The Ultimate Guide To Pocky Flavors

Can you hear that satisfying crunch when biting into a Pocky stick? If you're a fan, you're well acquainted with this sweet snapping sound — and as it turns out, it's precisely how the candy got its name. In Japanese, pokkin-pokkin is an onomatopoeic word that describes a crackling noise, like biscuits breaking. Crunchiness isn't the only reason we love these candies. Pocky comes in many colorful and unique flavors that keep us coming back for more. 

Although the Japanese brand started in 1966 with just one flavor, chocolate, they've been expanding ever since. Available flavors vary by country, with the widest variety coming out of Japan — which is no surprise seeing how it's the epicenter of all things Pocky. There is a clear affinity for Pocky in Japanese culture, seeing as they even have a holiday to celebrate the snack. Pocky Day is on November 11, aptly chosen since the number of the month and day resemble the sticks — 11 and 11.

Currently, Glico, Pocky's parent company, features seven flavors in the U.S. market — but that doesn't mean you can't get your hands on more. There are top flavors you'll easily find in the Asian food aisle, candy stores, or online. But you'll have to dig a little deeper for more obscure ones. From classic and seasonal to foreign and hard-to-find varieties, these are some of the best flavors you should consider trying.

Chocolate is the original Pocky flavor, making it a great way to start a global candy craze. It's no wonder Pocky caught on with so many chocolate lovers in existence. The chocolate is perfectly balanced — not too sweet, not too bitter, but just right. Like other flavors, there's just enough cookie to hold so you don't get your hands full of chocolate — which is the very reason Pocky sticks are half-dipped.

Chocolate Pocky comes in the iconic red packaging, which we've come to associate with the brand itself. When scanning the candy aisle, these boxes jump out with their bright color and simplistic design. It's safe to say the chocolate flavor put Pocky on the map — first in Japan, but eventually worldwide. It's also one of the seven featured flavors in the U.S. The others include strawberry, banana, matcha, and cookies and cream.

Strawberry is another flavor you can find just about anywhere. These pretty pink Pocky are super creamy — like a strawberry milkshake on a stick. And if you're used to serving ice cream with a stirrer, try a strawberry Pocky instead.

Strawberry Pocky sticks go well with many desserts, whether chocolatey, creamy, or fruity. The brand also has Pocky-inspired recipes, including the Pocky strawberry cheesecake, which uses mashed-up sticks as the cookie crust. The Pocky strawberry cake is topped with a mound of fresh fruit and surrounded by several Pocky. It essentially looks like a strawberry fortress, one that we'd love to break into.

Bananas and chocolate are probably what a monkey's dreams are made of — or at least it's ours. This flavor is sold as either chocolate banana or simply banana, but the product is the same: Cocoa biscuits coated in sweet banana.

Since they're already creamy, bananas go exceptionally well with chocolate. Either flavor could stand on its own, but when combined, they only enhance one another. Glico describes this Pocky as having "that classic banana split taste," and we couldn't agree more. Luckily, they're one of the easiest flavors to find on the market. So if you're a fan of this combo, go bananas.

You couldn't have a Japanese candy brand without including a matcha flavor. Within Japan, matcha-flavored food is everywhere, including ice cream, donuts, Oreos, milk, and even Kit Kats. When mixed into sweets, matcha green tea loses most of its bitterness but still has that intensely herbal taste — which is exactly the case with matcha Pocky.

Matcha green tea is one of Pocky's featured products right now. You should have no trouble ordering it online or buying it in larger candy shops and Asian markets. But if you really love that matcha taste, know that the Glico company has produced more than one green tea-inspired flavor. The Pocky wagokoro matcha has a light green biscuit dipped in chocolate with green tea flakes. But good luck finding this one — it's only sold in Japan and is usually sold out online.

It's Pocky meets Oreo in this classic combo. The cocoa biscuit sticks are covered in what tastes like a creamy vanilla frosting speckled with cookie crumbs. With the cream portion on the outside, it's almost like an Oreo in reverse — and let's get real, the cream portion is everyone's favorite.

However, it's milder than the flavor of an actual Oreo, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Cookies and cream Pocky are lighter and more snackable. With convenient, easy-to-carry pouches, you can eat them on the go without leaving a trail of cookie crumbs behind you. But even if you don't leave a trail, this flavor isn't hard to find — it's the last of the top most widely available flavors on this list. 

Glico really crushed it with this flavor — no pun intended. What makes this flavor different from the original Pocky? For starters, it has pieces of crushed almonds mixed into the melted chocolate coating. The cookie already provides a sweet snap, but almonds have a crunchiness that is even more satisfying. So, the texture and flavor combination on this one makes for an excellent combination.

Almond Crush Pocky can be relatively easy to find if you find yourself wandering the aisles of your local Asian grocery stores. However, not everyone has access to those stores. So, it's worth trying your luck at Target, Walmart, or Amazon — each retailer tends to sell these delicious flavors online. If you're purchasing the snack in the U.S., you'll probably receive it in a golden-brown box resembling the sticks inside. However, we're more impressed with the Japanese packaging featured above — that box has almond crush Pocky bars set to a midnight blue background. 

Here, we have the reverse of chocolate-covered strawberries. What exactly does that look like? We're happy you asked. These cocoa-based biscuits are dipped in chunky strawberry cream. Glico advertises that there are "real strawberry bits" in the coating — and they actually do taste like the real thing. The Pocky sticks are naturally quite slim, but this chunky coating adds a bit more substance. So if you enjoy the standard strawberry, but want more out of each bite, try the crunchy version.  

This is the last of the seven flavors currently featured on the U.S. Pocky site, which means it'll be easier to locate. From here on out, you'll have to put in more effort to track down those beloved Pocky snacks. 

This one isn't so much a different flavor but a different shape. Also called Gokuboso in Japan, these Pocky sticks are much skinnier than the standard variety. Think less cookie, more chocolate flavor. Is that a good thing? That's really a matter of opinion. If you want to deliver chocolate to your mouth without a mess, these ultra-slim sticks are the answer. Plus, a skinnier size means a 2.47-ounce box can fit up to 50 bars, as opposed to the usual 36.

But beware: Less width means the ultra-thin biscuits break easily. So if you're getting this fragile food shipped, you've been warned.

Coconut is a food people either love or hate — but if you love it, you'll want to try these coconut chocolate biscuits. These sweet treats are covered with rich chocolate and shredded coconut.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to find this flavor year-round. And if you do, make sure to check the expiration date on the packaging. You see, the coconut chocolate Pocky returns seasonally, we're not entirely sure why. So, if you notice a slight revamp from year to year, don't be dissuaded. Pocky occasionally updates the name and packaging, but you'll still have the flavors of coconut and chocolate on one delicious stick.

As its name suggests, this seasonal favorite is released annually just in time for the holidays. And there's something about this limited edition that is well-suited to wintertime. As far as Pocky sticks go, this is the most decadent and elegant of the bunch. Its powdered exterior makes it feel like a truffle-covered cookie. The texture is so soft and fluffy that it melts in your mouth.

Glico is onto something with these seasonal items. Even though we'd love to see winter melty year-round, the exclusivity gives it an edge. We can't help but crave it even more and look forward to its yearly release. So when wintertime rolls around, get ready to order your lot. Stuff those stockings, enjoy them on movie night or curl up by the fireplace with a box.

Pocky must be busy during the holidays. Here, we have yet another seasonal edition, but this one gets less love than the winter melty. This flavor consists of the classic cookie dunked in a buttery caramel glaze.

It definitely has that salted caramel taste, giving it a savory-but-sweet quality. However, it's one of those flavors you can't fully enjoy until you know what it is. In a blind taste test, it might be off-putting. You might have trouble placing the rich dairy essence, is it burnt, or is it just butterscotch? But when you hear butter caramel, it all makes sense. Suddenly, your facial expression changes, and you realize it's actually delicious.

The Tasty line is like the delicacy of Pocky, but they aren't for everyone. Tasty flavors are targeted towards a Japanese audience and use whole wheat flour biscuits with fermented butter. The result is a creamier, tangier coating. It gives the Pocky a richer, butterier taste. But for some, it's just too much. 

Tasty chocolate butter is also a hard one to track down. If you love that fermented flare, Amazon or Tofu Cute might be the best bet. But since this flavor is straight from Japan, the packages are all in Japanese, and the translation of its name can vary. You can find this tasty snack under "Charred Milk Chocolate Covered Fermented Butter Pretzel Sticks" on Amazon and "Tasty Caramelised Butter" on Tofu Cute. 

This Pocky is double trouble, offering blueberry and raspberry flavors mixed together into a creamy glaze. The pretty purple hue sells itself and adds a colorful touch atop vanilla ice cream or cake. And an insider tip, it also functions as a delicious spoon in almost any type of yogurt.

So if you like a sweet but tart taste, you'll enjoy the double berry. However, you're unlikely to find this flavor in American stores since it's available in China and Hong Kong. Still, you might get lucky on some specialty sites like Tofu Cute, which also sells a reduced-price version for stock that's past its best-buy date.

Are you a fan of Girl Scout Thin Mints? Well, here they are in Pocky form. These chocolate biscuits are drizzled with creamy mint frosting. The coating is a cool blue-green color that evokes that minty fresh taste even before biting into it. And as you can imagine, the flavor and appearance also make excellent additions to other desserts. Use it to garnish your mint chip ice cream or as a stirrer in a delicious mint chocolate smoothie.

While the Choco Mint flavor doesn't appear on the U.S. Pocky site, it does pop up in many countrywide Google searches. So chances are, you'd find it in your local Asian market or online. A few retailers on Amazon carry choco mint, but unfortunately, it does sell out frequently.

If you want something super creamy that isn't milk chocolate, this flavor hits the spot. You've got a dream team with this trio of cookies, cream, and nuts. Think of a Hershey's White Creme with Whole Almonds Candy bar, then add a cookie. It's a smooth vanilla flavor with just the right amount of crunch.

Again, the featured flavors in China have won us over. And unfortunately, this product is not easy to find in the United States. You can check out those local Asian markets, but if you're struggling, online stores like Charms LOL or Yamibuy may have some in stock.

Blueberry yogurt is part of Pocky's Wholesome line. On the surface, this line doesn't seem all that different from other Pocky options. It still involves frosting on a sweet biscuit stick. So where exactly does the wholesome part come in?

As Glico puts it, the company "upgraded Pocky to a whole wheat biscuit stick" rather than solely wheat flour. Whole grains, along with yogurt and blueberries, are known to have substantial health benefits. While we do see some nutritional value, we can't help but wonder: How much healthier are they than traditional Pocky?

Let's look at the facts. In a 36-gram serving, the wholesome blueberry has 179 calories and 13.8 grams of sugar, while the original strawberry flavor has 150 calories and 10 grams of sugar in a 30-gram serving — not a huge difference. But when comparing the two, blueberry yogurt definitely has a more natural taste.

Chocolate almond is the second flavor in the Wholesome line. This name might sound familiar because Pocky's Almond Crush is very similar. In both these flavors, the main players are chocolate and — you guessed it — almonds. So what's the difference?

For one, Wholesome Pocky uses whole grains and oats in its cookies. And when compared to the standard almond crush, the wholesome chocolate almond has a noticeably thinner layer of goodies, so you're inevitably getting less sugar there. However, there are still refined grains in the biscuit and sugar in the frosting.

The takeaway here? Regardless of how it's marketed, the Wholesome Pocky is still candy — and we love it as such. So go ahead and indulge however you like. But opt for wholesome flavors if you want the taste of whole grains and lighter frosting.

Calling all chocolate lovers! If you can't get enough of a good thing, this Pocky is for you. You get a chocolate biscuit covered in smooth chocolate cream. And if that's still not enough, why not dip your extra-chocolatey Pocky in hot cocoa? 

Double chocolate sticks pack in that flavor, making them excellent ingredients in other dessert recipes. In animal-themed cakes, they make great spider legs or hedgehog quills. And if you want to spell out a cute catchphrase on a pastry, simply break apart the Pocky pieces. Really, if you like Pocky sticks and chocolate, you can't go wrong with this combo.

Unsurprisingly, Mango Pocky hails from Thailand, a country known for its tropical fruits. The flavor is reminiscent of mango yogurt — and as soon as you open the box, you'll notice the undeniably fruity smell. It's much sweeter and milkier than natural mango but still has a hint of tropical tartness.

But aside from taste, this flavor gets bonus points for presentation. The box pictures an orange elephant looking oh-so blissful while wrapping its trunk around two Pocky sticks. This is by far the cutest Pocky packaging we've seen yet. And although mango isn't on Glico's U.S. site, it's shockingly easy to buy through online retailers.

Life may not always be peaches and cream — unless you're biting into this flavor, Pocky. Peach cream tastes as close to the real thing as a cookie can, possibly because it's made with natural peach and milk powders. Overall, it encapsulates the flavor into cookie form well.

Peach cream is a featured flavor in China, which doesn't surprise us. In China, there are many funky flavors that aren't featured in the U.S., like cheesecake or chocolate and banana pudding. But in the U.S., we keep our Pocky game simple — and perhaps play it too safe. So for those wanting to try peach cream stateside, we've done the research. A few retailers, including Tofu Cute and Yamibuy, will ship it for a reasonable price. Isn't that just peachy?

Yubari King melon is a type of cantaloupe. This fruit comes from Yubari, a city on Hokkaido Island, Japan. Like regional wines, you can't have a true Yubari King melon unless it's grown here. And due to the exclusivity, this sought-after fruit can get quite expensive.

Yubari King is the top tier of Japanese melons. But you don't need to be familiar with this fruit to appreciate the flavor. Cantaloupe's creamy texture and honey flavor lends itself well to Pocky candy. You'll easily find this flavor in Japan, but it's trickier in the U.S. If you do, it'll have a much higher price tag.

Glico describes this Pocky as having a "tasty nutty aroma with real almond bits." Although it does have a strong nutty flavor, you can also taste chocolate, and we did notice cocoa mass in the ingredients. The Pocky brand loves the chocolate and almond combo, and we're not complaining.

Overall, nutty almond Pocky reminds us of nut butter but creamier. Imagine spreading almond butter over a sweet cracker. Except now, you have it on a convenient stick and can mix it with other desserts. If you really want to go nuts, try dipping it into a chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella.

Miyazaki Yuzu orange is the only citrus flavor on the list. Yuzu orange is a hybrid citrus fruit found in East Asian countries. It tastes like a mix between a lemon and mandarin, so expect this Pocky to be both sweet and sour.

However, Miyazaki Yuzu orange isn't just about taste. This Pocky hits all your senses, starting with the packaging. The bright Yuzu oranges are set to a light blue backdrop that gives off strong summer vibes. And when you open the bag, a sweet lemony scent immediately emerges. Getting your hands on Yuzu orange is no easy task, and Amazon and eBay might be your best bet. But this limited edition Pocky is selling out fast and is the hardest to find on this list. If you do snag one, pass it around to embrace Pocky's catchphrase, "Share happiness!"