Buying international snacks online is convenient when you’re looking for Chinese snacks, Korean instant noodles, Japanese noodles, drinks or a snack gift box. However, it can be difficult to tell from a photo what you’ll actually receive. Eye-catching packaging doesn’t tell you much about portion sizes, ingredients or allergens.
Three common pitfalls to watch out for:
That’s why a good choice starts with the information on the product page, not the packaging.
Don’t just compare the prices of two products. Check the price per 100 grams or per portion, too. A crisps selection box with several small bags is handy for a film night or family, while a large bag may be better value if you’re after just one flavour.
For a gift box, the number of individually wrapped products and the total weight matter. According to the product information, the Bestore Lucky Cat Gift Box contains 13 individually wrapped snacks with a net weight of 1518 grams. That makes it ideal for sharing, but always check the best-before date and packaging of each item when it arrives.
Store dry snacks according to the instructions on the label: usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, a pack may lose its quality faster than an unopened box.
International products can contain ingredients you might not expect from the product name alone. Many Chinese snacks, for example, contain wheat, soya and sesame. Jin Pai Boxed Pea Mixed Bean Noodles contain wheat, soya and sesame, so they’re not suitable for everyone with an allergy or intolerance.
Snack gift boxes need extra attention, too. The Bestore box has full ingredient information on each individual pack. Check the labels before eating, especially if you’re giving the box as a gift.
If you like nuts, you could choose nuts and dried fruit, but it’s still important to check the ingredients. J.ZAO Classic Daily-Nut Mix contains walnuts, almonds, cashews and hazelnuts, among other things. The 25-gram packs are easy to portion, but the product does contain tree nuts.
If you’re looking to buy an energy drink, check the caffeine content per can rather than relying on a “low calorie” claim. Carabao Mixed Berry Energy Drink contains 32 mg of caffeine per 100 ml. That means a 330 ml can contains around 106 mg of caffeine. The packaging also states that the product is suitable for adults. Keep your total caffeine intake for the day in mind and follow the information on the label.
For Korean instant noodles and Japanese noodles, the preparation instructions and portion size matter. The Nongshim K-Pop Demon Hunters pack contains three 68-gram cups. According to the product information, preparation takes three to four minutes with boiling water. The cups contain wheat, soya and milk, so they’re not suitable for vegans. Don’t microwave the cup if the packaging advises against it.
Why it suits this profile: The box contains 15 small portions of paprika, cheese and salted snacks. It’s easy to compare and share them without opening large bags straight away.
The number of bags and the flavours are clearly described. Do check the allergens, though: the box contains milk and may contain soya and gluten.
15 individual portions; several familiar snack types; easy to share and store.
Why it suits this profile: If portion control and presentation matter to you, this pack contains 30 sealed 25-gram sachets of nuts and dried fruit.
The portion size is set in advance and the ingredients list is available. The product contains several types of tree nuts.
750 grams in total; 30 portions; individually wrapped for taking on the go, work or gifting.
Why it suits this profile: These Chongqing-style noodles are designed for a hot meal at home and take four to five minutes to prepare.
The preparation steps and contents of the sachets are listed. Be aware of the relatively high salt content: 3.5 grams per 100 grams.
245 grams per pack; separate sauce, pea and seasoning sachets; ready in a few simple steps.
Why it suits this profile: This selection of 13 snacks makes a great shared gift, a treat for a celebration or a way to try a range of Chinese flavours.
The product information lists the individual snack types and allergens. Always check the labels on each pack before serving.
13 packaged products; 1518 grams net; a mix of sweet, savoury and spicy snacks.
We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
For a film night, try a mix of small crisps bags, fruit tea and sugar-free chewing gum. Pickwick Red Fruit Tea Variety Box includes flavours such as forest fruits, strawberry, raspberry and cherry. According to the product information, Falım Mixed Fruit Chewing Gum contains five 20-gram packs and is sugar-free. However, the ingredients list includes sweeteners and soya.
For a gift, you can pair a snack gift box with a hot drink. Nan Fang black sesame paste comes in four flavour options, including original, lightly sweetened, sugar-free and honey. Please note: it contains wheat, soya, sesame, walnuts and peanuts, among other ingredients.
Check the total weight, portion size, best-before date, origin, preparation instructions and allergens. For mixed boxes, check the information for each individual product.
It depends on the product. The Nongshim K-Pop Demon Hunters noodles mentioned above contain milk and include flavours such as beef. Always check the ingredients and allergen information on the product page and packaging.
Store dry snacks and noodles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal opened packs tightly. Store drinks according to the label; opened products may need to be refrigerated and are usually best drunk soon after opening.