Do you want to buy international snacks and sweets, but find yourself lost among all the colourful packaging? Online, you’ll find Asian snacks, Japanese sweets, Korean sweets, Thai desserts, Indian confectionery and European classics all side by side. That makes choosing fun, but also confusing.
A striking packet doesn’t tell you much about the taste, the contents, or whether it’s right for your needs. So pay close attention to the product information. That way, you can avoid a large pack being inconvenient, a dessert needing to be kept chilled, or a snack containing allergens you weren’t expecting.
A multipack is handy for a party or the office, but less suitable if you only fancy something sweet every now and then. Always check the net weight, the number of portions and whether individual pieces are wrapped. For example, the Colombina Bon Bon Bum Various Fruit Mix is a large assortment of lollipops, whereas a bar like Tony’s Chocolonely at 90 grams is much easier to enjoy one portion at a time.
Marketing terms like fruity, airy or refreshing often describe the flavour or texture. Look at the nutritional values per 100 grams and not just the portion size. A jelly dessert may be low in fat, but can still contain sugar. For instance, the Lychee Pudding Nata de Coco lists 15 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
International products can contain ingredients you might not expect, such as gelatine, milk powder, soya, sesame or nuts. Read the allergen list on the product page before you buy, and check the label when it arrives. Recipes for mochi, biscuits and chocolate can vary from market to market.
Also pay attention to storage. Chocolate should generally be kept cool and dry, while some pudding and jelly products need to be refrigerated after opening. Do not use a product if the seal is damaged.
For personal use, smaller packs are often more practical. For sharing, individually wrapped products are convenient and hygienic. Seiki Ramune Mochi contains individually wrapped pieces, while Jele Double Jelly comes in three individual cups of 125 grams each.
Check at least the following:
Haldiram’s Classic Gram Flour Ladoo lists chickpea flour, ghee and almonds. That makes the ingredients list important when you’re buying Indian sweets for several people.
Use the nutritional information table to compare products more fairly. Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar Caramel Sea Salt lists 537 kcal and 51 grams of sugar per 100 grams. Lindt Creation Crème Brûlée lists 583 kcal and 51 grams of sugar per 100 grams. These are verifiable facts that tell you more than a general description like “rich flavour”.
For on-the-go snacking, individually wrapped products like Snelle Jelle Gingerbread Natural are practical. For a dessert moment, products with a soft or creamy texture, such as Orion Choco Pie or a lychee pudding, suit the purpose better.
Why this fits: A compact introduction to Japanese sweets, with individually wrapped mochi for sharing or a small snack moment.
The weight is clearly stated and the portions are individually wrapped. Do check for the listed soya and possible traces of wheat and milk.
130 grams, a soft chewy texture and individually wrapped pieces according to the product description.
Why this fits: Ideal for anyone looking for Belgian milk chocolate with caramel pieces and sea salt in a size for one or a few people.
The bar is 90 grams and the product page states a minimum of 32% cocoa solids. This allows for more targeted comparison.
Fairtrade and vegetarian according to the product information; contains milk and soya.
Why this fits: A Thai dessert choice with individual cups and spoons, ideal for a group or a sweet treat after a meal.
The pack consists of individual cups. According to the description, the product must be refrigerated after opening and used within the stated period.
480 grams total, lychee flavour and nata de coco cubes; contains milk.
Why this fits: For anyone looking for a compact box of traditional Indian sweets for guests, as a gift or for a tasting.
The ingredients are clearly listed: chickpea flour, sugar, ghee, cardamom and almonds. After opening, the product information advises an airtight container and consumption within seven days.
400 grams and a clear mention of milk and almonds as allergens.
Browse a current selection of products for different snacking moments, gift ideas and desserts.
If you’re looking for Korean sweets, you can consider Orion Choco Pie in 234 or 468 grams. The product information describes a soft cake, creamy filling and chocolate coating. Check for gluten, milk, egg and soya here.
For rice snacks, WANT WANT Snow Cake and PanPan Snow Cake Original Flavour are options with a light, crispy texture. The listed ingredients include wheat, rice or rice flour. If you prefer a Dutch classic, you could consider Snelle Jelle Gingerbread Natural: five individually wrapped bars of 65 grams.
Other options include:
Check the net weight, portion size, ingredients, allergens, shelf life and storage temperature. For chilled or soft desserts, the storage information is particularly important. The product packaging you receive is the definitive guide.
Not automatically. According to the product information, some jelly products can pose a choking hazard and are not suitable for children under three years old. Always read the warnings on the packaging and supervise children while they eat.
This varies by product. Check the date on the packaging and store sweets and chocolate in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal opened packs tightly. Jelly and pudding often need to be refrigerated after opening and eaten within the stated period.