Pocky is a popular Japanese snack made by Glico, consisting of a stick-shaped cookie covered in various toppings such as chocolate. It comes in different flavors and is popular among teenagers and fans of Japanese culture. It is sold in Asian supermarkets and convenience stores worldwide.
Pocky is a snack originally from Japan. Made by Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. – also known simply as “Glico”, a confectionary company in Osaka – it is one of Glico’s most popular products. Generally, the treat is shaped like a stick and made with a cookie similar to a pretzel. It comes in a multitude of flavors and is often covered in one or more toppings, such as chocolate. Most sought after in countries such as Japan, China and Thailand, it is also found in North America in Asian supermarkets and various convenience stores in the international aisle.
The English pronunciation of the treat rhymes with “hockey,” though it’s often spelled differently in America and around the world. Originally sold under the name “Chocoteck”, Pocky was first released in Japan in the 1960s. Shortly thereafter, the name was changed to its current moniker, a word that, when pronounced, mimics the sound your mouth makes while chewing on your snack. Today, the snack stick has a number of names around the world, including “Rocky” in Malaysia and “Mikado” in Europe.
Consumers often appreciate the slightly salty taste accompanied by the sweet coating. The first commercialized variety was covered in dark chocolate. Within a few years, almond and strawberry flavors were also being sold. Flavors have been coming and going for decades; some have been discontinued, while others are still marketed. Sweet milk flavor, dark and white chocolate, coconut and green tea are some of the popular flavors that exist. “Men’s Pocky” — which is dipped in bittersweet chocolate — is another popular version of the snack, known as the “mature” version.
While Pocky is eaten by all ages, it was first popularized by teenagers. In North America, Pocky often goes hand in hand with manga and anime – Japanese cartoons and comics. Fans of Japanese culture can often find Pocky at conventions and other places that sell Japanese media, such as book stores. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and department stores can also carry the snack. Bars in Japan often serve a snack accompanied by a glass of ice cold water.
Usually sold in a plain cardboard box, variations of the Japanese snack exist in different countries. Thai Pocky, for example, is also made by Glico, even if the taste is different from the original. It is also cheaper in Thailand than the Japanese made version is in Japan. While various flavors of chocolate-dipped pretzel sticks are available in North America, the Pocky consumed by most Americans is Japanese-made.
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