Foodie cultures abound globally, but Asian and Latin American nations are particularly renowned for the incredible variety of sweet and savory snacks they produce.
While tastes vary from country to country, several fantastic snacking options have spread to neighboring regions and even gained interest in other areas of the globe, including the U.S.
Whether you’re interested in working new international flavor profiles into your restaurant menu, thinking about producing your own take on overseas snacks for an American marketplace, or want to innovate in other markets, here are just a few of the popular snacks in Asian and Latin American countries that should be on your radar.
Seaweed Rice Crackers
Rice crackers are a snacking staple in many Asian countries, and they’ve recently started gaining popularity in America, with so many consumers seeking gluten-free alternatives. Seaweed rice crackers, sold alone or as part of many Asian snack mixes, feature a lovely brine that adds tons of flavor to plain rice crackers.
The simple flavors pair with all kinds of sauces and dips, not to mention sweet counterpoints like dried fruit. Because they’re so light, seaweed rice crackers are a great complement to more filling fare like meats and cheeses. Thanks to infused seaweed bits, they’re also incredibly tasty alone.
A Taste of Japan
Japanese snacks offer a wide variety of options that showcase the distinct flavors of umami, miso, ramen, and tamari. For umami enthusiasts, there are umami-flavored chips and crackers that provide a savory and satisfying crunch. Miso is commonly incorporated into snacks like rice crackers, imparting a unique blend of sweetness and umami richness. Ramen-flavored snacks, such as crispy noodle snacks or seasoned rice crackers, mimic the beloved flavors of soy, sesame, and savory broth found in traditional ramen dishes. Tamari-flavored snacks often feature soy-based snacks like soy sauce-flavored rice crackers or roasted soybeans, boasting a robust and salty taste. Additionally, these flavors can be found in snack mixes, popcorn, and even savory biscuits.
Related: 2022 Top Snack Trends
Sachima
This traditional Chinese pastry is an ancient snack that dates all the way back to the Qing dynasty. A flour and egg batter is fried in melted sugar syrup, honey, and cream to create a crispy yet fluffy treat.
In other regions, variations may be chewy and could be sprinkled with dried coconut, sesame seeds, or dried fruit like raisins. Lightly sweet, this snack looks similar to Rice Krispies treats but with a slightly different flavor and texture.
Takis
These crunchy Mexican snack chips are made from rolled corn and designed to mimic taquitos. However, they’re known for intense flavors, including several hot, spicy varieties that serve as a Latin American competitor to Flaming Hot Cheetos.
Flagship flavor Fuego is consistently listed as the most popular and beloved, likely because of the balance it strikes between heat and flavor. Nitro turns up the heat a bit with habanero while adding distinctive lime and smoke profiles, and the Guacamole flavor offers a milder combination of jalapeño, avocado, tomato, and cilantro that many describe as fresh in comparison to hotter varieties.
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Ambrosoli Frugelé Frutos
Gummies are a favorite snack of consumers in cultures across the globe, including both Asian and Latin American countries. This Chilean sweet is made from real fruit juice, such as apple, orange, grape, and strawberry, with minimal added sugars, preserving the authentic fruit flavor.
Tortilla Chips with a Twist
Modern Mexican flavored snacks offer a vibrant and zesty twist to traditional snack options. These snacks capture the essence of Mexican cuisine, incorporating flavors like tangy lime, smoky chipotle, and spicy jalapeño. They come in various forms, including tortilla chips with unique seasonings, crispy chili-lime popcorn, and salsa-infused snack mixes. As for a healthier twist on tortilla chips, there is a growing trend of baked or air-popped tortilla chips that offer a lighter alternative to the traditional fried version. These tortilla chips retain their satisfying crunch while reducing the overall fat content, making them a guilt-free option for snack lovers.
Pastel
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Brazilian who doesn’t know and love pastel, a stuffed and deep-fried pastry that’s essentially a hand pie. Savory versions are commonly stuffed with seafood, meat, or cheese, while sweet iterations may feature jam, fruit, or chocolate.
Incredibly, common lore holds that pastel evolved from traditional Chinese spring rolls, which Japanese immigrants to Brazil adapted to appeal more to local consumers. In short, it may be the perfect, versatile crossover between Asian and Latin American snacks.
Learning about popular snacks from other regions can not only help American chefs and food manufacturers expand into other markets but modify cuisine to introduce new flavors to local consumers.
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