Garigari Kun: Must-Try Japanese Popsicles Vol.1

Here in Niigata, Japan, the rainy season Tsuyu (梅雨) was over, and we are now enjoying full-blown summer weather.

The fiercer the heat is, the more we feel like refreshments. One of the best for me is popsicles, and among others, I recommend this Garigari Kun Soda flavor.

Garigari Kun (ガリガリ君)

Garigari Kun (ガリガリ君) is Japan’s best-known popsicle brand from the Saitama, Fukaya-based ice cream manufacturer, Akagi Nyugyo (赤城乳業), first released in 1981. 

In its name, Gari-Gari (ガリガリ) is a Japanese onomatopoeia for crunchy or a sound when you bite hard foods, while Kun (君) is a casual honorific for a male.

Flavors/Price

The Garigari Kun ice candy came out with Soda, Cola, and Grapefruit flavors at the time of release in 1981, priced at 50 yen.

After that, it extended its lineup, and now, the frozen snack has two sub-brands, Otona Na Garigari Kun (大人なガリガリ君: Adult Garigari Kun, 108 yen) and Shin Garigari Kun (シンガリガリ君: New Garigari Kun, 151 yen).

Meanwhile, the original variety raised its price to 76 yen (tax included) and is currently available in Soda, Cola, Grapefruit, Pear, Kyushu Mikan (Mandarin Orange), and Sumomo (Plum) flavors.

Features/Taste

These regular Garigari Kun popsicles are hard candies consisting of two layers, and the Soda flavor fills itself with crunchy soda-flavored shaved ice. 

Not only is the texture pleasant, the taste deliciously refreshing, but the ice bar even has a lottery. If a text including the word 当りmeaning win is on the stick, you can get another for free at where you bought it.

The package design is adorable with the mascot character Garigari Kun, which makes it easily recognizable from others. 

All those elements are fantastic, and that is why Garigari Kun popsicles have been a long-time favorite in Japan.

Ingredients/Nutrition Facts (Soda Flavor)

Nutritional Values