From Tokyo to Hokkaido: Unveiling the Stories Behind Pocky's Regional Flavors

Pocky, one of the most famous Japanese snacks, are crispy pretzel sticks with a chocolate coating, and various flavors can be found in Japan and overseas. This article will introduce Pocky’s delicious flavors and some interesting trivia as well.

What are Pocky Sticks?

Pocky, chocolate-covered pretzel sticks with an un-coated holding spot to keep your fingers from getting messy, has been on the market since 1966, sold by Ezaki Glico in Japan. The name “Pocky” came from the sound of the biscuit snapping lightly as you eat it.

You can easily find Pocky anywhere in Japan. It’s available in a variety of retail outlets such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores. The classic chocolate flavor stands out with the red package. One box contains two bags (about 30 sticks), and the two separate bags make it easy to share with your friends at home or at work.

Pocky Flavors: From Classic to Unique

As a “Chocolate snack for everyone to eat and be happy,” Pocky hit the market with a variety of flavors to satisfy the needs of customers and the times. Here are five well-known Pocky flavors.

1. Chocolate: Pretzels are baked to a light texture and coated with rich chocolate. The crunchy texture is delightful and creates a popping sensation. Enjoy the delicious harmony of chocolate and pretzel.

2. Extra Fine Chocolate: Chocolate coated pretzels baked to about 1/2 the thinness of classic Pocky. Enjoy the thin, light, crunchy texture as well as the rich chocolate taste.

3. Cacao: Bitter chocolate made with 60% Ecuadorian cacao is combined with whole-grain cocoa pretzels. Each bag contains dietary fiber and 367mg of cocoa polyphenols.

4. Strawberry: Whole wheat cocoa pretzels are topped with a double layer of strawberry cream filled with the pulp of ripe strawberries grown without the use of chemical fertilizers. Enjoy the sweet and sour taste of strawberries and the vitamin C and dietary fiber content.

5. Almond: Deep-roasted, coarsely ground almonds are coated in chocolate and combined with savory whole grain pretzels with almond praline. Enjoy the luxurious taste of almonds and milk chocolate, rich in vitamin E and dietary fiber.

Regional Pocky Flavors

The “Local Pocky” is made with special local products and is limited to specific regions. Share your Japanese travel memories with your friends and family through Pocky. It is 1.5 times larger (24 cm) than the usual package, attracting your interest, and the 13 individual bags inside are the perfect souvenirs with new and stylish looks!

1. Tokyo: Tokyo Amazake Flavor – Amazake made with rice and water produced in Tokyo and sake added for a mellow aromatic taste.

2. Seto Inland Sea: Setouchi Iyokan Flavor – Refreshingly fresh and juicy orange juice is used to create a sweet and tart flavor.

3. Fukuoka: Amaou Strawberry Flavor – Luxurious 8% sweet and sour strawberry pulp from strawberries grown in Fukuoka.

4. Kanazawa: Goroshima Kintoki – Traditional sweet potato known for its soft and sweet taste.

5. Yamagata: Sato Nishiki – Made from the red and glossy Sato Nishiki cherries, it has a delicious sweetness and gentle sourness.

6. Hokkaido: Yubari Melon – The rich and sweet taste of Yubari melon with a gentle aroma.

7. Nagano: Shinshu Grape – Rich sweet and sour grape flavor.

8. Kyoto: Uji Matcha – A harmony of aromatic and delicious matcha tea flavors.

Pocky Trivia!

Here are some interesting facts about Pocky! Get to know how to best eat Pocky and become an advanced eater!

1. Pocky & Pretz Day
Pocky and Pretz got the recognition from the Japan Anniversary Association on November 11, 1999, because “1” resembles the shape of a Pocky stick. Today, the recognition rate in Japan is over 90% (according to a Glico survey in 2017), and pop-up product shelves appear in supermarkets and convenience stores on that day. Students enjoy a small festival with friends at home or at school, having Pocky in hand and looking forward to the clock ticking to 11:11:11!!

2. Exquisite Taste Variations of Red Box Pocky
The standard Pocky chocolates have slightly different tastes because they are manufactured with particular care for each country or region where they are sold. For example, the chocolate portion of Pocky sold in the ASEAN region, where temperatures are higher, has ahigher melting point than the chocolate used in Japanese Pocky, so that it does not melt before reaching the customer. Can you notice the difference? It would be interesting to compare the different red box Pocky products!

Conclusion

Pocky is one of Japan's most popular snacks, with exquisite chocolate flavors that can be found in countries and regions all over the world. It is an indispensable everyday snack and a great party treat! The crunchy texture and snappy sound are addictive, leaving you craving more and more. Enjoy sharing Pocky with your friends and family and have a great time!