Grocery shopping as a kid was the best part of the week, mostly because you had to beg your parents to let you grab the snacks you just had to have. As an adult, nobody's approval is required anymore. Your pantry never runs out of ramen, and there are no regrets about it.
There's something about Asian snacks that makes grocery shopping even more fun. If you've never tried any, let us be the first to tell you that you're missing out. There's a huge variety out there, whether you're after something salty or sweet, a bit of crunch for your noodles, or something perfectly delicious all on its own. Here's a list of the ones worth stocking up on.
8 Asian Snacks to Try:
1. Pocky
It's hard to talk about favorite Asian snacks without bringing up Pocky. These are thin, delicious biscuit sticks coated with just the right amount of cream, and they come in flavors like chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, and matcha. Chocolate and strawberry remain the most popular, but honestly, it's worth trying them all at least once.
2. Yan Yan
Yan Yan is another crunchy biscuit snack that's genuinely a delight to eat. Each pack comes with a dipping sauce, and somehow the ratio of biscuits to cream always seems to work out perfectly. You can find chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla varieties. A lot of kids used to mix all three sauces together and dip each biscuit in the combo, and honestly, plenty of adults still do it that way too.
3. Shrimp Crackers
These shrimpy, crunchy bites are nearly impossible to stop eating once you start. Ask anyone who grew up with them, and the minute they bite into one, they're a kid again. Seasoned in a signature Asian style, shrimp crackers hit that perfect balance of savory and chewy that's hard to find in Western snacks.
4. Gummy Candies
Gummy candies or yummy candies? You decide. This Japanese take on gummy bear style jelly is easily one of the most satisfying things to chew on. They come in multiple fruity flavors and are notoriously hard to share, mostly because you'll want to eat the whole bag yourself.
5. Mochi
Mochi is a soft, chewy rice cake, often filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, ice cream, or fruit. The texture takes some getting used to if you've never had it before, but it quickly becomes addictive. It's a great snack for anyone who wants something sweet without the heaviness of a typical Western dessert.
6. Hi-Chew
Hi-Chew is a chewy Japanese candy that lands somewhere between a gummy and a taffy. It comes in a huge range of fruit flavors, and the texture is soft enough to chew quickly but sturdy enough to actually last a minute or two. These are an easy snack to keep in your bag or desk drawer for a quick pick-me-up.
7. Ramune
Ramune is a carbonated soft drink that's technically a beverage, but it deserves a spot on this list because the experience of drinking it is half the fun. The bottle has a marble stopper you push down to open it, and the drink itself comes in flavors ranging from classic lemon-lime to melon, strawberry, and even lychee.
8. Senbei (Rice Crackers)
Senbei are savory Japanese rice crackers, often brushed with soy sauce or seasoned with seaweed, sesame, or spicy flavors. They're crunchy, addictive, and make a great alternative to Western potato chips if you're looking for something a little different to snack on.
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Why Asian Snacks Are Worth Trying
Asian snacks stand out because of their variety in both flavor and texture. You'll find options that are savory, sweet, spicy, chewy, and crunchy, often within the same brand's lineup. Many of these snacks also lean on unique ingredients like matcha, red bean, seaweed, and rice flour that aren't common in typical Western snack aisles, which makes them a fun way to try something different without a huge commitment.
