From candy to cell science: Glico’s sweet secret to longevity
Did you know that the Japanese company behind the snacks like Pocky and Pretz isn’t just a candy maker—but a health brand in disguise?
Long before Glico became a global snack icon, its roots were firmly planted in the pursuit of nutrition—something we discovered firsthand at the Glico Museum in Osaka, Japan.
Located on the grounds of Ezaki Glico’s headquarters, the museum was established in 1972 to commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary. But it’s more than just a nostalgic showcase; it stands as a testament to the brand’s deep commitment to science, wellness, and innovation.
We were welcomed by Shinji Ono, Glico Museum general manager, at Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd., who gave us a quick tour of the museum and shared an overview of the brand’s remarkable journey.
Inside, we marveled not only at the evolution of Glico’s iconic “Running Man” LED sign, also known as “Glico Goal-in Mark”—a popular tourist attraction in Osaka’s Dotonbori district—but also at the Glico Caramel Vending Machine, developed in 1931. Likely one of Japan’s first vending machines, it offered a unique experience: Watch a short movie while waiting for your candy to be dispensed.
Spark of inspiration
One of the most striking stories from Glico’s early days came from its founder, Riichi Ezaki. While helping out at the family pharmacy and making daily rounds to deliver medicine, Ezaki noticed oysters boiling in a cauldron. The simple scene reminded him of a newspaper article he’d read: Oysters are rich in glycogen—a nutrient believed to boost energy and aid recovery.
Inspired, Ezaki began experimenting with glycogen as a functional ingredient in candy. His goal was ambitious: to create a sweet treat that could also nourish the body and support children’s growth and vitality.
The result was the original Glico Caramel—a heart-shaped candy infused with glycogen, marketed with the slogan: “300 meters in a single piece.”
A bite-sized promise that one caramel could give a child enough energy to run 300 meters.
Food, fun, and function
From that single product, Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. grew—but always held onto its founding spirit: to enhance people’s health through food.
That belief shaped everything, from the playful inclusion of toys in Glico boxes to later innovations in fortified dairy, probiotic drinks, and nutritionally balanced snacks.
Even the now-iconic Running Man logo, first introduced in the 1920s, symbolized energy and vitality—a visual reminder of the company’s mission to fuel both body and spirit.
But perhaps the brand’s most surprising evolution is happening now.
From caramel to cellular science
Today, Glico continues to honor Ezaki’s vision—not just through nostalgic products, but through forward-looking research in health science.
One of its most groundbreaking initiatives focuses on cellular senescence: the process by which aging or damaged cells stop dividing but linger in the body, potentially contributing to inflammation, tissue degeneration, and age-related diseases.
Glico’s R&D teams are exploring how functional ingredients found in everyday food can help manage these so-called “zombie cells.” Their goal? To develop food-based solutions that don’t just satisfy cravings but also actively support healthy aging and longevity.
It’s a bold leap from caramel to cutting-edge science—but one that stays true to the brand’s founding belief: food can and should improve lives.
Spotlight on innovation at expo 2025 Osaka
This bold vision took center stage at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, where Glico served as a Premium Partner in the Healthcare Pavilion and a Silver Partner in the Earth Mart Pavilion.
One of the standout experiences at the Healthcare Pavilion was the Body Measurement Pods—sleek, capsule-like booths designed to assess key health metrics in just minutes.
I stepped inside one out of curiosity and emerged with a detailed snapshot of my body composition, including BMI, muscle mass, and visceral fat levels. The process was quick, non-invasive, and surprisingly engaging. But it wasn’t just about numbers—it was about self-awareness.
These pods embodied the pavilion’s theme of preventive health and personalized wellness, demonstrating how data-driven insights can empower individuals to take charge of their well-being.
As for my results? My body age turned out to be nine years younger than my actual age—a pleasant surprise, and a small win I walked away proudly with.
Nest for reborn
At the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion’s “Nest for Reborn,” Glico unveiled its interactive “Cellular-care Lab”—an immersive exhibit that made the science of aging accessible to everyday consumers. Visitors learned how senescent cells accumulate with age, affect surrounding healthy cells, and how Glico is developing safe, food-based compounds to help reduce or remove them.
One of the exhibit’s key highlights was Glico’s successful registration of Patent No. 7659690, showcasing the senolytic potential of Persian silk tree extract—a natural compound shown to help target aging cells.
Alongside the health science exhibit, Glico also introduced a new product developed specifically for the Earth Mart at Expo 2025: rice soft candy. This gentle, chewy treat paid tribute to Japan’s rice-based food culture while demonstrating Glico’s innovation in texture, nutrition, and inclusive indulgence.
Through these exhibits, Glico didn’t just present itself as a snack company. It positioned itself as a nutrition-forward, research-driven brand with ambitions that stretch far beyond sweets.
As Glico steps into its second century, it’s no longer just feeding generations. It’s quietly working to help them live longer, healthier lives—one bite at a time.
