

Pretz is a Japanese snack food produced by Ezaki Glico Company. Introduced in 1963, Pretz is a baked, thin biscuit stick often compared to breadsticks and is seasoned with a variety of flavors. It is one of the flagship products of Glico, alongside its counterpart Pocky, which is coated in chocolate or other dessert flavors.
The standard or original Pretz flavor is a simple, slightly salty seasoning with a hint of sweetness, designed to mimic the taste of baked bread. Over the years, Pretz has expanded its range to include a wide array of flavors tailored to diverse tastes. These flavors have included salad, corn, roast, tomato, pizza, and even region-specific or limited-edition flavors, such as takoyaki and green tea, reflecting local Japanese culinary preferences.
Pretz's packaging is notable for its colorful and often playful design, with the box being recognizable by its iconic Pretz logo and images that often depict the flavor variant within. The snack is typically marketed as a casual snack option, appealing to both children and adults for its portability and variety.
Ezaki Glico has consistently marketed Pretz by introducing new flavors and collaborating with other brands and cultural trends to maintain consumer interest. It is available in several countries outside Japan, often localized to suit regional taste preferences.
Overall, Pretz has maintained a steady presence in the snack market, contributing to Glico's reputation as an innovative snack producer. Its long-standing history and adaptability to consumer trends underscore its significance in Japanese snack culture and its continued popularity both domestically and abroad.
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, yeast, malt extract, natural flavors, lactic acid, colorings (optional).
Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Mix well.
Add Butter:
Add softened butter. Use fingertips or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Add Water:
Gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead until smooth and not sticky. Add water or flour as needed.
Rest Dough:
Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.
Shape Sticks:
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 3-4mm thickness. Cut into thin strips about 5mm wide and 10-12cm long.
Season (Optional):
Lightly sprinkle with black pepper or other chosen seasonings.
Arrange and Brush:
Place sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with milk for shine.
Bake:
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp. Rotate the tray halfway through for even baking.
Cool:
Let cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Yields about 30 sticks.
AI-generated — double-check before cooking