Pocky Chocolate Two Layer Rich Shibumi Matcha Review – Japanese Snack by Glico
Introduction
This article reviews Pocky Chocolate Two Layer Rich Shibumi Matcha and explains its flavor, texture, ingredients, and allergen information based on the product sold in Japan.
From January to March, many matcha-themed snacks appear in Japan. During this season, manufacturers release various limited products featuring Japanese green tea flavors.
This time, I am reviewing Pocky Chocolate Two Layer Rich Shibumi Matcha, produced by Glico. Recently I also reviewed Pocky Rich Deep Matcha, but this product belongs to the Two Layer series, which focuses on a more luxurious chocolate coating.
Packaging
The back of the package includes both a promotional phrase and a product explanation.
Package design of Pocky Chocolate Two Layer Rich Shibumi Matcha sold in Japan.
The promotional text explains that this Pocky uses two types of matcha known for their bitterness and umami, blended into a rich matcha chocolate coating.
The product explanation states that the cocoa pretzel stick is coated with thick matcha chocolate, and then covered again with a soft mousse-style chocolate layer, creating a two layer chocolate structure.
When I first saw the package, my honest reaction was:
“So now they are emphasizing Shibumi.”
Matcha flavors are often more enjoyable when they are rich and intense. Strong matcha flavor can create a sense of luxury and make the time spent enjoying the snack feel more special.
Adding Shibumi to that idea suggests something even deeper.
Shibumi is a Japanese concept that appears in many contexts. It can describe flavor, atmosphere, or even personal style. In the context of matcha, the word is sometimes translated as astringency, but that translation does not fully capture its meaning.
To me, Shibumi describes the entire experience of matcha in the mouth:
the gentle bitterness, the umami depth, and the lingering aftertaste that slowly spreads across the palate.
For comparison, you can also read
Pocky Rich Deep Matcha Review
Seeing the words “rich” and “Shibumi” together on a product from the Two Layer series naturally creates high expectations.
The package design supports that impression. Deep green and bright green colors evoke high-quality matcha, while gold decorative elements create a luxurious appearance. The text also highlights that Uji matcha is used.
Even the “Pocky Chocolate” logo uses glossy gold embossing, showing that the packaging itself was carefully designed.
Inside the Package
Pocky Chocolate Two Layer Rich Shibumi Matcha sticks taken out of the package.
Opening the box reveals thick Pocky sticks coated in vibrant green matcha chocolate.
Before tasting them, the aroma stands out immediately. The matcha fragrance is clear and pleasant. For the first bite, it is worth pausing for a moment to enjoy this aroma before eating.
The sticks themselves appear noticeably thicker than standard Pocky, reflecting the two-layer chocolate structure.
Appearance
The chocolate coating looks rich and slightly textured because of the mousse-style outer layer.
The pretzel stick inside remains similar to standard Pocky, but the thick chocolate coating gives the snack a more substantial appearance.
The bright matcha color also reinforces the impression of a strong green tea flavor.
Taste & Texture
The first bite begins with a soft and gentle matcha flavor.
During the first few bites, the taste feels smooth and mild. However, after a short moment, the deeper matcha flavor begins to expand across the palate.
The matcha character becomes stronger and more aromatic, creating a richer flavor experience.
Finally, a subtle Shibumi remains as an aftertaste. This slight bitterness is not unpleasant. Instead, it feels like the final note of the matcha flavor, leaving a calm and balanced impression.
I have tried many matcha snacks over the years, but it is rare for a single stick of a snack to feel this luxurious.
Without exaggeration, one stick of this Pocky almost feels like a small dessert on its own.
At some point I plan to create a ranking of matcha-flavored snacks, and this Pocky Chocolate Two Layer Rich Shibumi Matcha would very likely be one of the top candidates.
Quick Review
Nutritional Information
Nutritional values per pack (24.7 g):
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Energy: 138 kcal
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Protein: 1.8 g
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Fat: 8.3 g
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Carbohydrates: 14.1 g
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Salt Equivalent: 0.088 g
Ingredients (Summary from Package)
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Wheat flour (manufactured in Japan)
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Sugar
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Cocoa butter
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Lactose
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Vegetable oils and fats
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Whole milk powder
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Matcha
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Condensed milk powder
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Wheat protein
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Shortening
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Inulin
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Cocoa powder
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Fermented butter
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Yeast
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Salt
Additives:
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Emulsifier
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Flavoring
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Seasoning (inorganic salt)
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Leavening agent
(Allergens included: milk, wheat, soy)
Allergen Information (Based on Japanese Label)
Contains:
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Milk
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Wheat
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Soy
Manufactured in a facility that also handles:
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Egg
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Peanuts
Product Classification
Name: Chocolate confectionery
Net weight: 2 inner packs
Storage Instructions
Avoid direct sunlight and store in a cool place below 28°C.
Final Thoughts
Pocky Chocolate Two Layer Rich Shibumi Matcha delivers a layered matcha experience that feels more refined than many matcha snacks.
The two-layer chocolate structure creates a thick coating, while the matcha flavor gradually builds from mild sweetness to deeper green tea bitterness. The final lingering Shibumi gives the snack a distinctive finish.
Among matcha-flavored snacks available in Japan, this version stands out as a particularly rich and satisfying option.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
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