When visiting Hokkaido, one souvenir almost everyone talks about is Royce’ Nama Chocolate. You will often see long queues at shops in New Chitose Airport, with travelers carrying stacks of the signature chocolate boxes.
Because Royce’ products are also sold in parts of Asia and the Middle East, many Muslim visitors naturally assume:
“If it is sold in Muslim countries, it must be Halal in Japan too.”
Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
This guide explains clearly which Royce’ Nama Chocolate options may be suitable for Muslims — and what you should check before purchasing.
Nama Chocolate literally means raw chocolate in Japanese, which is like a Ganache. It is the name of chocolate, not a product. The chocolate contains thick cream, and the texture is very soft and mild.
“Nama” means “fresh” or “raw” in Japanese. Nama Chocolate is a soft, ganache-style chocolate made with:
Fresh cream
Cocoa
A smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture
Traditionally, many Nama Chocolates contain:
Brandy
Champagne
Other liquors
These ingredients enhance flavor but make the product unsuitable for Muslims.
Credit: https://www.royce.com/
Important: Most Nama Chocolates Contain Alcohol
Many standard Royce’ Nama Chocolate varieties include liquor as part of the recipe.
There are also premium versions featuring:
Cognac
Champagne
Branded spirits
These are clearly not Halal.
So, checking the specific product label is essential.
Which Royce Nama Chocolate do not contain liquor?
As of the latest ingredient checks (information subject to change), the following varieties are labeled “Liquor Free”:
*Check just below the label, it says “Liquor Free” in white letter.
On the box, you can find the words:
“Liquor Free” written below the product name.
However, please note:
These products are not Halal-certified
The factory may use alcohol-based sanitizing or preservation methods
There may be a minor risk of cross-contamination
For some Muslims, this level of risk is acceptable. For others, only certified Halal products are considered safe. The decision depends on your personal standard.
Ingredients of Mild milkIngredients of Ghana Bitter
Where Can You Buy Royce’ Products?
Royce’ stores are commonly found in:
Major shopping malls in Hokkaido
Souvenir shops
Airport duty-free areas, especially at New Chitose Airport
Because the chocolate is extremely popular, there is sometimes:
A purchase limit per customer
Risk of sell-out at the airport
If you plan to buy in bulk, purchasing in the city before heading to the airport is recommended.
Storage and Bringing It Home
Nama Chocolate must be kept chilled:
Ideally below 10°C
Ice packs or cooler bags are usually available for a small fee
If you are traveling long-haul, consider transit time carefully.
