A Unique Flavor in Pepero? An Unusual Pepero Review

If You've Only Tried Original Pepero, Pay Attention

While countless chocolate snacks have appeared and disappeared over time, there is one snack that has steadfastly held its place. That is Pepero. Known for its crispy biscuit and smoothly coated sweet chocolate, Pepero has consistently been loved by the public since its launch in the 1980s.

Pepero is also famous for having an infinitely expanding series. In addition to the widely known Original, Nude, and Almond flavors, there are more than twenty varieties including discontinued products such as White Cookie, Strawberry, Green Tea, and Yogurt. There was even a Bulgogi Pepero. Since 2020, when collaboration trends began to strongly sweep the food industry, Pepero has been releasing unique products through collaborations with its own brands.

Lotte, who is more passionate about Pepero than anyone else, has launched many new Pepero products this year as well. Among the various products released this year, the editor personally tried two eye-catching Pepero varieties.

Pepero Embracing Kkokkalcorn

The first product is Pepero Embracing Kkokkalcorn. Like last year’s ‘Crunchy Pepero,’ this Pepero was born through an unusual collaboration between products. The top of the packaging box boldly displays the word ‘Kkokkalcorn,’ and at the bottom, there is a photo of Kkokkalcorn, which somehow doesn’t seem to match Pepero very well.

Inside the bag, there are nine Pepero sticks dressed in a yellowish color very similar to corn cream. Crushed Kkokkalcorn pieces are attached, making the visual similar to Almond Pepero.

Carefully taking one out without lowering my guard, I tasted it. Perhaps because Kkokkalcorn pieces are attached on the outside, the texture feels lighter and more lively than regular Pepero. The taste is surprisingly just like Kkokkalcorn itself. It impressively balances the salty flavor of original Kkokkalcorn with a couple of spoons of corn cream sweetness. The savory flavor of Kkokkalcorn and the sweetness of Pepero create a perfect harmony that keeps making you reach for more. It seems to be a well-made snack that satisfies both sweet-and-salty lovers.

Editor’s Score 5 points

Jeju Tangerine Pepero

The second product is a hot new Pepero released less than two weeks ago. It is Jeju Tangerine Pepero, coated with tangerine cookies and tangerine chocolate! This is the second product in the ‘Our Agricultural Products Win-Win Project,’ following the ‘Our Rice Pepero’ made with Icheon rice.

The box, adorned with a photo of Dol Hareubang, contains ten Jeju Tangerine Pepero sticks that have a slightly deeper yellow color than the Kkokkalcorn Pepero. The fragrant scent of tangerine chocolate, a representative souvenir from Jeju Island, tickles the nose.

While the aroma was pleasant, the taste was somewhat disappointing. Tangerine chocolates sold in Jeju delicately balance the tanginess of tangerines with the sweetness of chocolate, whereas Jeju Tangerine Pepero’s chocolate presence was more dominant than the tangerine. Although the surface is coated with tangy tangerine cookies, the rich sweetness, more typical of white chocolate than milk chocolate, takes center stage, making the unique fresh taste of tangerine rather subtle. It leaves a regretful impression that if it had been made with a dark chocolate base that has a slightly bitter taste, the charm of tangerine might have been better highlighted.

Editor’s Score 3.5 points

Photo by Kim Bomi