It is said to have appeared during the Genpei period (late 11th century - late 12th century CE) as something more like a kind of preserved food or portable provisions rather than a confectionery, and have developed over time into a confectionery like the present day.
源平の時代に生まれたとも伝えられ、菓子というよりも保存食・携帯食に近いものであったとされ、時代と共に現在のようなお菓子へ変化したといわれている。