Anyone searching for international sweets and snacks will quickly be presented with a huge selection online. From Korean sweets and Japanese snacks to Haribo sweets, chocolate, biscuits and sour sweets: the packaging may look appealing, but it does not always tell the whole story. A small bag, for example, may work out more expensive per 100 grams, while a striking flavour may not appeal to everyone.
With this practical approach, you can compare products based on contents, allergens, origin and occasion. That makes it easier to find something for a film night, party, gift or cupboard.
Matcha snacks, honey butter chips and Japanese barbecue crisps stand out because of their flavour names. However, the intensity of the flavour depends on the herbs, flavourings and other ingredients used. So do not just look at the front of the packaging; check the ingredients list too.
For example, the 60-gram Haitai Honey Butter Chips state that the crisps consist of 89% potato and contain 1.6% honey-butter seasoning mix. The flavour is clearly described, but the mix also contains milk, wheat and soya.
Always compare the net weight and nutritional values per 100 grams. A large pack can be convenient for sharing, but less suitable if you want to try a range of international flavours. Smaller packs are often more practical for a gift or tasting selection.
When buying sweets, also check the sugar content. According to the product information, Red Band Winegums Originals contain 56 grams of sugar per 100 grams. Red Band Fizzy Mix contains 61 grams per 100 grams. This makes these products suitable as a treat, but not as an everyday staple.
Asian snacks often contain wheat, milk, soya, peanuts and nuts. Always check the current packaging, particularly if you have an allergy or intolerance. Online product information can change, and packaging may display different or additional information.
You should also check terms such as gluten-free for each product. Red Band Dropfruit Duos are described as gluten-free, while Look-O-Look Sour Strawberry Mats contain wheat.
First, decide what you are buying the snack for:
For a table catering to different preferences, you can combine sweet, sour and savoury snacks. Think Haribo sweets alongside Japanese biscuits and Korean crisps.
Check the weight per pack, number of portions and best-before date. The Nestlé KitKat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate, for example, contains 9 individually wrapped sticks with a total weight of 104.4 grams. That makes sharing easy.
Some imported products may have a shorter remaining shelf life. The product information for this KitKat specifically states that you should check the best-before date. Store snacks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as indicated on the packaging.
The nutrition table helps you compare products more fairly. Haitai Honey Butter Chips list 600 kcal and 1.0 grams of salt per 100 grams. According to the product information, Japanese Cheetos Barbeque Flavor contain 1.4 grams of salt per 100 grams. This difference is relevant when comparing several savoury snacks.
For protein products, it is important to look at the amount per serving. According to the product description, the Optimum Nutrition and Nutramino bundle contains 16 grams of protein per bottle of Protein Water and 25 grams per XL Protein Bar. The ingredients include milk and soya. Always check the individual label before using the product.
Why it suits this profile: An easy-to-share bag containing both sweet and sour gummies for a film night or small party.
The 215-gram weight and the described mix of sour and sweet sweets make the contents easy to compare.
215 grams, soft texture, sour and sweet varieties, without the 14 main EU allergens according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: A compact chocolate choice made with milk chocolate and 9% hazelnut pieces for those who care about texture.
The product information clearly states the net weight, hazelnut content and allergens.
90 grams, 9% hazelnut pieces, made in Switzerland; contains milk, soya and hazelnuts.
Why it suits this profile: For on the go, between meals or around training sessions, this bundle offers two drinks and two bars in individual portions.
The bundle specifies the contents, serving size and protein value for each individual product.
2 Protein Waters of 350 ml and 2 bars of 74 grams; according to the product information, 16 grams and 25 grams of protein per serving.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
You can search online by country, flavour, brand or product type. Search terms such as Korean sweets, Japanese snacks, matcha snacks, gummies, crisps and chocolate can help narrow down the selection. Then check the weight, allergens, origin and shelf life before placing your order.
That depends on the product. Asian snacks may contain milk, soya, wheat, nuts or sesame. Always read the current packaging and allergen information. If you have a severe allergy, do not rely solely on an online product description.
The shelf life is stated on the packaging. Store opened products according to the instructions, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal bags properly to help prevent loss of crunch and flavour. With chocolate, heat can affect the texture and appearance.