The Ultimate Guide to Pretz: Japan’s Savory Snack Sticks

Discover the delicious world of Pretz, Japan's beloved snack sticks that pack a savory punch. Initially launched in Japan in 1962, this snack is a crispy treat modeled after German pretzels. Available in a wide range of flavors, varying from sweet to savory, Pretz sticks have become a top choice for consumers in Japan and around the world.

Learn more about this tasty snack from Glico below, including top flavors, the history of this snack, and where to find tasty Pretz flavors.

You can also find additional, authentic Japanese snacks (like Pretz!) in each Japan Crate delivery. This monthly subscription includes 15-17 full sized sweet and savory treats that simultaneously allow you to indulge in Japanese culture and exciting flavors and textures.

What Are Pretz?

As mentioned, Pretz originated in 1962 in Japan. This snack was crafted as an offering from Glico, a large food processing company. Glico is behind popular snacks like Caplico and Pocky. Inspired by German pretzels, this snack provides a crispy texture and bold flavor.

These Glico Pretz biscuit sticks are available in savory and sweet flavors, such as cheddar cheese, sweet corn, and butter popcorn. Since they have a similar biscuit stick appearance, they're often confused with Pocky. Though the same company produces these two snacks, they each offer unique tastes and characteristics.

Though the ingredients vary slightly depending on a particular flavor, most Pretz offerings are created from vegetable oil shortening (made with palm oil), palm kernel oil, whole wheat flour, whey powder, yeast extract, silicon dioxide, malic acid, and monosodium glutamate, and flavorings. Other ingredients that may appear in Pretz are citric acid (in flavors like Sour Cream and Onion Pretz), dried cheese, corn starch, and tomato paste.

The History of Glico Pretz

While Glico is credited with producing beloved products like Pretz and Pocky, this snack company has been around for more than 100 years. In the early 1900s, Mr. Ri-ichi Ezaki, Glico's founder, discovered oyster broth contained glycogen, a type of glucose that had previously helped his son recover from typhus. After this discovery, Mr. Ri-ichi Ezaki began crafting snacks containing glycogen as a method for spreading its health benefits to the world. The first product launched was Glico Caramel, a nutritious candy containing Glico. From there, Glico began releasing additional nutritious snacks, including biscuits, caramel almonds, chocolate, etc.

As far as the Glico Pretz snack, it began with a much different intention. This delicious snack was meant to be a savory, crispy offering to be consumed with beer. Unfortunately, Pretz Sticks were not initially a success. Because of this, the snack flavors were shifted to be sweet instead of savory with the first sweet flavor of "Butter Flavored". This change led to success among a different crowd - children. Once the flavor of Pretz shifted, the delicious snack began garnering attention from consumers.

The addictive flavors of the snack helped create fans of all ages. During the 80s, Glico shifted their marketing tactics for Pretz, with a focus on the crispy sound made by snacking on the biscuit sticks. In the 90s, Pretz began offering flavors inspired by local ingredients and foods, such as the Hakata Mentaiko Flavor, which drew in additional customers. With seasonal and regional flavors available, Pretz has grown to become one of Japan's favorite snack-time treats. In recent years, Glico Pretz has collaborated with video games, anime, and even Japanese baseball teams to drum up additional fans.

Over the years, Pretz has also launched in other locations, including Hong Kong, Thailand, and Hawaii. In these locations, Pretz snacks feature local and regional flavors, which ultimately create a more enticing treat for residents. The addition of unique, local flavors and the marketing tactics employed through the years have turned this snack into a globally loved treat.

Exploring Popular Pretz Flavors

One of the most exciting characteristics of Glico Pretz is the numerous Pretz flavor offerings. While the snack focuses on savory tastes, it also features fun sweet options. Below are a few of the most popular Pretz flavors, from classic to zesty.

Pretz Pizza

Pretz Pizza is a highly popular offering that tastes just like a slice of fresh pizza. This delicious flavor features notes of tomato sauce, cheese, and hot sauce. The combination of these tastes provides a unique experience for consumers, as it satisfies cravings for pizza without the messiness of an actual pizza.

Tomato Pretz

Another unique offering from Glico is the Tomato Pretz, which features the taste of juicy, ripe tomatoes. Each bite of Pretz Ripe Tomato sticks provides a delightful vegetable taste that's perfect for satisfying savory snack cravings.

Salad Pretz

One of Glico's most unexpected offerings is Salad Pretz, a flavor that tastes similar to a seasoned vegetable salad. It provides a delicious umami taste that has hooked customers for years.

Salty Lemon Pretz

This limited-edition flavor pairs tangy lemon with salt, creating the ultimate summery snack. Salty Lemon Pretz is ideally paired with a cold drink for a refreshing snack.

Pretz vs. Pocky: What's the Difference?

Often confused with each other, Pretz sticks and Pocky snack sticks are two similarly shaped snacks from Glico which offer vastly different experiences. Though they're both stick shaped, they have multiple differences which distinguish the snacks from each other. The first significant difference is the flavor offerings. Pretz typically centers on savory flavors (though sweet options are available), while Pocky usually focuses on sweet tastes.

Additionally, Pretz features a savory biscuit stick that's tossed in a seasoning blend. In comparison, Pocky is crafted with a sweet biscuit that's dipped in flavored chocolate and occasionally includes cookie or nut bits as toppings. Pocky also only features flavoring on a section of the biscuit, whereas all of the Pretz sticks are covered in flavorings.

While Pocky is generally sweet in flavor, there is an exception - Pizza Pocky. This hard to find snack was a part of a savory Pocky line offered by Glico. It featured a cheesy, pizza flavoring on each biscuit stick. This Pocky flavor helped bridge the gap between Pocky and Pretz. However, all of the currently available Pocky flavors are sweet.

The Allure of Pretz Pizza Flavor

One of the most beloved Pretz flavors is Pretz Pizza. It's easy to see why fans of the snack flock to this flavor. It's reminiscent of a slice of pizza, but easier and more convenient to enjoy while on the go. Additionally, this Pretz flavor features a delightfully cheesy, herby, tomato taste which makes it irresistible. Each pizza flavored Pretz also includes a hint of heat, which is meant to mimic the taste of hot sauce or crushed red pepper that's often added to pizza.

Many Pretz flavors focus on simple ingredients, seasonal flavors, and local food items (such as gyoza). However, the pizza flavor provides a more complex taste that intrigues many consumers. With the signature crispy, crunchy texture of Glico sticks and a bold pizza flavor in each bite, it's no wonder Pretz lovers often opt for this flavor.

Where to Buy Pretz

Wondering where to buy Pretz? This delicious snack is a common offering in Japan, appearing at locations such as conbini (convenience stores), supermarkets, drugstores, Don Quixote discount shops, department stores, train stations, and even larger airports.

The growing interest in Japanese snacks and cuisine is making it easier to find snacks, like Pretz, outside of Japan. With the option to purchase Pretz online and in local Asian markets, consumers outside of Japan have an easier time finding this delicious snack. Additionally, monthly Japanese snack subscriptions like Japan Crate have made the ability to indulge in authentic snacks, like Pretz sticks, easier.

Why Pretz Should Be Your Go-To Snack

Multiple characteristics of Pretz sticks make them the perfect snack. For one, Pretz is a convenient snack that's relatively mess-free. With no sauce or brightly-colored seasonings, it's easy to enjoy Pretz biscuit sticks on the go.

Additionally, the wide range of flavors ensure you can find at least one option that appeals to everyone in your household. With individual packs of Pretz available, they're an easy treat to bring to parties, gatherings, or even work/school lunch. They're also fun to experiment with in the kitchen due to the many flavor options. They can be incorporated into meatballs, dipped into sauces, incorporated into jalapeño poppers, and more!

Pretz in Japan Crate

Each month, Japan Crate subscribers receive a themed box packed to the brim with authentic Japanese snacks. These treats include an array of sweet and savory offerings, from Pretz to Pocky, Japanese Kit Kats, and more. With a variety of treats ranging from traditional to inventive, this monthly snack box allows subscribers to experience Japan's cuisine and culture from the comfort of their homes.

In addition to delightful treats, these snack crates include a collectible item that aligns with the theme, offering additional insight into Japan's rich culture. Monthly prizes, games, and competitions are also interwoven into each Japan Crate, creating a unique, exciting experience for subscribers.

Conclusion

With the convenience of Pretz, the mess-free eating experience, and the delightfully bold tastes in every bite, these crispy treats are a must-try for any Japanese snack enthusiast. The many flavors of Pretz makes them an appealing goodie for snackers of any age. With exciting flavors like wasabi, coriander, and butter soy sauce, there's a Pretz that matches any taste preference. Try their sweet and savory flavor offerings, you may uncover new favorites!

Subscribe to Japan Crate to gain access to delicious, authentic Japanese snacks like Pretz sticks! With unique snacks and treats in each box, every delivery will feel like a special occasion. For even more delicious Japanese offerings, visit Sugoi Mart's Snack Collection, which includes additional Pretz flavors, alongside sweet and savory Japanese snack options.

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