Best Pocky Chocolate Snacks to Buy and Try in Japan
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Get to know Pocky Chocolate
Ezaki Glico introduced Pocky Chocolate in 1966 as the world's first stick-shaped chocolate snack. Pocky is a long, thin pretzel stick coated in high-quality chocolate, with an uncoated portion at the bottom making it easy to hold and eat. Since its launch, it has remained a beloved treat.
What's Japan's Pocky Day?
November 11 is officially recognized as "Pocky and Pretz Day" by the Japan Anniversary Association. The date was chosen because the snacksâ shape resembles the number "1," and each year, various campaigns are held to celebrate both Pocky and Pretz snacks.
Find your favorite Pocky Chocolate flavor
In Japan, Pocky comes in a wide range of flavors and sizes. Weâve picked four standout varieties, including the Giant Dream Pocky, the ultra-thin Pocky, and limited-edition flavors. Try them all to discover your favorite.
Giant Dream Pocky: Enjoy five flavors in one pack
The Giant Dream Pocky is a large-sized Pocky variety that offers five distinct flavors in one box: chocolate, strawberry, Uji matcha, Yubari melon, and Shinshu Kyoho Grape, each representing a different region of Japan. Each box comes with 20 individually wrapped Pocky, making it a great souvenir. You can find it in stores at Narita Airport.
Pocky Ultra Slim: Enjoy 50 thin chocolate sticks
Pocky Ultra Slim is the thinnest Pocky variation, with each stick half the thickness of the regular version. Despite being slimmer, each stick is generously coated with chocolate, ensuring a satisfying treat. Every box contains 50 sticks, making it perfect for sharing with friends.
Winter Pocky: These melt-in-the-mouth limited editions are seasonal staples
Winter Pocky are a seasonal favorite, and the cocoa version offers a rich blend of chocolate and cocoa powder. Each bite delivers a deep cocoa flavor that melts smoothly in your mouth, making it a must-try for chocolate lovers. Available only in winter, be sure to grab some if youâre visiting Japan during the colder months.
Dark Matcha Pocky: Savor the rich flavor of two matcha varieties
This seasonal Pocky offers a rich flavor made from a blend of two matcha green teas. The slight bitterness of the matcha in the baked pretzel enhances the matcha-flavored chocolate coating. Below, youâll find another matcha-flavored Pocky, which includes Uji matcha. Be sure to try both for a taste comparisonâyou wonât regret it.
Crunchy Strawberry Pocky: Indulge in the sweet yet sour strawberry flavor
The pulpy strawberry cream in this Pocky is double-dipped and paired with whole grain cocoa pretzels. The strawberries, hand-picked and grown without chemical fertilizers, are freeze-dried to maintain their authentic flavor. The result is a delightful combination of sweet and sour strawberry taste, packed with vitamin C and dietary fiber.
Explore Japan's regional Pocky Chocolates
Exclusive to Japan, each local Pocky flavor is inspired by the region itâs sold in, with charming packaging that highlights local imageryâmaking them perfect souvenirs. These boxes are 1.5 times larger than standard Pocky, so theyâre easy to spot. Inside, youâll find 15 individually wrapped sticks. Theyâre typically available at major regional train stations, large retail stores, airports, service areas, and roadside stations.
Tokyo Amazake Pocky
Amazake-flavored Pocky, made by a long-established sake brewery in Tokyo, is exclusively available in the Tokyo metropolitan area. This white chocolate Pocky boasts a delicate sweet sake aroma and flavor that melts in your mouth. The unique blend of amazake (sweet fermented rice drink known for its health benefits) with Pocky makes it a must-try for anyone seeking a distinctly Japanese souvenir.
Setouchi Iyokan Pocky
This Pocky, exclusive to Japan's Chugoku and Shikoku regions, is made with 17 percent juice from Ehime Prefecture-grown Iyokan oranges. Each stick is infused with the refreshing sweet and sour flavor of these oranges, making it perfect for citrus lovers. Its slightly softer texture is even more delicious when chilled in the fridge.
Amaou Strawberry Pocky
The Amaou Strawberry Pocky, available only in the Kyushu Region, contains 8 percent pulp from Amaou strawberries. This premium strawberry variety is renowned for its large, perfectly round shape and exceptional sweetness. The treat perfectly balances the rich sweetness of strawberries with a hint of acidity, allowing you to enjoy the delightful crispness of fresh strawberries.
Gorojima Kintoki Sweet Potato Pocky
Exclusive to the Hokuriku Region, this Pocky highlights the sweetness of Gorojima Kintoki, a local sweet potato variety. With 8 percent sweet potato, it boasts an elegant sweetness that pairs beautifully with the crunchy texture of Pocky.
Sato Nishiki Cherry Pocky
Exclusive to the Tohoku Region, Sato Nishiki Cherry Pocky is a beloved treat made with 6 percent cherry juice. These premium cherries, known as "the jewel of the orchard" or "the ruby that grows on trees," impart a sweet, fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with a creamy white chocolate base. It's a fantastic souvenir for families with young children.
Yubari Melon Pocky
The Hokkaido Prefecture-exclusive Yubari Melon Pocky is made with 26 percent of Yubari melon juice. The moment you open the box, the melon's delicate aroma fills the air, promising a truly authentic flavor. The granular texture adds to the enjoyment, making each bite even more satisfying.
Shinshu Kyoho Grape
The Shinshu Kyoho Grape Pocky, available only in Nagano Prefecture, is made with 10 percent local Kyoho grape juice. It has a rich flavor, enhanced by granules kneaded into the cream for added texture. Its rich yet refreshing taste leaves a lingering aftertaste.
Uji Matcha Green Tea Pocky
Exclusive to the Kinki Region, Uji Matcha Green Tea Pocky is a favorite thanks to its rich matcha cream made from high-quality tea leaves. Each stick is generously coated with matcha chocolate, delivering a deep flavor enhanced by unground green tea. This luxurious treat elegantly balances slightly sweet milk-flavored cream with the rich aroma of matcha.
Other stick-shaped treats similar to Pocky
Below, youâll find other popular stick-shaped chocolate snacks that are just as delicious as Pocky.
Bâton d'or: Glico's luxury Pocky available at specialty stores
Bâton d'Or, meaning "golden stick" in French, is the Louis Vuitton of the Pocky line-up. The classic Sugar Butter flavor has a rich, mellow taste made with generous amounts of melted and fermented butter. Other signature flavors include Japanese chestnut, pistachio and almond, white strawberry, black tea sugar, lemon sugar, walnut and raisin, matcha sugar, and maple cheese.
Each box contains 36 sticks divided into six bags. You can find specialty stores selling these treats in department stores and airports in Osaka (Hankyu Umeda, Takashimaya Osaka, Osaka International Airport), Kyoto (Takashimaya Kyoto), Kobe (Kobe Hankyu), and Fukuoka (Hakata Hankyu).
Meiji's Fran: A treat with melty whipped chocolate
Featuring the rich taste of melty whipped chocolate, Fran is a confectionery you'll want to savor with every bite. In addition to the Original Chocolat flavor, the bitter Double Chocolat variation is also popular. The thick chocolate coating melts delicately in your mouth, complementing the crispy, fragrant baked biscuit. You can find Fran in the candy aisle of supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores.
Lotte's Toppo: Chocolate-filled pretzel sticks
Toppo is a stick-shaped snack that features a pretzel filled with chocolate. With chocolate from end to end, you can enjoy it until the very last bite. Itâs a great choice for kids on excursions or outings, as thereâs no need to worry about messy hands. The bitter chocolate version is a hit with adults.
Bourbon's Elise: Crunchy, chocolate-coated treats
This popular treat features chocolate-coated crispy wafers with a light, crunchy texture. Available in chocolate and white chocolate varieties, each pack contains smaller portions of two sticks, making them perfect for sharing. You can find Elise in the confectionery aisles of supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores.
Pretz: Salty stick-shaped snacks
Refreshingly salty and irresistibly addictive, Pretz offers a simple way to enjoy the authentic taste of pretzels. The classic salad flavor is made with ten different vegetables and bouillon, while the lineup also includes options like Ripe Tomato and Aromatic Roast.
Thereâs even a Super Crunchy Pretz series featuring a thin, crunchy texture, as well as a milder series designed for children. You can find them in the candy aisle of supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores.
Discover your favorite Pocky
In this article, we explored Pocky, one of Japan's most beloved snacks. Beyond the classic varieties, you'll find an extensive range of regional and seasonal flavors, as well as premium and rare options available exclusively at specialty and airport stores. Buy Pocky and other popular Japanese snacks tax-free on WAmazing Shop. Simply collect your order from special lockers at designated airports and major train stations across Japan.
*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.
