Pocky and Pretz Day: Let's Celebrate these Iconic Snacks!

Pocky and Pretz Day: Let's Celebrate these Iconic Snacks!

It's time to celebrate two of Japan’s most iconic snacks, as November 11th is Pocky & Pretz Day!

The 11/11 is the perfect day to honor these sweet and savory snacks, as their stick-shape look just like the number ‘1’!

The day first started in 1999, the eleventh year of the Japanese Heisei era (11/11/11).

To celebrate the day, we're hosting a Giant Pocky & Pretz Giveaway. Keep reading to find out more!

 

Pocky and Pretz Day is celebrated on 11/11 in Japan

 

While the day was created by major confectionery company, Ezaki Glico, it’s been certified by the Japan Anniversary Association.

Pretz and Pocky were first released over 50 years ago, in 1963 and 1966 respectively, and are arguably two of Japan’s most loved and well-known snacks.

 

Japan's iconic Pocky & Pretz

 

Pocky is a chocolate-covered biscuit stick. Part of the stick is left undipped, which means you can hold onto the innovative “handle” without getting sticky fingers!

Pretz was born out of the idea of pretzels (duh!), a popular snack in Germany.

Pocky's Weird and Wonderful Flavors

Pocky and Pretz are the ultimate Japanese omiyage or souvenirs! 

With so many varieties to choose from, it’s hard not to find a flavor that you, or your friends and family, will love!

Pocky comes in too many flavors to name, from chocolate, strawberry and almond, to seasonal flavors like honey and kiwifruit mango, to regional flavors like Hokkaido melon and Kobe wine.

 

Regional exclusive Pocky flavorsRegional exclusive Pocky flavors, produced by Glico

 

And, of course, there are many other unusual Japanese flavors like sweet potato, kurogoma (black sesame), milk, lychee, tomato and lots more!

 

Newly released Sweet Sake PockySweet Sake Pocky, limited to the Tokyo metro area

 

Pretz tends to feature more savory flavors, but that’s not to say you can’t satisfy your sweet tooth as well.

The classic flavors are simple but delicious - roast and salad (basically salt) - whereas more unusual flavors stretch to takoyaki (octopus balls), basil, apple, maple and other seemingly endless combinations!

 

Range of Pretz flavorsSampling the world cusines through Pretz

 

Isn’t It Known As Just Pocky Day?

Nope, we can confirm that it’s Pocky and Pretz Day!

 

Pretz sometimes feels forgotten in a sea of PockyRemember that it's Pocky and Pretz Day!

 

Although, one Japanese news site recently reported that 86% of Japanese people recognize November 11 as Pocky Day, rather than Pocky and Pretz Day!

Unfortunately, Pretz knows that this is what the public thinks...and feels as though they play a supporting role to the world-famous and real star of the show, Pocky. We love you too Pretz!

 

A Pretz packet looks forlornly into the windowA sad Pretz packet reflects on Pocky and Pretz Day

How Should You Celebrate Pocky Day?

Indulge in the nation’s much-loved sweet and savory snacks, of course!

All across Japan, school children will bring and exchange Pocky and Pretz at school on the 11th November.

You can play a fun party game, called the Pocky Game, with your friends to celebrate Pretz and Pocky Day.

Giant Pocky & Pretz Giveaway

Join our giveaway to celebrate Pocky & Pretz Day and get some of these iconic snacks to enjoy for yourself!

 

ZenPop's Giant Pocky and Pretz Day Giveaway

 

 

ZenPop’s Japanese Ramen + Sweets Pack

We love all sweet and savory snacks and include Pocky and Pretz in our food packs from time to time.

For the perfect mix of instant noodles, snacks and candies, check out or Ramen + Sweets Mix Pack.

December's Happy Holidays Pack includes

  • QTTA's Tomato Cream Ramen
  • Lotte Choco Pie - Basque Cheesecake
  • Tohato's Potato Rings - Consomme
  • KariKari Caramel Twists
  • PLUS more ramen and snacks!

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ZenPop's Japanese Ramen + Sweets Mix PackDecember's Happy Holidays Ramen + Sweets Mix Pack

 

Share your favorite flavor #zenpopjapan

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