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These sort of products are the most commonly asked for when it comes to reader requests, so I asked my pal Pete at J-list if he would send me a variety of the most popular flavours they are selling at the moment. As ever I with 'Bits n Bobs' posts I will try keep the words short and let the photographs and scoring charts do most of the informing. Your thoughts are always very welcome.
Glico Pocky Caramel Milk
Kcal 165 Fat 8.1g Carbs 21.0g (32.0g pack)
I thought it best I start off with the originators of the biscuit stick format - Glico's Pocky. A few months ago I did a pretty thorough Pocky Superpost looking at the tablestake flavours in the range (See HERE). At that time one of the flavours I wasn't able to get hold of were these Pocky Caramel Milk, which are another of the common bestsellers on J-List.
These Pocky came in a 32.0g single pack and were attractive both aesthetically and sensually registering a pleasant set of toffee and biscuit smells. When it came to the taste the caramel element wasn't the strongest influence ever, but there were minor suggestions of burnt sugar detectable amongst the predominantly sweet dairy focused white chocolate flavours. The thin shortbread sticks were as ever a good match for the coating, and as annoyingly moreish as ever. It was more of the same from Pocky here - great taste, but frustratingly unfulfilling.
8.0 out of 10
Nabisco Picola Green Tea
Kcal 141 Fat 5.1g Carbs 22.2g (29.4g pack)
I'm not 100.0% sure as to whether these are a totally new product from Nabisco, or just a product that J-List have started stocking in the last few weeks!? Suffice to say since they started appearing on the J-List website several readers have been in contact asking me to review these Nabisco Picola. Today I got the chance to sample their Green Tea flavour, which came in two packs containing 6 wafer pieces in each.
Had you told me I would be reviewing a green tea flavoured chocolate product a year ago I probably would have been shocked, but having eaten my fair share this year I'm almost starting to see it as a norm. Compared to Pocky, Picola are more of a European offering in that they comprise of wafer exteriors with flavoured inner coatings. Aesthetically they didn't look as impressive with the fillings hidden from eye, but when it came to the taste they were just as decent. Fundamentally they suffered from being every bit as unsubstantial, though the wafers were just as moreish with biscuity, honeycomb noted flavours. The inner coating was similarly delicious, and had creamy sweetness that took the partial bitterness off the herby, grassy flavours of the green tea. These were very nice and one of the better green tea flavoured products I have reviewed. I would recommend them as a decent alternative for Pocky lovers.
7.5 out of 10
Lotte Toppo Winter White Chocolate
Kcal 232 Fat 13.7g Carbs 24.8g (42.0g Pack)
You will have seen in my previous Toppo reviews that I have enjoyed other offerings from this brand before, so it was with great excitement that I received this Winter White Chocolate variant. As you can see from the package size (2 x 42.0g packs) and nutritional information, Toppo are a more indulgent, substantial biscuit stick product. The packaging and presentation did a good job of substantiating this with some attractive and tempting on-pack visuals and smells emanating from the packets upon their opening.
In terms of size, Toppo are longer and far thicker than Pocky sticks. The bamboo look alike biscuit outer portions were consistent from previous experiences in that they were buttery and brown sugar noted in taste - very nice. I was somewhat wary that the pairing of them with a sweet white chocolate filling might not work out, but I was pleased to find that the centre portion of the biscuits were more notable for their double cream, evaporated milk like taste than their sugar centric flavours. A single pack was vastly more fulfilling than the other two options showcased today, though this was always going to be the case given the size and weighting of each pack. Out of all three it would be the product I would recommend the most - where do you think your preferences would lie?
8.3 out of 10
Posts
34 comments:
I hadn't even entertained the thought of buying presents from Jlist but now I've seen this I remember that my sis has been desperate to try some Pocky.
Do they do like a pocky sampling kit on Jlist? I have tried searching the site but they dont look like they have one. That would have been such a good idea.
Two bits n bobs in one week? I honestly don't know how you can try so many different things and review them? You must have hired your own little army of people to help you out with all this.
It's always great seeing these things from Japan. I just wish they were easier to get a hold of.
The white chocolate toppo sound immense. Defo the ones I would like out of these three I think. My mind still isnt tuned in to the whole green tea thing. I tried green tea once to see what all the fuss was about and I think I managed like two sips lol.
The Picola look like something made by Ferrero not from Japan. I get what you mean about them being more western influenced rather than the Japanese things like the other two.
I wouldn't have chosen to try the green tea flavour picola. I think they also do a strawberry flavour, lol they would be more suitable for me.
Thanks for the Bits and Bobs posts again Jim. I like them the best of all the ones you do because there is always more chance there might be something I like :)
I'm surprised that you haven't rated Pocky the best out of these three. I would have thought the originals would have been the best :) Lotte must have stolen their idea and made it better lol.
You have to watch out when buying Pocky. If you look at some of the prices you have to pay online for it you sometimes get ripped off by people flogging small boxes for loads of money. I found this out the hard way on ebay :( I ended up paying over a fiver for a small box of milk chocolate ones. I could have just bought mikado :(
CHANGE THE SCORES!!! POCKY BEATS EVERYTHING! =>
Thanks for another nice BandB post! :)
Not sure any of these really appeal to me. They just all seem a bit too normal to me. ;-) Would have thought that maybe the Toppo would have some special winter spices in them, but from how it reads, they are just a decent white chocolate flavour.
Though loving to drink all kinds of green tea, I have yet to find a confectionary product with green tea which I really like. But I do like giving any I find a try. So out of the three things in your post today, I would go for the green tea Picola if I had the choice.
Why is it my natural reaction to think 'awwwwwwww pocky' anytime I see them lol???? I don't know why but I have a real soft spot for anything bearing the pocky name. I dont dare contemplate ever cheating on them with substitutes like the other two.
I do however like the sound of those white choco ones. They look very yummy.
Rxxx
Jim if you ever have any Pocky left over or need a second person to give their opinion you can always send me some to try you know ;)
I'm known by my friends for being a bit of a mikado lover. Lol I went through a phase where I would eat one of the big packets everyday with my lunch lol. I know that sounds excessive, Ive stopped my ways now.
Oh yes I do like the look of the caramel pocky. Im still not getting the whole green tea flavoured stuff though Jim. To me green tea is one of those things that you dont drink for enjoyment but just for the health benefits. In all other circumstances it should just be avoided at all costs. Its so bitter tasting ack.
When it came to the taste the caramel element wasn't the strongest influence ever, but there were minor suggestions of burnt sugar detectable amongst the predominantly sweet dairy focused white chocolate flavours
If they dont taste of caramel much doesnt that defeat the point of them a little?
The bamboo look alike biscuit outer portions were consistent from previous experiences in that they were buttery and brown sugar noted in taste - very nice. I was somewhat wary that the pairing of them with a sweet white chocolate filling might not work out, but I was pleased to find that the centre portion of the biscuits were more notable for their double cream, evaporated milk like taste than their sugar centric flavours.
These sound yummy to the extreme. Defo the type I would try out of these three.
WHHHHHHAT! How can you write this stuff Jim? My PRECIOUS pocky defeated by Toppo? This is pure filth lol.
Lol before you take me seriosuly Im just joking around. I can see why you think pocky are annoying because they aren't satisfying for a hungry belly. I just solve that problem by buying pocky in big amounts lol. Trust me it solves the problem :P
I've tried something that looked very much like the Lotte Toppo, except it was with milk chocolate with hazelnut paste. And I thought it was awful. The filling was decent, but the outer biscuit was horrible. I certainly won't be rushing to try anything similar any time soon.
If I put an order on that website today will it arrive in NI before christmas? Please help they wont respond to me on twitter.
@SakuWER
Cool reviews Jim thanks so much. I think it would have been a fairer test if you tried all three trying the same flavour. It would be a cool review in the future to see how you rate all three's main milk chocolate ones. Now that would be the ultimate test of them. Thanks and have a nice weekend.
Jim if you are genuinely starting to think that Green Tea flavoured chocolates are 'normal' then you need to start thinking about your diet mate. I cant even imagine ever trying one to be honest, I certainly wouldn't be seen dead buying one, its just too weird for me.
Thanks Jim its always so fabulous seeing what you have to say about anything pocky related. Unfortunately im one of those people who has only ever been able to try the mikado sticks we get and haven't yet bought any pocky flsvours to try. Its probably a bit too late to put them on my xmas list now :( Oh well its my bday in Feb so I will ask for some then.
Woooop wooop bits and bobs two in three days. You are spoiling us already and it isnt even xmas yet Jim :) I could wander on your site for days just looking at the photos and contemplating what all these crazy snacks must taste of.
If I was judging things by the pics today I think the toppo look best. There is something about them that looks more substantial than the other two. I think its the thickness of them.
@Nick if you look on E-BAY there are a few random sellers that sell Pocky in groups of four. I think Jim said before that is where he buys his sometimes.
1st time commenter so been kind on me please.
I just had to say that I love Pocky. I first came across it a few years ago when they didn't have so many flavours. Since then the market has seen so many new people come in and pocky have made like hundreds of different ones. I wish I lived out there so I could try them all. Thanks for making a great website.
Good reviews. Im more interested in the kit kats they have in japan rather than these pocky things. I just think they are all too similar tbh. I used to buy flavours in all the time but one day I just realised they were all starting to taste the same. I think I had these caramel ones once, you can tell I couldnt have been that impressed by them.
Ewww yuck green tea anything isnt making its way anywhere near my mouth.
Heres a random question for someone to answer me :) Why do the Japanese never make anything mint flavoured?
When I saw the green packet for those Picola things I naturally assumed they were mint, but they were green tea. This got me thinking about the last time I saw something minty on jlist or here. I cant find a single review of a mint chocolate at all from japan. Do they not like it or something?
I can do without the green tea ones but the other two look scrummy. I've always wanted to try some more pocky flavours but I never get around to actually ordering some.
Can you suggest anywhere that sells them in the UK or anything?
Ive said it once and i will say it again
POCKY > ALL
I have to be honest I would always choose pocky over any of the copies just because I know the name more.
Now you have told me that the toppo are better I might consider trying them, but I still think it would be pocky all the way if I was going to the expense of buying from jlist. Its hard swapping to something you dont know you will like if you have to pay a lot of money for it.
I've seen the caramel milk pocky available at a few import stores. Looks like I'll be picking up a box. Great review, Jim!
I still dont get the fascination people have with all of these biscuit things. I have tried mikado a few times before and thought they were ok. I would never be one to obsess over any new flavours that come out though. Thats just stupid for what they are.
Yay, 2 BnBs in one week and Hotel Chocolat nearly every other day, you really are spoiling us in the lead up to Christmas! (Either that or you've so many reviews to get through before Christmas, you're lumping some together ;))
I find it hard to decide which of these biscuits I'd prefer trying as they all have something that appeals to me but I guess the Toppos win out, just, for substance. What I'd like would be for these Pocky type companies to provide selection packs which contain, say, 12 or so sticks, each one a different flavour. It would certainly make buying them in less risky as there's so many flavours to possibly choose from without having a clue what to expect from them. Then once you've got an idea of which ones are nice, you can buy the proper packs. Thanks for the review.
Oi I thought we were getting a Heavenly cakes review soon? You have been promising them for a week now.
Hi All,
You guys seem to like the Bits and Bobs posts so I am more than happy to keep doing them. As and when you say stop ... I will :D
Nick - Re: Do they do like a pocky sampling kit on Jlist? I have tried searching the site but they dont look like they have one. That would have been such a good idea
Short and sweet answer is ...no they dont. Yes it would have been a great idea for them to have done I agree.
Golden - Re: Two bits n bobs in one week? I honestly don't know how you can try so many different things and review them? You must have hired your own little army of people to help you out with all this.
Haha that is one way to describe it. Dont forget I have been putting all these reviews together for months now.
David / Tim / Emma / Mark - Re: Green Tea Chocolates
Like I said in the review its getting to a place where I now feel like it isnt unsual to eat a green tea chocolate :D Crazy huh!? It seems so common in Japan now and I have tried so many.
Kim / Katie / Robert / Colin - Re: Toppo
The concept is the same as Pocky but the products are pretty different. I think its good there is a bit of competition, I assume that Toppo is probably Pockys biggest one in Japan.
Ian - Re: If you look at some of the prices you have to pay online for it you sometimes get ripped off by people flogging small boxes for loads of money
Ahhh damn. That can be a problem buying online you are right. Just take ultra care when looking at exactly what you are buying.
Anon - Re: CHANGE THE SCORES!!! POCKY BEATS EVERYTHING!
hmmmm no :D
Anne - Re: Your Comment
Thanks so much for the nice words about the posts :D I like your attitude when it comes to these green tea flavoured things. Just because you try one and not like it, it doesn't mean that other brands and companies might not be a bit better. After all, its not like all milk chocolate products taste the same is it!
Fiona - Re: Jim if you ever have any Pocky left over or need a second person to give their opinion you can always send me some to try you know ;)
Dont worry i will bear you in mind with the other 500 or so other people that have said this :D
Mike - Re: I can see why you think pocky are annoying because they aren't satisfying for a hungry belly. I just solve that problem by buying pocky in big amounts lol. Trust me it solves the problem :P
You must have very deep pockets chap :D Pocky isn't cheap for us lot to get hold of is it.
Ana - RE: Your Comment
Oh no. If you ever remember what they were called be sure to let us know so we can avoid them.
Anon - Re: If I put an order on that website today will it arrive in NI before christmas? Please help they wont respond to me on twitter.
Try sending them an e-mail. I don't want to be held respinsible for what they are sending out so I wont answer that directly sorry.
Andrew - RE: It would be a cool review in the future to see how you rate all three's main milk chocolate ones.
I have already done this for Pocky and Toppo. I will try get hold of some milk chocolate Picola to complete the set so you can compare.
Lauren - Re: Unfortunately im one of those people who has only ever been able to try the mikado sticks we get and haven't yet bought any pocky flsvours to try.
Well if you like Mikado you will feel right at home with Pocky. I would suggest they are well worth you trying.
David - RE: if you look on E-BAY there are a few random sellers that sell Pocky in groups of four. I think Jim said before that is where he buys his sometimes.
Good spot. I can't claim credit for that I'm afraid though. Must have been someone else.
Hayley - RE: 1st time commenter so been kind on me please
Welcome to the site. We always like new people :D Its interesting to hear that about Pocky. I always just assumed they would have made loads of flavours. Perhaps Mikado in this country will follow a similar pattern.
Paul - Re: Why do the Japanese never make anything mint flavoured?
Interesting point you make here. They aren't totally lacking in mint options ... they do have a few if you look cloesely on Jlist. I do get your point about them associating green with green tea when we do mint though. Those are my natural gut instincts also.
Sam - RE: Can you suggest anywhere that sells them in the UK or anything?
Haha I should have an answer of this question ready made to cut and past shouldn't I :D Unless you are happy using ebay I would just suggest that you use someone like J-List. They are reliable and good with postage.
Roddy - Re: I've seen the caramel milk pocky available at a few import stores. Looks like I'll be picking up a box. Great review, Jim!
Cool I look forward to the review!
JK - Re: I would never be one to obsess over any new flavours that come out though. Thats just stupid for what they are.
I think a lot of people would disagree with you there. They have quite the loyal following Pocky.
Ria - RE: Pocky mixed packs
Thanks for the nice words about the reviews. I think you will like next weeks selection to :D
I love your idea about the mixed Pocky boxes. This certainly something they should consider doing I think. Perhaps its more the case that they know they have such loyal fans that they will just buy all the new flavours anyway? Is one way of getting maximum money out of everyone I guess. Why give people one box when you can sell them four? Is it bad to think Glico are like that?
Thanks for the comments today everyone. You will be glad to know (Henry especially judging by his comment haha!) that there is a Heavenly Cakes review upcoming tomorrow on the site. Enjoy your weekends!!
JIM
I wish I could remember the name, but I haven't even taken a picture.
Oh, and I bought a Nestle Quality Street box this afternoon. I haven't tried all the flavours (and I don't think that will ever happen), but so far, I'm less than impressed. And you can say "I told you so!" now :))
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