When you think of candy, the words health and longevity probably don’t come to mind. But a new innovation from Ezaki Glico—a name best known for Pocky and health-forward snacks—might just change that perception.
In their latest announcement, the Japanese confectionery giant is showcasing Rice Soft Candy, a novel creation made with fermented rice and sweetened using amazake, a traditional Japanese rice drink known for its mild sweetness and gut-friendly enzymes. While this limited-edition treat is currently set for exclusive debut at the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, its development points to a larger—and potentially game-changing—trend: functional, better-for-you indulgence.
But that’s not all. Behind the candy’s humble exterior lies something far more exciting: cutting-edge cellular researchthat could shape the future of wellness.
Going Beyond the Sugar Rush
The Rice Soft Candy is part of Glico’s broader mission to create “food for health and longevity.” While the use of fermented rice taps into traditional Japanese food wisdom, the bigger story lies in Glico’s recent patent on senolysis—a process that removes senescent cells, also known as “zombie cells,” which accumulate with age and contribute to inflammation, fatigue, and age-related diseases.
Their cellular-care research, published and patented in Japan, identified a potential senolytic effect in the Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin), using a proprietary database of over 7,000 food ingredients. The extract showed promise in helping eliminate these ageing cells in in vitro tests.
Although the Rice Soft Candy itself doesn’t (yet) contain the Persian silk tree extract, it is positioned as a conceptual step forward in merging indulgent food formats with bioactive wellness functions.
Candy Meets Longevity
Could the future of anti-ageing really be something as accessible—and joyful—as candy?
If Glico has anything to say about it, the answer might be yes. Their broader goal, according to the company, is to develop food products that actively support wellness at the cellular level, creating not just healthier snacks, but functional indulgences designed with longevity in mind.
And they’re not alone. Globally, we’re seeing a wave of functional confections—think dark chocolate with ashwagandha, gummies with probiotics, or collagen chews. Glico’s Rice Soft Candy joins this movement, wrapped in the elegance of Japanese tradition and scientific credibility.
A Glimpse of the Future
While the Rice Soft Candy is not yet available outside of Expo 2025, it signals a growing momentum in the industry—one where pleasure and performance no longer have to be at odds.
For consumers increasingly seeking wellness that fits seamlessly into daily life, this opens up an exciting new category: one where the food we love doesn’t just satisfy cravings—it supports our health goals too.
After all, if candy can be functional, who’s to say dessert can’t be your daily dose of cellular care?
Images: Glico
Melissa Fann
