Glico Develops “Rice Soft Candy” Using Rice-Derived Ingredients at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
Glico Develops “Rice Soft Candy” Using Rice-Derived Ingredients
The Glico Group is a Silver partner of the Expo’s Signature Pavilion
As part of its partnership with the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai—and under the pavilion’s theme, “Thinking about the lives through eating”—Glico collaborated with “EARTH MART” to explore a new confectionery concept. This initiative was inspired by two guiding ideas: to create an opportunity where people around the world could discover the rich potential of Japanese food culture, carefully nurtured and passed down through generations; and to create sweets that bring happiness and contribute to a bright future for children.
The concept: “A sweet that invites reflection on the ʻfuture of food’ through the act of eating.” Rice (rice flour), one of the 「EARTH FOODS 25」※1, is not only Japan’s staple food but also a symbol of Japanese culture, nurtured alongside nature.
Recognizing its vast potential, we applied the technology Ezaki Glico has cultivated since its founding to create an entirely new type of caramel. Made solely from rice syrup, sugar, rice flour, rice protein, and rice oil, this caramel is crafted by weaving together rice-derived ingredients, resulting in a simple yet delicately unfolding flavor. Each piece encapsulates the gentle essence of rice and a vision for the future of our planet.※2
*1 ”EARTH FOODS 25” is a list created by “EARTH MART” to share Japanese food with the world in order to improve the future of food globally
*2 This product is manufactured on the same production line as products containing milk and wheat.
Message from the theme producer, Mr. Kundo Koyama
Producer of "EARTH MART"
Mr. Kundo Koyama
This “Rice soft candy”, created through the collaboration between EARTH MART and Ezaki Glico, is filled with the joy and appreciation for nature that reflect the deep connection Japanese people have with rice. I hope that as you slowly savor each piece, you will sense the story behind it and once again enjoy the gentle flavor that only rice can offer. It is my sincere hope that this candy brings a heartwarming moment to all who try it.
■Explanation of Ingredients
Rice Syrup ： It is said to be a traditional Japanese sweetener, creating a rich, gentle sweetness and a unique texture.
Rice Flour ： Rice that has been finely crushed and turned into powder. Adds a subtle flavor of rice.
Rice Protein ： Rice-derived protein, anticipated as a new plant-based protein.It imparts fragrance and helps maintain the shape of the caramel.
Rice oil ： A flavorful oil made from rice bran. It helps balance the smoothness and stickiness of the texture.
“Rice soft candy” will be distributed exclusively to the visitors of the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART” from the end of May.
*The contents and schedule of the free "Rice soft candy" offer are subject to change without notice.
The Glico Group and the Glico nutritious candy (caramel)
The Glico Group was established in 1922 with the launch of the Glico nutritious candy (caramel), developed by its founder, Mr. Ri-ichi Ezaki, who succeeded in extracting glycogen from oyster broth. The product was born from his desire to contribute to the healthy growth of children at a time when nutritional conditions in society were still limited. Since then, Glico has remained committed to its founding spirit of providing ‘Great Taste and Good Health’, producing long-standing products such as “Almond Glico”, made with nutrient-rich almonds which were once a rare ingredient in Japan, and “Bisco”, a cream sandwich biscuit containing lactic acid bacteria. The Glico Group will continue to take on challenges in the future by further evolving its commitment to health, which has remained unchanged since its founding.
