Joybuy Insights

Buying Chinese snacks: how to choose Chinese cakes, biscuits and sweet treats online

Buying Chinese snacks seems simple until you have to choose between cakes, nut sweets, biscuits and individually wrapped treats. Product photos often show an appealing filling or traditional packaging, but tell you little about portion size, allergens or shelf life. Use this practical guide to focus on what the label actually says.

Common pitfalls when buying Chinese snacks

1. An appealing product name doesn’t tell you everything

A name such as Chinese cake, walnut cake or sesame cake doesn’t always describe the texture or flavour you might expect. A soft cake, for example, may have a sticky, sweet filling, while a meat floss cake is made with flaky pastry and a savoury filling. Dorayaki usually consists of two soft pancakes with a sweet filling, but recipes and allergens vary between products.

So check:

  • the order of the ingredients;
  • the percentage of the main ingredient;
  • the nutritional information per 100 grams;
  • the net weight and number of portions.

2. ‘With nuts’ doesn’t automatically mean it contains lots of nuts

Check the percentage shown. According to the product information, Huang Lao Wu Original Walnut Soft Cake contains 33% walnuts. The amount varies by flavour in the mixed pack: the original flavour contains 35% walnuts, the black sesame flavour 15.3% walnuts and the date flavour 22%.

This makes a big difference to flavour, texture and nutritional value. If you’re buying a nut cake or walnut cake, check the allergen information too. Walnuts, cashews and sesame should be clearly identified on the label. Allergen warnings may also state that the product is made in an environment where peanuts, milk, soya or gluten are present.

3. Individual wrapping is practical, but it doesn’t mean the snacks are fresh

Individually wrapped snacks are handy for work, school, days out or sharing. They also help prevent portions from drying out after you open the outer packaging. Be sure to check the use-by date on the pack and store opened products as directed, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

A 500-gram pack offers good value for a family or a gathering, but may not be ideal if you only have a snack now and again. A smaller pack is a better choice when you’re trying a new flavour.

Key things to check

Ingredients and allergens

In the Netherlands, allergens must be clearly indicated in the ingredients list. Chinese biscuits and pastries often contain ingredients such as:

  • wheat and gluten in dough and biscuits;
  • egg in cake batter;
  • soya in soy sauce or certain emulsifiers;
  • walnuts, cashews and sesame in nut and seed products;
  • milk in some dorayaki and cake varieties.

According to the product information, the 208-gram Youchen Meat Floss Cake Original Flavour contains wheat, egg and soya. The 525-gram version contains wheat and soya, and is made with chicken floss and mung bean paste. If you’re vegetarian, make sure you check the filling carefully when buying meat floss cake.

Flavour and texture

First, decide what you’re looking for:

  • Sweet and fruity: sour bayberry or date snacks.
  • Nutty and soft: walnut cake or black sesame cake.
  • Crunchy: cashew cake or Chinese biscuits.
  • Savoury and sweet: meat floss cake.
  • Soft and filled: dorayaki or Aji cake.

Check the sugar content too. Three Squirrels Sour Bayberry Cake contains 57.3 grams of sugars per 100 grams. Huang Lao Wu Original Walnut Soft Cake contains 25.9 grams of sugars per 100 grams. The nutritional information makes it easier to compare products fairly than relying on the front of the pack alone.

Packaging, weight and when to enjoy them

A large multipack is ideal for birthdays, visitors or sharing over tea. A smaller box is more convenient if you want to try a range of Asian snacks. Also check whether the product is ready to eat, how to store it after opening and how many individual portions are included.

Recommended picks for different shoppers

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Three Squirrels Sour Bayberry Cake 500g

Three Squirrels Bulk Bagged Sour Bayberry Cake 500g

Why it suits this shopper: According to the product information, this 500-gram bulk pack contains around 65 individually wrapped pieces. It’s handy for sharing or trying a new flavour without buying individual portions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The number of portions and total quantity are clearly stated. According to the product description, the snack contains at least 30% southern sour jujube pulp; check the current packaging for the definitive information.

Key benefit and highlights

500 grams, around 65 pieces, individually wrapped and, according to the allergen information provided, with no allergens listed.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Huang Lao Wu Original Walnut Soft Cake 227g

Huang Lao Wu Original Walnut Soft Cake 227g

Why it suits this shopper: According to the product information, this soft walnut cake contains 33% walnuts and is individually wrapped. It’s a good fit for tea time when portion control and a distinct nutty flavour matter.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The walnut percentage is clearly stated, so you don’t have to rely on the product image alone. Walnuts are listed as an allergen on the packaging.

Key benefit and highlights

33% walnuts, 227 grams, around 12 to 16 pieces and individually wrapped.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent snackers
Youchen Meat Floss Cake Original Flavour 525g

Youchen Meat Floss Cake Original Flavour 525g

Why it suits this shopper: If you’re after savoury Chinese snacks, this larger pack combines chicken floss with mung bean paste. Its savoury-sweet flavour is a clear change from ordinary biscuits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The filling and allergens are specified: wheat and soya are listed. That makes it clear this isn’t a vegetarian snack.

Key benefit and highlights

525 grams, chicken floss, mung bean paste and, according to the product information, 406 kcal per 100 grams.

Suitable for: Gift-givers and flavour explorers
Huang Lao Wu Walnut Soft Cakes Mixed Packaging 500g

Huang Lao Wu Walnut Soft Cakes Mixed Packaging 500g

Why it suits this shopper: This mixed pack includes original, black sesame and date varieties. It’s a good box to share or give as a gift when you’re not sure which flavours someone likes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The three flavours and their respective percentages are listed. This means you can check for walnut and sesame allergens in advance.

Key benefit and highlights

500 grams, three flavours, a soft texture and ready to eat.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.

Frequently asked questions about ordering Chinese snacks online

Which Chinese snacks are good for beginners?

Choose a product with a clear ingredients list and a familiar flavour, such as walnut cake, date cake or a mixed pack. A box with several flavours is handy if you’re not sure whether you prefer soft, crunchy, sweet or savoury snacks.

How long do Chinese snacks keep?

The use-by date is shown on the packaging and varies by product. Most snacks should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the pack tightly after opening. Individually wrapped snacks usually retain their individual wrapping, but always check the specific storage instructions.

What should I check if I have allergies?

Read the full ingredients list and allergen information before buying. Chinese biscuits, dorayaki and cakes often contain wheat, egg, soya, milk and nuts. Also look out for warnings about traces of allergens. If in doubt, it’s best not to order the product.