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Top 7 Korean Snacks You Didn’t Know You Needed Until Now
- MyFreshDash
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 29
TL;DR:
Discover 7 underrated Korean snacks—from cream cookies to shrimp crackers and choco puffs—that are addictive, nostalgic, and easy to love
Korean snacks have a way of sneaking up on you. Some look simple—maybe even plain—but once you try them, you're halfway through the bag before you even realize it.
Others surprise you with bold flavor combos or nostalgic textures that take you back to childhood, even if you didn’t grow up in Korea. And while K-snacks are becoming more popular globally, there are still so many underrated gems people are missing out on.
So if your snack shelf could use a refresh, skip the same-old chips and cookies. These are 7 Korean snacks you probably didn’t know you needed—but once you try them, there’s no going back.
1. 🍪 Crown Sando Strawberry Cream Cookies
Launch Year: 1983
Let’s start with a classic. Crown Sando cookies have been charming snack lovers since the early ’80s. The biscuit is light and crisp, and the strawberry cream in the middle is soft and slightly tangy—just enough sweetness to keep it interesting without going overboard. They taste like something you might have had in your childhood lunchbox—even if your childhood wasn’t in Korea.
Pair it with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk, and you’ve got yourself a simple yet satisfying moment of joy.
Why people love them:
Nostalgic taste that feels familiar
Great balance of flavor and texture
Perfect for lunchboxes or late-night cravings
2. 🍫 Haitai Choco Heim – Chocolate Cream Wafers
Launch Year: 1991
If elegance could be packaged in a wafer, Choco Heim would be it. These delicate wafer tubes are filled with creamy hazelnut chocolate and have just the right amount of crunch without being dry. They’re not overly sweet and somehow feel just a little more “grown-up” than your typical cookie.
It’s the kind of snack that feels indulgent without making you feel guilty—and it pairs beautifully with coffee.
Why people love them:
Rich hazelnut chocolate filling
Crispy but delicate texture
Feels like a premium treat
3. 🌶️ Nongshim Shrimp Crackers (Saeukkang)
Launch Year: 1971
This is the OG of Korean snacks. Nongshim’s Shrimp Crackers were Korea’s very first snack made using extrusion tech, and they’ve been dominating the shelves ever since. Light, ridged, and dusted with savory shrimp seasoning, they pack a subtle seafood flavor without being “fishy.” They’re super addicting, whether you’re eating them straight from the bag or paired with a cold drink.
Why people love them:
Longstanding history and trust
Light and crunchy with umami flavor
Perfect snack for all ages
4. 🍯 Honey Butter Chips
Launch Year: 2014
These chips were so popular when they first dropped that they caused a literal shortage in Korea. The sweet-meets-salty flavor was something new—and people were obsessed. Even today, Honey Butter Chips remain a best-seller, offering a buttery richness balanced with a gentle sweetness. They’re dangerously snackable and unlike anything you’d find in a typical chip aisle.
Why people love them:
Unique flavor that feels fancy but fun
Great for pairing with drinks or sweets
Light and crispy texture with buttery finish
5. 🍫 Lotte Pepero - Almond Chocolate
Launch Year: 1983
Pepero isn’t just a snack—it’s a national icon. These biscuit sticks dipped in chocolate and coated with almond bits are a fan favorite year-round, but especially on November 11, a.k.a. Pepero Day, when people gift boxes to friends and loved ones. The almond version is crunchy, chocolaty, and perfectly portioned. It’s an easy go-to that feels just a little bit special.
Why people love them:
Crunchy texture with nutty, rich chocolate
Perfect for gifting or sharing
Iconic snack with cultural significance
6. 🥠 Lotte Kancho Choco Biscuits
Launch Year: 1996
These bite-sized biscuit balls are packed with creamy chocolate and stamped with adorable cartoon characters. But they’re not just for kids—adults love them too, especially with coffee. Kancho is the kind of snack that starts with “just a few” and somehow ends with an empty box and zero regrets.
Why people love them:
Cute design that’s actually fun
Smooth chocolate filling
Easy to pop and share
7. ⚾ Homerun Ball – Choco Cream Puff Snacks
Launch Year: 1997
Soft, round, and filled with smooth chocolate cream, Homerun Balls are like bite-sized cream puffs—no refrigeration needed. They’ve been a favorite for over two decades, and once you try them, you’ll understand why. The outer shell is pillowy soft, while the filling is satisfyingly rich without being too heavy.
Why people love them:
Fluffy texture with creamy center
Perfect balance of cake and filling
Great for dessert, snacking, or sweet cravings
Final Thoughts
Korean snacks have something most Western snacks don’t—personality. From longtime legends like Shrimp Crackers to sweet cream-filled cookies that melt in your mouth, these snacks bring something unique to your pantry. Some are playful, some nostalgic, and some just plain addicting—but all of them are worth trying at least once.
Ready to upgrade your snack stash?
🛒 Explore these favorites and more at MyFreshDash.com and find out which Korean snack becomes your new obsession.
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• Top 10 Korean snacks 2025 — benchmark the current best-sellers.
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• O!Karto Cheesequake Fries — quick movie-night hack.
FAQ: Top 7 Korean Snacks You Didn’t Know You Needed
1. What are the Korean snacks featured in this guide?
This guide highlights seven beloved Korean snacks: strawberry cream sandwich cookies, hazelnut chocolate wafer tubes, classic shrimp crackers, honey butter potato chips, chocolate-coated biscuit sticks with almonds, bite-size chocolate-filled biscuits, and soft chocolate cream puff snacks.
2. Are these Korean snacks more sweet or savory?
Most of the snacks in this list lean sweet, with plenty of chocolate, cream, and cookie textures. The main savory options are the shrimp crackers and the honey butter chips, which balance salty and sweet flavors for people who prefer something less sugary.
3. Are these snacks kid-friendly?
Yes. Many of these snacks are popular with children and families in Korea. The flavors are playful and approachable, and the portion sizes are easy to share. As always, it is important to check packaging for potential allergens such as wheat, dairy, nuts, or soy before serving them to kids.
4. Do any of these snacks contain nuts or common allergens?
Some of the chocolate snacks may contain nuts such as hazelnuts or almonds, and many items include common ingredients like wheat, milk, and soy. Anyone with allergies should always read the ingredient list and allergen information on the package before eating.
5. How should I store these Korean snacks, and how long do they last?
Most of these snacks are shelf-stable and should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. After opening, it is best to close the bag tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and finish them within a few days for the best texture and flavor.
6. Which snacks are best to pair with coffee or tea?
The strawberry cream cookies, hazelnut chocolate wafer tubes, chocolate-coated biscuit sticks, and small chocolate-filled biscuits all pair especially well with coffee or tea. The cream puff style snacks are also great when you want something soft and cake-like with a warm drink.
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