Bringing Great Taste and Good Health to the World! Discover Glico, One of Japan’s Leading Food Manufacturers

Glico has developed numerous long-standing bestsellers that have been enjoyed for generations.
Bisco, launched in 1933, began as sandwich biscuits with a yeast-containing cream filling and has since evolved to feature a cream filling containing lactic acid bacteria. It is enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults.
Pocky was launched in 1966 as the world’s first chocolate stick biscuit.
By introducing the novel concept of a chocolate snack that could be eaten without getting one’s hands dirty, Pocky became one of Japan’s best-known confectionery products.
Behind these products is Glico’s distinctive development philosophy, which places great importance on Creativity.
Glico has earned widespread support not only by creating products but also by proposing new food cultures and new ways to enjoy them.

One of Glico’s defining characteristics is the importance it has placed on health since its founding.
Beginning with Glico nutritious candy, the company continues to develop products centered on ‘Great Taste and Good Health’ as it works to achieve “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life” for people around the world.
The Almond Koka series offers a convenient way to consume vitamin E, dietary fiber, and calcium.
The SUNAO series offers ice cream, biscuits, foods, and other products that combine great taste with an appropriate carbohydrate intake,* earning support from health-conscious consumers.
The Mental Balance® Chocolate GABA series is another example of product development tailored to changing needs.
It contains GABA, which has been reported to help reduce temporary stress and improve sleep quality.

Glico also places considerable emphasis on its research and development system.
It pursues evidence-based ‘Great Taste and Good Health’ through three pillars: a research value-driven approach, an ingredient exploration-driven approach, and a food culture creation-driven approach.
In particular, the company has conducted research into intestinal microbiota and fermentation science for many years, applying its findings to products such as the BifiX Yogurt series.
Research into Lactobacillus helveticus GCL1815 has also shown that it may support immune function and help reduce cold symptoms.
Glico is also advancing future-oriented research, including studies of senescent cell removal technology using the Persian silk tree.
Another major appeal of Glico is that it continues to grow not simply as a food manufacturer but as “a company that scientifically explores health value.”

Glico products can be found in a wide variety of places throughout Japan, including convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines.
Products such as Papico, Cafe Ore, and Seventeen Ice have long been familiar parts of everyday life for people in Japan.
Many products are easy to purchase while traveling, offering visitors an opportunity to experience Japan’s everyday food culture.
Searching for regional exclusives and seasonal flavors is also part of the fun, and Glico’s products are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Glico offers regional exclusives as well as factory tour facilities.
Location-exclusive brands such as Bâton d’or, CARAMEL KITCHEN, and Glico ALMOND DAYS are especially popular.
At the three Glicopia factory tour facilities in Japan, located in Hyogo, Chiba, and Saitama, visitors can enjoy learning about how confectionery and ice cream are manufactured.
The opportunity not only to purchase products but also to experience Japanese confectionery culture and manufacturing traditions is another reason Glico continues to be loved by so many people.

Pocky is one of Glico’s best-known long-running brands.
The easy-to-eat and easy-to-share chocolate-coated biscuit sticks are also popular as souvenirs from Japan.
In addition to the classic chocolate flavor, there are many flavors associated with Japan, including matcha and strawberry.
Regional Pocky is available only in specific regions and is created to bring out the full flavor of carefully selected local ingredients, making it fun to search for while traveling.

Bisco, a classic sandwich biscuit with a cream filling containing lactic acid bacteria, is enjoyed by both children and adults throughout Japan.
It contains two types of lactic acid bacteria: GCL1815 and spore-forming lactic acid bacteria that reach the intestines alive.
Its gentle sweetness and easy-to-eat form make it perfect for a light snack. PRETZ, meanwhile, is a stick-shaped snack known for its crispy texture and the savory flavor of its ingredients.
It comes in numerous varieties, including the classic salad flavor and many regional flavors, and is a popular snack in Japan.
Glico also offers products suited to different lifestyles, including SUNAO, a brand that combines great taste with an appropriate carbohydrate intake.

Glico ice cream products, which are readily available at convenience stores and other retailers throughout Japan, should not be missed.
Papico is a long-selling product distinguished by its unique packaging, which allows it to be shared between two people.
Its smooth texture has made it popular with many consumers.
Aisu no Mi is a rich, bite-sized gelato with the concentrated natural flavor of its ingredients.
Its juicy, fruit-forward flavor and convenient bite-sized form are key attractions.
Another option is Giant Cone, which combines four elements-toppings, chocolate, ice cream, and a cone-to create changing flavors and textures.
These products offer a taste of Japan’s diverse ice cream culture.

Glico also offers numerous popular beverages.
Almond Koka is an almond milk beverage that is increasingly popular in Japan and is the country’s No. 1 brand by sales.
Glico is a pioneer in popularizing almonds in Japan.
Drawing on knowledge gained from approximately 70 years of almond research, the brand brings out the ingredients’ natural flavor and roasted aroma. It also contains a generous amountk ※1 of vitamin E, equivalent to one day’s recommended intake,※2 along with dietary fiber and calcium, offering a delicious and convenient way to consume nutrients. Particularly popular among health-conscious consumers, it can be enjoyed on its own, added to coffee, blended with protein powder, or used in cooking.

Cafe Ore is a classic milk beverage commonly found at convenience stores and supermarkets throughout Japan.
Its gentle sweetness and creamy milk flavor offer a nostalgic taste associated with Japan.

Bâton d’or is a premium stick-shaped confectionery brand made by slowly baking dough generously blended with butter, then coating it with clarified butter and sugar.
Its luxurious flavor and elegant packaging make it highly popular as a souvenir from Japan.
It is sold mainly at department stores and airports in western Japan, and its limited availability gives it an especially exclusive appeal.
The butter-rich pretzel type is distinguished by its deep buttery aroma and flavor.
The chocolate type features slowly baked pretzels coated in chocolate made according to Bâton d’or’s original recipe.
Seasonal flavors are also available.

CARAMEL KITCHEN is a sweets brand specializing in fresh caramel and is located inside the domestic terminal at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.
Part of its popularity comes from the lively experience of watching caramel being carefully cooked in copper pots inside the shop.
Made with an abundance of ingredients from Hokkaido and carefully cooked in copper pots in the shop’s kitchen, the caramel has a rich flavor and distinctly homemade quality. It has also become a popular souvenir from Hokkaido.

Built on the Glico Group’s many years of almond research, Glico ALMOND DAYS is “a hub for almond food culture” that explores and expands the potential of almonds by making the most of “the inherent power of ingredients.”
Its main offerings are drinks based on almond milk.
It serves freshly prepared items made with carefully selected plant-based ingredients and simple recipes designed to create deep, satisfying flavors.
The brand also offers baked goods that allow visitors to enjoy both the flavor and nutrition of almonds at tea time.
The shop is located near the Yaesu Underground Central Exit of Tokyo Station, inside Tokyo Okashi Land, making it easy to visit between sightseeing trips or business engagements.
Its sophisticated packaging design is another attraction.
CREAM FROZEN is a dessert drink that highlights its ingredients, featuring a frozen almond milk base generously topped with specially made almond milk cream.

Seventeen Ice is an ice cream brand sold exclusively through vending machines found at railway stations, tourist attractions, and other locations across Japan.
Its colorful vending machines have become a familiar part of Japan’s urban scenery.
Because the products are quick and easy to purchase, they are ideal for a break while traveling or sightseeing.
The brand also offers an accessible way to experience Japan’s distinctive vending machine culture.
The selection ranges from rich, creamy varieties to refreshing sherbet-style products.
Its popularity comes from its wide variety of flavors, products tailored to different age groups and seasons, and handheld ice creams that can be enjoyed easily anywhere.

You can also search for Seventeen Ice vending machine locations on the website below.

Glico Museum presents the ideas and aspirations of Ezaki Ri-ichi, the company’s founder, along with the history of Glico.
Displays include product packaging, advertisements, and promotional materials from the past through the present, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of Japanese confectionery culture.
Many nostalgic exhibits are also popular with Japanese visitors, including the famous Glico toys packaged with Glico nutritious candy and dioramas of past versions of the Dotonbori Glico Sign.
The museum is ideal for anyone interested in learning more about the brand’s history.
Advance reservations are required.

Glicopia KOBE in Hyogo and Glicopia EAST in Saitama are popular factory tour facilities where visitors can learn about Glico’s confectionery manufacturing.
Through tours and hands-on experiences, visitors can enjoy learning about the manufacturing processes for products such as Pocky and PRETZ.
In addition to viewing production lines up close, the facilities offer a wide variety of interactive content.
They are popular attractions for both children and adults.
Advance reservations are required, so check the official websites before visiting.

Glicopia CHIBA is a popular factory tour facility where visitors can observe the ice cream manufacturing process.
Factory tours and videos explain how popular ice cream products, including Papico, are made.
Another attraction is the opportunity to discover behind-the-scenes processes that are not normally visible, including the temperature control and manufacturing technology unique to ice cream production.
The facility offers a closer look at the ice cream culture enjoyed throughout Japan.
Advance reservations are also required here, so book before visiting.

A new product was developed from the idea of coating PRETZ with chocolate.
The challenge was that coating the entire PRETZ stick in chocolate would make people’s hands dirty when holding it.
The development team experimented with solutions, including coating the entire stick in chocolate and wrapping it in foil to keep hands clean.
Then one day, inspired by kushikatsu, deep-fried skewers, a member of the development team realized, “Maybe we do not need to coat the entire PRETZ stick in chocolate!”
This idea became the prototype for Pocky.

The Dotonbori Glico Sign in Osaka is one of Japan’s most iconic signs.
Featuring the Goal-in Mark-a runner crossing the finish line with both arms raised-the sign is also a highly popular photo spot for visitors.
When Glico’s founder was preparing to launch Glico nutritious candy, he considered not only the product itself but also a name and mark that would represent ‘Great Taste and Good Health.’ Around that time, he saw children racing toward a finish line and realized, “That is it!” This moment inspired the Goal-in Mark.
The sign is now known as a classic attraction to visit while in Osaka.

Glico is also famous for Glico toys, the small toys included with its confectionery. Ezaki Ri-ichi, the company’s founder, believed that “the two most important missions for children are eating and playing” and came up with the idea of combining the two. Glico nutritious candy was intended to help build healthy bodies, while the toys were intended to enrich children’s minds. This wish to support children inspired the creation of Glico nutritious candy with a toy.
The idea became popular as an entertaining feature for children and grew into an iconic example of Japan’s culture of including bonus items with food products.
Looking back at toy designs from different periods also reveals changes in everyday life and popular trends in Japan.