Arare (あられ, which is named after graupel "snow pellets") is a type of bite-sized Japanese cracker made from glutinous rice and flavored with soy sauce.

Another, kaki no tane (柿の種), takes its name from its resemblance to a persimmon seed.

Japanese typically consume arare to celebrate Hinamatsuri, the "doll festival" held on 3 March.

The arare made during the festival are multicolored, in shades including pink, yellow, white, brown and light green.

[2] Regular arare can be bought throughout the year, but the colorful ones are only available around January to March in anticipation of Hinamatsuri.