Joybuy Insights

Buying Chinese snacks: how to choose tasty options without making a poor purchase

Chinese snacks come in many varieties, from sweet-and-sour hawthorn strips and candied fruit to tea, chewing gum and traditional Chinese treats. That variety is precisely what can make choosing difficult. Packaging may promise a great deal, while the most important information is printed in small type on the label.

So don’t focus solely on an appealing image or a familiar flavour. Pay particular attention to the ingredients, sugar content, serving size, allergens and storage advice. This will help you find Chinese sweets and Asian snacks that suit your taste and the occasion.

Three common pitfalls when buying Chinese snacks

1. Mistaking “sugar-free” for calorie-free or unlimited snacking

Sugar-free liquorice and chewing gum often contain sweeteners such as maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol or isomalt. This does not automatically mean that the product contains no carbohydrates or calories. In addition, excessive consumption of polyols can have a laxative effect. Always check the nutrition table and the warnings on the packaging.

A clear example is Oldtimers Sugar-Free Liquorice Rocks. The product information states 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams, but also lists maltitol as a sweetener and 53 grams of carbohydrates. Klene Sugar-Free Liquorice with Eucalyptus Flavor likewise states 0 grams of sugar and warns of a possible laxative effect if consumed excessively.

2. Mistaking a sweet-and-sour flavour for a low sugar content

Hawthorn snacks, hawthorn strips and candied fruit often have a distinctly sour flavour. This can give the impression that they contain little sugar. In reality, many varieties contain added sugar, glucose syrup or maltose.

For example, O'Say Strawberry Hawthorn Strips lists 58 grams of sugar per 100 grams. According to the product information, Xue Ji Original Hawthorn Strips contains 56.6 grams of sugar per 100 grams. The sour flavour therefore says little about the amount of sugar. If you mainly want to eat less sweet food, it is wise to compare the nutritional values per 100 grams.

3. Treating “traditional” or “natural” as a guarantee of quality

Brands may position their products as traditional, natural or artisan, but these terms do not always reveal everything about the recipe or nutritional value. According to information provided by O'Say Food, traditional recipes are combined with modern production techniques. This may say something about how the product is positioned, but you should still check the ingredients list, origin and shelf life before buying.

Also look out for additives. Be&Cheery Many kinds of hawthorn lists, among other things, sweeteners and the colour E129. The product information states that E129 may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. This is relevant information for families.

What information should you check before buying?

1. Ingredients and allergens

Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by quantity. If sugar or glucose syrup appears near the top of the list, it makes up a significant part of the recipe. Jin Ye Six-Ingredient Hawthorn Strips lists dried mandarin peel, yam, red dates, poria and malt alongside hawthorn. According to the product information, this product contains gluten.

Even snacks that contain none of the 14 main EU allergens may include ingredients that are unsuitable for individual consumers. For example, Falım Mixed Fruit Chewing Gum contains soya lecithin and may contain traces of milk. If you have allergies, always check the current label on the packaging.

2. Sugar, sweeteners and serving size

Compare nutritional values per 100 grams, but also check the net contents. A 200-gram bag may seem good value, but it contains more portions than an individually wrapped snack weighing around 100 grams.

Individually wrapped sweets are practical for taking with you. Manuka Doctor Mānuka-honey & Lemon Middles contains 22 individually wrapped lozenges. The product information states that it contains 9% Mānuka honey and lists sugar as an ingredient. The MGO 300 statement describes the honey classification used; it is not a reason to consider the product a medicine.

3. Storage, origin and shelf life

Most Chinese snacks should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal opened packaging securely and follow the date and instructions on the label. Hawthorn strips may lose their texture after opening, while loose sweets remain more hygienic when individually wrapped.

Also check the country of origin. Several products in this range are made in China, while other international snacks come from Europe or Turkey. This allows you to combine Chinese snacks with a wider selection of Asian snacks and international flavours.

Our recommendations by user type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Bestore Candied Hawthorn 100g

Bestore Candied Hawthorn 100g

Why it suits this profile: A compact pack with a familiar sweet-and-sour hawthorn flavour. Suitable for eating straight away or using to make fruit tea.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and nutritional values are clearly stated. With 67.73% hawthorn, you can assess the composition more accurately than by looking at the packaging alone.

Key benefit & highlights

100 grams; ready to eat; suitable as a snack or for a fruity drink.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
O'Say Strawberry Hawthorn Strips lavashak 118g

O'Say Strawberry Hawthorn Strips lavashak 118g

Why it suits this profile: For anyone looking for a softer texture and a fruity combination. The blend of strawberry and hawthorn creates a sweet-and-sour flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is individually portioned, and the product information lists the ingredients, origin and nutritional values. The 58 grams of sugar per 100 grams remains clearly visible for an informed comparison.

Key benefit & highlights

118 grams; soft, chewy texture; individually wrapped; made in China.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent snacking
Manuka Doctor Mānuka-honey & Lemon Middles Lozenges, 22 Pieces

Manuka Doctor Mānuka-honey & Lemon Middles Lozenges, 22 Pieces

Why it suits this profile: Handy for anyone who often wants to carry individually wrapped sweets in a bag, coat or car and enjoys a lemon-and-honey flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states 22 pieces, 9% Mānuka honey, sugar and the presence of honey. This makes the intended use and composition clear in advance.

Key benefit & highlights

22 individually wrapped lozenges; liquid honey centre; lemon flavour; contains zinc.

Comparing Chinese snacks for home, on the go or for resale

At home, you can combine different textures: soft hawthorn strips, candied hawthorn and firm liquorice. Individually wrapped products are more convenient when you’re out and about, while the rest of the pack stays better protected. If you want to put together a range for a shop or hospitality business, focus in particular on net quantity, pieces per pack, shelf life and storage conditions.

Fruit lovers can choose Pickwick Fruit Forest Fruit or Pickwick Fruit Fusion Fruit Variation. The second variety contains four fruit tea flavours and, according to the product information, is caffeine-free. Do note the presence of liquorice root in some blends and read the ingredients list if you want to avoid it.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about Chinese snacks

Which Chinese snacks are sweet and sour?

Hawthorn products such as hawthorn strips, candied hawthorn and hawthorn tablets often combine sweet and sour flavours. According to the product information, Liu Liu Prune Dark Plum also has a sweet, sour and salty flavour profile. Check the amount of sugar and salt in each product.

Are Chinese snacks suitable for taking with you?

Yes, individually wrapped hawthorn sticks, lozenges and chewing gum are particularly practical for taking on the go. Pay attention to the storage temperature and seal opened bags securely. Products with a soft texture can become sticky in warm conditions.

What is an alternative to ordinary sweets?

Sugar-free liquorice or sugar-free chewing gum may be an alternative for anyone looking to limit their sugar intake. However, these products often contain polyols or other sweeteners. So read the ingredients and follow the instructions on the packaging. The same applies to international treats such as Mānuka honey lozenges and fruit gummies.