongside classic flavors like blueberry and strawberry, they roll out seasonal varieties every year—previous hits have included Calpis and Aloe Yogurt flavors. Interestingly, the packaging used to carry the American cheese brand “Kraft” logo, but it has since been transitioned to Morinaga’s own branding.
* Click here for a list of Morinaga’s Chiisana Cheesecake reviews
A Historic Collaboration: Morinaga & Co.’s Long-Selling Sweet Meets Morinaga Milk Industry
This release is a special collaboration with “Milk Caramel,” an iconic confectionery masterpiece sold by Morinaga & Co. since 1913 (Taisho 2).
While Morinaga & Co. and Morinaga Milk Industry are sibling enterprises, they are officially separate corporate entities. Morinaga Milk Industry traces its roots back to Nippon Condensed Milk, established by Morinaga & Co. in 1917 to manufacture and sell dairy products. After several mergers and divisions over the decades, the present-day Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. was established in 1949, operating independently from Morinaga & Co.
Nippon Condensed Milk was originally created out of an urgent need to secure steady dairy supplies following the massive nationwide success of Morinaga’s Milk Caramel. It is wonderfully poetic that Morinaga Milk Industry—a company originally born because of Milk Caramel—has now teamed up with that very same Milk Caramel to create this collaborative dessert cheese.
Now, let’s take a look at the product. The outer appearance is virtually identical to standard 6P wedge cheese.
Here is what the cheese looks like unwrapped.
It has an appealing warm brownish hue reminiscent of caramel.
Tasting Impressions
The texture is moist and pleasantly dense with a springy bounce that gives it a satisfying bite. Compared to regular 6P savory cheese, it is noticeably moister, melting over the palate like a chilled dessert. In fact, it feels noticeably softer and moister than past releases in the series.
Flavor-wise, the deep richness of cream cheese forms a solid foundation, seamlessly layered with the nostalgic, gentle sweetness of milk caramel drifting through. Because the authentic cream cheese flavor comes through so clearly, it stays true to its identity as a cheese-based confectionery.
Having tasted many variations of Morinaga’s Chiisana Cheesecake series over the years, this one stands out as my personal all-time favorite. Both flavor and texture are completely top-tier.
Product Information
- Where to Buy: Supermarkets and online grocery delivery services
- Product Name: Chiisana Cheesecake – Morinaga Milk Caramel Flavor
- Manufacturer: Morinaga Milk Industry
- Price: 322.92 yen (Purchase price incl. tax)
- Calories: 49 kcal per piece
The primary competitor in this category is QBB’s “Cheese Dessert” series. Comparing the two, Morinaga retains a more pronounced savory cheese foundation, while QBB leans into rich creaminess to emphasize a confection-like character. Of course, each brand offers a wide range of flavors that vary in impression, but trying them side-by-side is a fun and delicious experience!
* Click here for a list of similar dessert 6P cheese products