NIIGATA -- Results of "Kakipea" fan voting show that the best ratio for the popular spicy rice cracker-and-peanut snack is, by weight, 7:3 -- which will likely change the current ratio of 6:4 that has long been considered the "golden ratio."
According to Niigata-based Kameda Seika Co., Kaki no Tane rice crackers and peanuts -- commonly known as Kakipea -- was introduced to the market in 1966.
Initially, the product's rice crackers to peanuts ratio was set at 7 to 3.
Kameda Seika changed the ratio to 5 to 5 around 1974 to meet the demands of customers who wanted more peanuts.
The company, however, changed the ratio again to 6 to 4 in the late 1970s as sales did not grow as much as expected.
The 6 to 4 ratio, which has been called a "golden ratio" inside the company, is believed to be one reason for the popularity of Kaki no Tane and its related products, with yearly sales of 25 billion yen, the company said.
As consumers' preferences diversified over the years, kakipea has become popular as a between-meal snack, not just as nibbles while drinking.
The company therefore conducted an online survey targeting Kakipea fans over their favorite ratio in October and November.
According to the result of 255,903 votes collected online, the 7 to 3 ratio came on top with 75,598 votes, or 29.5%, followed by 8 to 2 with 48,505 votes, or 19.0%, and 6 to 4 with 45,693 votes, or 17.9%.
Changing the ratio will be a major decision for the company, as it will affect the expiration date and the products' storing methods.
"We want to examine changing the current ratio, which has long been loved [by consumers]," a company official said.
The company would start by changing the ratio in the "Kaki no Tane Six-pack" that comes with six small packs each containing 200 grams of Kakipea.
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