Joybuy Insights

Pocky, Mikado and More: How to Choose the Right Biscuit Sticks

With their addictive crunch and indulgent coating, biscuit sticks have become the star of our sweet breaks. But behind the colourful packaging, the selection has become so vast that it's easy to make the wrong choice. Between a skimpy coating, disappointing flavours, and impractical packaging, you can be left feeling let down. Follow this guide to find the hidden gems that won't leave you wanting more.

The 3 Pitfalls to Avoid at the Supermarket

Before you fill your basket, keep an eye out to avoid these common traps that can spoil all the fun.

  1. The "ghost" coating: Some brands are particularly stingy with the coating layer. The result: a hopelessly dry biscuit where the promised flavour (chocolate, strawberry, etc.) is nowhere to be found. Don't trust the photo on the box, which is often far more generous than reality.
  2. The false promise of exotic flavours: Marketing for Asian snacks loves to highlight exciting flavours like matcha or yuzu. Unfortunately, the reality is often less glamorous, with artificial, chemical-tasting flavours that are sorely lacking in authenticity.
  3. Packaging that ruins everything: A large box without individual freshness packs might seem economical at first, but it's a false economy. Once the pack is opened, the sticks go soft in no time. This detail is crucial if you're the type to snack on them over several days.

Decoding the Label: The Tell-Tale Signs

To avoid buying blind, you just need to spot a few key pieces of information on the packaging. They speak volumes about the product's true quality.

The Coating and Its Ingredients

This is the crucial element. For an authentic taste, take a look at the ingredients list. The presence of cocoa powder, cocoa mass, strawberry powder, or matcha powder is an excellent sign. Conversely, steer clear of a simple mention of "flavourings". Brands like Pocky or Pepero excel in this area, with recipes ranging from classic milk chocolate to more elaborate coatings sprinkled with biscuit or almond pieces.

The Biscuit's Texture

When it comes to the biscuit, not all biscuit sticks are created equal. Some are very thin and crumbly, melting in your mouth with the coating. Others, like Mikado chocolate, rely on a denser biscuit with a satisfying snap. You can even find pretzel-inspired versions, like savoury sticks perfect for a savoury appetiser, with a completely different texture. Here, it's all a matter of personal taste.

The Packaging: The Detail That Changes Everything

The format has a direct impact on freshness and how you eat them.

  • Individual boxes (30-50g): Ideal for an on-the-go snack or for trying a new flavour without committing.
  • Multipacks with freshness sachets: The smart choice for families or for sharing at the office. Each sachet preserves the crunch and helps with portion control.
  • Large formats (over 100g): Best reserved for special occasions (birthdays, parties, etc.), otherwise you risk ending up with soft sticks.

Our Top Biscuit Stick Picks

To put theory into practice, here are our recommendations, each tailored to a different type of connoisseur.

IDEAL FOR: THOSE CURIOUS ABOUT AUTHENTIC FLAVOURS
Glico Pocky Biscuit Matcha Flavor 50g

Glico Pocky Biscuit Matcha Flavor 50g

Why we chose it: Perfect for an introduction to an iconic flavour of Asian confectionery. The green tea taste is present yet subtle, an excellent alternative to traditional chocolate.

How it avoids the pitfall

No low-quality artificial flavourings here. The recipe includes 10% matcha powder, guaranteeing an authentic flavour with that characteristic hint of bitterness.

Its strong point

The perfect balance between the sweetness of the coating and the vegetal notes of the tea, all on a thin, crisp biscuit.

IDEAL FOR: FANS OF THE GREAT CLASSICS
Mikado Chocolate Biscuit Sticks 39g

Mikado Chocolate Biscuit Sticks 39g

Why we chose it: You can't go wrong with this safe bet. Mikado is a major classic in Europe, a familiar and comforting go-to treat.

How it avoids the pitfall

No risk of a "ghost" coating here. The layer of milk chocolate is generous, and the recipe, tried and tested for years, never disappoints.

Its strong point

The iconic combination of an ultra-crispy biscuit and smooth, melting chocolate. A recipe that has more than proven its worth.

IDEAL FOR: SHARED SNACKS AND PARTIES
Glico Pocky Strawberry 8 Bags 93.6g

Glico Pocky Strawberry 8 Bags 93.6g

Why we chose it: This multipack format is perfect for birthday parties and get-togethers with friends. The strawberry flavour is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

How it avoids the pitfall

No more worrying about biscuits going soft! Thanks to the 8 freshness sachets, each portion stays perfectly crunchy, even days after opening the box.

Its strong point

Ultra-convenient packaging for portion control and guaranteed maximum freshness. Perfect for sharing without making a mess.

Want to Explore Other Flavours?

Discover our full selection of biscuit sticks that tick all the boxes in our guide.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Biscuit Sticks

How should I store my biscuit sticks?

Once the pack is opened (if it doesn't have individual sachets), the best practice is to transfer the sticks to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place away from light to keep them crunchy for as long as possible.

Pocky, Pepero, Mikado: What are the differences?

At first glance, they all look alike, but each brand has its own unique characteristics.

  • Pocky: This is the original, the Japanese pioneer from Glico since 1966. Its trademark? A huge range of flavours, from the most classic to the most outlandish.
  • Pepero: This is the South Korean answer from Lotte. The recipe is almost identical, but Pepero often focuses on more indulgent and textured coatings (almond pieces, cookie crumbs, etc.).
  • Mikado: This is simply the European name for Pocky, marketed by Mondelez under licence. The range is more conservative and focused on sure-fire hits (milk, dark, and white chocolate) to suit European tastes.

Can you find savoury appetiser sticks?

Of course! While sweet flavours dominate the market, the stick format also works perfectly in a savoury version. Pretzel sticks from the Alsace-based brand Ancel, for example, use the same principle of a thin, crunchy biscuit, but with salt. They are a perfect base for an appetiser, either for dipping in sauces or for snacking on their own.