The Rise of the ‘Ultimate Chococro’
The ‘Ultimate Chococro’ is not entirely new; it first captivated palates in 2024 as a special limited-time offering celebrating Sanmarq Cafe’s 25th anniversary. Crafted with a specially made croissant dough, it contains ten times the butter (relative to flour content) found in the original Chococro, creating an extraordinarily flaky and fragrant texture. Inside, a generous double portion of Sanmarq Cafe’s original chocolate melts luxuriously, offering an intensely rich and satisfying experience with every bite. The contrast between the crispy, buttery pastry and the smooth, flowing chocolate creates a truly ‘ultimate’ and delightfully indulgent flavor profile.
The ‘VS Oudo no Chococro’ Showdown
The ‘VS Oudo no Chococro’ event is a sales volume showdown where the classic ‘Chococro’ and its evolved rivals compete for popularity. To help patrons decide their champion, Sanmarq Cafe offers the ‘Oudo VS Kyukyoku Tabe-kurabe Set’ (Royal Road VS Ultimate Tasting Set). This set allows customers to savor both the long-loved ‘Chococro’ and the rich ‘Ultimate Chococro’ at a discounted price, encouraging a direct comparison. A special limited-edition tasting box is also available while supplies last. Beyond the delicious tasting, fans can participate in an X (formerly Twitter) hashtag campaign. By following Sanmarq Cafe’s official X account (@st_marc_cafe309) and posting with a specified hashtag for their preferred Chococro, 309 lucky winners will receive an ‘eGift Chococro Ticket.’ It’s a fun way for everyone to engage and predict the outcome of this delectable rivalry.
Indulgent Chocolate Beverages for Valentine’s
Complementing the Chococro battle, two new chocolate beverages are introduced, perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s season. The ‘Cafe au Chocolat’ is a rich hot chocolate drink with a sophisticated coffee twist. Deep-roasted Vietnamese and Indonesian beans are carefully selected to create a coffee blend that harmonizes perfectly with the café’s original chocolate drink, minimizing acidity for a smooth, balanced flavor. Topped with Belgian chocolate whipped cream, fresh chocolate, and cocoa powder, it’s a truly luxurious hot beverage. For those who prefer a cooler indulgence, the ‘Cafe au Chocolat Smoothie’ offers a decadent chocolate smoothie with a refreshing hint of coffee. Its beautiful layered gradient of bitter coffee and rich chocolate is visually appealing, and stirring the coffee and toppings gradually allows for an evolving flavor experience. Both drinks are crowned with Belgian chocolate whipped cream, fresh chocolate, and cocoa powder, ensuring a delightful finish.
Sanmarq Cafe: A Legacy of Freshness
Since opening its first store in Tokyo in 1999, Sanmarq Cafe has established itself as a premier bakery café. Renowned for its signature ‘Chococro,’ as well as popular items like ‘Jaga Butter Danish’ and ‘Butter Danish,’ the café prides itself on making all its breads and sandwiches fresh in-store daily. Utilizing proprietary far-infrared ovens, Sanmarq Cafe consistently delivers freshly baked goods to its customers, embodying its mission to create ‘the best moments’ for everyone.
Many ‘Chococro’ enthusiasts might find themselves torn between loyalty to the original and the allure of extravagance. As one fan exclaimed on social media, ‘The classic Chococro holds so many memories, but how can you resist ten times the butter?! This is going to be a tough choice!’
A Sweet Future for Japanese Comfort Food
This imaginative ‘VS’ campaign by Sanmarq Cafe not only injects a playful spirit into their product lineup but also exemplifies a broader trend in Japanese food culture: the continuous evolution of beloved classics. By reimagining a staple like the ‘Chococro’ with bolder, more luxurious variations, Sanmarq Cafe demonstrates how traditional favorites can remain fresh and exciting. This approach could very well influence how Japanese comfort foods are perceived globally, inviting international audiences to explore the innovative twists on familiar flavors and fostering a deeper appreciation for the dynamic culinary landscape of Japan.
Product Information
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Ultimate Chococro
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Price: 390 yen (tax included) for single, 1,750 yen (tax included) for Premium Box (5 pieces)
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Sales Period: January 9 (Friday) – February 2 (Monday), 2026
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Cafe au Chocolat
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Price: 620 yen (tax included) for S size
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Sales Period: January 9 (Friday) – March 7 (Saturday), 2026
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Cafe au Chocolat Smoothie
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Price: 720 yen (tax included) for M size
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Sales Period: January 9 (Friday) – March 7 (Saturday), 2026
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Related Links
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‘VS Oudo no Chococro & Cafe au Chocolat’ Special Site:
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Sanmarq Cafe Official Website:
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Sanmarq Cafe Official X (formerly Twitter):
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Sanmarq Cafe Official Instagram:
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Sanmarq Cafe App:
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Customer Inquiry Form:
