Buying Asian snacks and sweets is easy, but the range can quickly become overwhelming. Looking for Japanese snacks, Korean snacks, gummy sweets, biscuits or chocolate snacks? Packaging and flavour descriptions can often seem more appealing than the information you need to make a well-informed comparison.
Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:
In the European Union, the main allergens must be clearly indicated. In product information, you will often see them in capital letters, such as wheat, milk, soya and cereals containing gluten.
Gelatine is an important consideration when buying sweets. For example, Haribo Happy Cherries contains gelatine and, according to the product information, is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Nerds Gummy Clusters Fruits also lists pork gelatine as an ingredient.
Also look out for possible cross-contamination. Haribo Happy Cherry Soda Flavor Gummies states that the product may contain cereals containing gluten, milk and wheat. The information that Cokoc Peelable Gummies contains “none of the 14 main EU allergens” is useful, but you should still check the label on the packaging delivered before buying.
Nutritional values are usually provided per 100 grams. This makes comparison possible, but does not tell you how much you will actually eat. An individual serving of Meito Pukupukutai Chocolate Wafer weighs 16.5 grams, while a bag of Haribo Happy Cherries contains 250 grams.
Here are some examples from the product information:
These figures do not determine which snack you should choose, but they do help you compare products fairly. Nutri-Score can provide an additional indication, but it does not replace the ingredients list or serving size.
For a film night, birthday or family gathering, sharing snacks are practical. Smaller packs are often more convenient for school, the office or eating on the go. A resealable bag helps keep the contents crisp or fresh for longer, but always follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Texture is important when it comes to biscuits and wafers. Franzzi Coconut Latte Flavored Filled Cookies are described as crisp biscuits with a soft filling. Meito Pukupukutai is a small chocolate wafer in an individual pack. Stroopwafels such as Kanjers Original Stroopwafels are often enjoyed with coffee or tea; according to the product information, they can also be warmed on top of a hot drink.
Why it suits this shopper profile: The 60-gram pack is ideal if you want to try gummy sweets without immediately buying a large bag. The playful peelable shape is well suited to families and younger shoppers.
The net weight is clearly stated, and the product information indicates that the product contains none of the 14 main EU allergens. Gelatine is listed among the ingredients.
60 grams, mixed fruit flavour and 0 grams of fat per 100 grams according to the product information.
Why it suits this shopper profile: This Japanese snack combines biscuit sticks with a cookies-and-cream-style coating. The two-part pack is suitable for sharing or saving for two separate snack occasions.
The individual portions help prevent you from automatically opening a large bag. The allergens are clearly listed: wheat, milk and soya.
46.2 grams per pack, two portions and 32 grams of sugar per 100 grams according to the product information.
Why it suits this shopper profile: The 250-gram pack is practical for birthdays, film nights and other occasions when several people want to help themselves to sweets.
The weight and pack size make it suitable for sharing. The product information lists gelatine and possible traces of milk, wheat and gluten.
250 grams, cherry flavour and, according to the product description, no artificial colourings.
If you are specifically looking for Japanese snacks, you can also explore Meiji Hello Panda Biscuits, Meiji Chocorooms and Meito chocolate wafers alongside Pocky. For these products, check the ingredients list for milk, soya and wheat. The small packs are particularly suitable for a snack box or a tasting session featuring several flavours.
For Korean snacks, Haitai Honey Butter Chips are a savoury option among all the sweet treats. The pack contains 60 grams. According to the product information, the flavour mix includes milk, wheat and soya, among other ingredients. This makes the product less suitable for people who avoid these allergens, but the information still helps you make an informed choice in advance.
Dutch favourites also have a place in an international snack selection. Kanjers stroopwafels contain eight pieces and are intended to be enjoyed with coffee or tea. If you prefer small biscuits with a fruity topping, Van Delft Likkoekjes are worth considering. For both products, check the current allergen information on the packaging.
Use this quick checklist when comparing products:
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Large packs such as Haribo Happy Cherries 250 grams are practical for several people. For more variety, you can combine several smaller packs, such as Pocky, Meiji biscuits and small chocolate wafers. Check in advance that everyone can eat the listed allergens.
Pay attention to gelatine, sugar content, colourings and possible allergens. Gummy sweets can taste fruity without containing much fruit, so check the ingredients list. Young children should be supervised, as small sweets can pose a choking hazard.
Store snacks in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat or moisture. Close opened bags securely. This helps biscuits and wafers stay crisp for longer and prevents sweets from absorbing moisture too quickly. When in doubt, always follow the storage advice on the packaging.