Japanese and Korean chocolate snacks are popular with fans of anime, K-dramas, matcha and new flavour combinations. However, it can be tricky to work out exactly what you're buying online. A striking packet doesn't tell you much about the amount of chocolate, the size or the allergens.
If you're searching for Pocky biscuit sticks, Pepero chocolate sticks or other Asian sweets and snacks, it's worth avoiding three common pitfalls.
Japanese snacks and Korean snacks are sold in small portions, multipacks and boxes containing several sachets. So compare the net weight rather than just the number of packets. A box of nine small KitKat pieces can be handy for sharing, while a 32-gram bag is better suited to a single snacking moment.
Words like matcha, strawberry or almond give an indication of the flavour, but they don't tell you how much of the ingredient is actually present. For example, the Glico Pocky Peach Flavor states 10% peach powder in the product information. With other products, a fruit or tea flavour may come mainly from flavouring. So always check the ingredients list and any quantitative ingredient declaration.
Many biscuit sticks with chocolate contain wheat, milk and soya. Variants with almond or hazelnut have additional allergens. For products with a halal mention, such as some Lotte Pepero variants, it's wise to check the current packaging and certification information. Product information on a website can change; the physical packaging remains the definitive source.
For on-the-go, a lunchbox or a student room, packets of around 32 to 55 grams are practical. For a film night or party, a multipack can be more convenient. Also pay attention to how the product is packaged. The Lotte Pepero Choco Cookie Sticks (32 g) are individually wrapped according to the product description, making them easier to share.
Check whether a snack consists of:
The composition affects the texture. Puffed rice, for example, adds extra crunch, while a creamy coating can feel softer. The Lotte Pepero Crunky Cookie Sticks combine milk chocolate with puffed rice. The Lotte Pepero Snowy Almond contains white chocolate, almond and coconut according to the stated product information.
Nutritional values are usually given per 100 grams. This makes comparison possible, but a portion can be much smaller. In the available product information, the values for different chocolate snacks roughly range from about 474 to 566 kcal per 100 grams. This isn't advice on how much you should eat, but it is useful information when comparing products.
Always check:
Store chocolate snacks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. In warm conditions, chocolate can develop a white bloom or become softer. According to the product information for several items, this is a normal change caused by temperature and doesn't automatically mean the product is unsafe. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Why this fits the profile: A compact Korean snack for anyone who wants to try a classic chocolate stick first without buying a larger packet.
The net weight of 32 grams is clearly stated. The product description also mentions individually wrapped sticks for sharing and storing.
Crunchy biscuit sticks with chocolate; 32-gram product; according to the product information, made in South Korea.
Why this fits the profile: Ideal for fans of Japanese snacks who want to combine matcha and chocolate in a biscuit sandwich.
The product information states the combination of cocoa and matcha and lists wheat, milk and soya as points to note.
96-gram packet; two biscuits with a filling; clear matcha and chocolate direction.
Why this fits the profile: Handy for lunchboxes, parties or a tasting session where several fruity flavours are offered alongside chocolate.
The 45-gram size and the listed ingredients make the portion and the presence of wheat, milk and soya easy to check.
Pocky biscuit sticks in a 45-gram packet; strawberry flavour direction; suitable for eating straight from the packet.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
No. Both are biscuit sticks with a coating, but Pocky is a Japanese brand from Glico and Pepero is a Korean brand from Lotte. The coating, flavours, packaging and ingredients differ per variant.
The range includes, among others, Meiji Rich Chocolate Biscuit Sandwich Matcha Chocolate and Nestlé KitKat Wafer Bar Rich Matcha. For both, check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging. The presence of matcha doesn't automatically tell you how much matcha has been used.
Store them in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Seal the packet well after opening. In high temperatures, the coating can become soft or develop a white bloom. If the packaging is damaged or the best-before date has passed, always check the label and product information.