Toppo and More Snacks That Look Like Sticks

Japan is famous for its unique and delicious snacks, many of which are thin, stick-like treats. Snacks like Toppo, Pocky, Picola, and Pretz offer a fun and tasty way to enjoy biscuits with different flavors and textures. If you haven’t tried them, now is the perfect time to discover what makes them so special!

Toppo

Toppo is a delicious Japanese snack made by Lotte, first released in 1994. Unlike Pocky, which has its coating on the outside, Toppo is a hollow biscuit stick filled with rich chocolate or other flavors. Over the years, Lotte has introduced different flavors, such as matcha, strawberry, and even custard pudding. The name “Toppo” comes from the combination of “tall” and “noppo”, which translates to tall and thin.

The product was developed as part of Lotte’s effort to create a biscuit snack that wouldn’t leave chocolate residue on the fingers. This marketing angle made it popular among students and office workers looking for a mess-free treat. In addition, Lotte officially established Toppo Day on October 10th (10/10) because the numbers resemble two Toppo sticks standing upright. On this day, the company promotes special edition flavors!

Pocky

Pocky is one of Japan’s most famous snacks, created by Glico in 1966. The first version was simply a biscuit stick coated in chocolate, but later, Glico added more flavors like strawberry and almond. Pocky was designed to be a neat and easy-to-eat snack, leaving one end of the stick uncoated. The name “Pocky” comes from the Japanese onomatopoeia “pokkin,” which is the biscuit’s sound when you bite it.

Glico continues expanding Pocky’s variety, offering flavors like matcha, cookies, and cream and seasonal flavors like sakura. In Japan, there’s even a special day called “Pocky Day” on November 11th because the sticks resemble the numbers “11/11.” Pocky is often shared with friends or given as a gift, making it a fun and social snack. It has also been featured in anime and pop culture, increasing its popularity.

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Picola

Picola is a light, crispy rolled wafer snack made by Yamazaki Biscuit Company (YBC). It was introduced in Japan as a fun alternative to traditional biscuit snacks. Picola features a delicate spiral pattern and is filled with a creamy center. The original flavors included chocolate and vanilla; fruit flavors like strawberry were added later. Because of its elegant look and airy texture, Picola is often enjoyed as a fancy yet simple treat.

It differs from other stick snacks because of its flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It pairs well with tea or coffee, making it popular for a light snack break. Many Japanese people associate Picola with childhood memories, as it has been a staple snack for decades. YBC has continued to create new flavors and even special holiday editions to keep the brand exciting.

Pretz

Pretz is another popular snack from Glico, first introduced in 1963, three years before Pocky. Unlike Pocky, Pretz is a savory biscuit stick inspired by the German pretzel. The original flavor was a lightly salted biscuit, but Glico quickly expanded the lineup to include flavors like tomato, butter, and spicy curry. Because of its crunchy texture and satisfying taste, Pretz became a go-to snack for people looking for something less sweet.

One of the most interesting things about Pretz is its wide variety of regional flavors. In different parts of Japan, special editions like takoyaki (octopus ball) in Osaka or Hokkaido butter are found in the northern region. This makes Pretz a popular souvenir snack for travelers. The sticks are thinner than traditional pretzels but have a similar crunch, making them a fun and easy-to-eat treat. Today, Pretz remains one of Glico’s best-selling products.

Why should I give snacks like Toppo a try?

One of the best reasons to try these snacks is their variety of flavors. From classic chocolate and strawberry to unique options like matcha, almond, and even regional specialties, there is always something new to taste! Many of these snacks also come in seasonal or limited-edition flavors. Whether you love sweet, creamy treats or prefer something savory, you can find a flavor that matches your taste!

Another great reason to try these snacks is their convenience. Each snack is designed to be easy to eat without making a mess, perfect for on-the-go snacking. These biscuit sticks fit easily in your bag, whether at school, work, or traveling.

Their design makes them great for sharing with friends or enjoying as a light treat with coffee or tea. These snacks are a great addition to any snack collection with their flavors and portability. Have you tried any of these snacks before? Which one do you like the best? Let us know in the comments below!