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.
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:
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.
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.
In the Netherlands, allergens must be clearly indicated in the ingredients list. Chinese biscuits and pastries often contain ingredients such as:
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.
First, decide what you’re looking for:
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.
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.
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.
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.
500 grams, around 65 pieces, individually wrapped and, according to the allergen information provided, with no allergens listed.
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.
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.
33% walnuts, 227 grams, around 12 to 16 pieces and individually wrapped.
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.
The filling and allergens are specified: wheat and soya are listed. That makes it clear this isn’t a vegetarian snack.
525 grams, chicken floss, mung bean paste and, according to the product information, 406 kcal per 100 grams.
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.
The three flavours and their respective percentages are listed. This means you can check for walnut and sesame allergens in advance.
500 grams, three flavours, a soft texture and ready to eat.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.
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.
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.
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.