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Get Snacks From South Korea

Favorite Korean Snacks

With the massive popularity of Squid Games this year, South Korea’s food and snacks have been on full display.  However, Dalgona is not the only candy or snack that’s fun to eat and slightly sweet.  I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite snacks.

Looking for information about Korean snacks? Get the Korean Convenience app on the App Store or Google Play Store 

Pepero

Pepero are thin pretzel sticks that are crunchy and not too sweet.  They’re the perfect snack while watching your latest Netflix or Viki drama.  You can buy several different flavors (almonds, cookies & creams, plain or strawberry).

Honey Butter Chips

Before there was ever a hit song, these popular chips were selling like hotcakes.  If you like the sweet and savory combination, you might want to try this popular snack.  Chips are relatively inexpensive, and if you don’t like the flavor, you haven’t invested much money to try a new flavor.     

Related: How To Read Korean Food Labels

Seaweed Snacks

Seaweed is rich in iron, calcium, and other vitamins/minerals.  Making this snack a little more on the healthier side.  It’s a thin flakey square sheet with a slight taste of fish and salt.  You can find it in almost any store nowadays.  There are also different flavors that you can try, including (onion, wasabi, sea salt, etc.) *Wrap it in steamed white rice for a more savory and salty snack experience.

Ace Crackers

This crispy sweet butter cracker goes perfectly with a hot beverage in the morning or can be enjoyed by itself.  They are also great to include in a gift baskets for the upcoming holidays. If you look closely on the side of every package there is the option to write a name and a cute message.   

Ramen

With Korean ramen the possibilities are endless, with many flavors and ways to eat this snack.  All you need is hot water, and you will have the perfect quick bite to eat.  Add green onion, egg, or even spam/sausage, and turn this quick snack into a meal.  My favorites are the black bean ramen, vegan ramen(Samyang), and Gomtang Noodles with Cream Beef Bone Broth.  

Related: Where To Buy Korean Food

Choco Pie

A choco pie reminds me of the marshmallow snacks I had when I was a kid.  This snack consists of two small fluffy layers of yellow cake covered in chocolate with a marshmallow center.  *Heat for five-seven seconds in the microwave for a more gooey treat.

There are also a variety of flavors you can try: check out the banana, green tea, or strawberry choco pie.

Orion Chips

Standard flavors include original, onion, and hot(spicy), which are great to try if you want a chip similar to Lays in the United States.  However, every country has unique flavors you can’t buy anywhere else, and South Korea is no different.  If you’re feeling adventurous, try the corn soup, lime pepper, chocolate, and seaweed varieties.   

Looking for information about Korean snacks? Get the Korean Convenience app on the App Store or Google Play Store 

Yogurt Jelly

Yogurt Jelly candy is one of my favorites because the packaging is shaped like a cute yogurt bottle, and the jelly has a mild fruit flavor.  These are perfect snacks to munch on while binge-watching your favorite K-drama or variety show.  *Yakult is the probiotic yogurt drink these jellies were modeled after and also a great drink to have after a meal.  

 Disclosure: If you give the links a love tap now! Buy snacks online for all your Korean snacks and grocery needs. I get a tiny referral percentage, being a part of the Amazon Affiliates program at no extra cost to you.

What are some of your favorite Korean snacks?  I would love to read about them in the comments down below.

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How To Read Korean Food Labels

Tips For Identifying Nutritional Information 

Food labels are already difficult to understand and add in another language and it can become an almost impossible task.  Whether you’re looking for products free-from one of the major top allergens or have a dietary restriction, these tips will help you with label transparency. Bookmark this page for tips to use the next time you order groceries online or browse the food aisles.  

After you’re done reading this post check out the Korean Convenience product page, it features 300+ Korean products: brand name, food allergies, ingredients, weight, calories, and cross-contamination statements when available. 

Looking for information about Korean snacks? Download the Korean Convenience app!

App Store or Google Play Store 

What’s On The Front

On the front of most prepackaged products the letter fonts are written in various colors, shapes, and sizes.  Important tips to remember are the word that are written the largest is usually the name of the product.  What is written directly underneath is usually the flavor of the product i.e. spicy, peanut, or sweet or a popular catchphrase.

Product Certifications

According to the Food and Drug Administration the “HACCP is a systematic approach to the identification, evaluation, and control of food safety hazards based on seven principles.”

There are several product certifications Korean products can display. Popular certifications include: No-MSG, Vegan, Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher, and Halal.

Weight and Calories

The food weight is the actual size of the Korean snack or grocery product. Because food can come in different shapes, and sizes knowing the amount of carbs by weight can be useful information for anyone managing a food allergy, intolerance or medical condition.

Calorie information can also be another useful tool for people who are counting calories, or need this information to better manage their medical conditions. HealthLine has written an extensive article on Kcal vs Calories Differences. To read the full article check it out here.

Korean Manufacturers

There are several popular manufacturers from South Korea.  Some of the organizations have business in South Korea and abroad such as in the United States.  

Popular brand names you will see on packages include:   

*Please be aware there are additional companies that are not mentioned in the list above.  

Expiration & Manufactured Dates

One of the key differences for consumers may be how the day, month, and year are written on the packages.  A lot of countries in Asia follow the hierarchical system and use the DD-MM-YYYY format. 

What’s On The Back

You want to make healthier choices, but you can’t understand the ingredient label.  Here are some tips to help you translate the back of the food package.

Nutrition Facts Label English & Hangul Translation

Korean Food Label
Image: Please don’t copy without permission.

Additional Terms

Listed below are additional terms that you might need help translating.

  • Product Name – 제품명  
  • Item Report Number – 품목보고번호 
  • Packaging Material – 포장재질 
  • Shelf Life – 유통기한 
  • Raw Material Name/Ingredients 원재료명 

Country Of Origin  

Words that are enclosed within parentheses are usually countries where the ingredients contained within the product originates.  Popular countries include:

  • United States – 미국산
  • Australia – 호주산
  • Austria – 오스트리아
  • Belgium – 벨기에
  • Brazil – 브라질
  • Canada – 캐나다
  • Chile – 칠레
  • China – 중국
  • Denmark – 덴마크
  • Dutch – 네덜란드산
  • France – 프랑스
  • Germany – 독일
  • Greece – 그리스
  • Hong Kong – 홍콩
  • India – 인도
  • Indonesia – 인도네시아
  • Italy – 이탈리아
  • Japan – 일본
  • Malaysia – 말레이시아산
  • Philippines – 필리핀 제도
  • South Korea – 대한민국
  • Spain – 스페인
  • Thailand – 태국산
  • Vietnam – 베트남
  • United Kingdom – 칠레

Looking for information about Korean snacks? Get the Korean Convenience app on the App Store or Google Play Store 

Food Allergens

On most packages, there is an allergy label.  They are the last words written within the ingredients sections and are usually highlighted by a different background color.  Things to remember:

Popular colors include white, yellow, and black.  

Ingredients are separated by commas. Top allergens include: 

top nine food allergen symbols in English and Hangul

Top 9 Major Allergens in the United States

  • Dairy – 우유 
  • Egg – 달걀
  • Fish – 생선 
  • Peanuts – 땅콩
  • Sesame – 깨
  • Shellfish – 조개
  • Soybean: 콩
  • Tree Nuts – 견과류
  • Wheat – 밀가루

Food Allergens Listed Specific to South Korea

  • Almond – 아몬드
  • Buckwheat – 메밀
  • Celery – 셀러리
  • Corn – 옥수수
  • Mustard – 머스타드
  • Peach – 복숭아
  • Pine Nuts – 잣
  • Plum – 자두
  • Tomato – 토마토

Meat and Seafood – Terms on South Korean Allergen Labels

  • Abalone – 전복
  • Beef – 소고기
  • Chicken – 치킨 / 닭고기
  • Crab – 게
  • Mackerel – 고등어
  • Mussels – 홍합
  • Oysters – 굴
  • Pork – 돼지 고기
  • Shrimp – 쉬림프

Manufacture Statements

제품과 같은 시설에서 제조하고 있습니다. = Manufactured in the same facility as the product.

Ministry Of Food & Drug Safety

To contact the Ministry Of Food & Drug Safety call +82-43-719-1564 (in English) and speak to someone regarding further Korean snack and grocery prepackaged product concerns.

Are you looking for more information read the Food Labeling System read the article from the Ministry Of Food & Drug Safety website

Final Thoughts

No matter which country you live in, it’s important to do research what you read on the back of nutrition labels especially when you have a food allergy or dietary condition.  While it might be time-consuming to read health claims, ingredients, or nutritional information that can be displayed on packages, it’s important to make the best decision possible.

I would love to hear your comments down below.  Do you feel this post is helpful to read Korean food labels?  Also, what food packaging information would you add to assist people who love Korean food?

Related Reading:

Korean Manufacturers Food Allergen Statements

Korean Food Recalls

Allergy Friendly Korean Alcohol Guide

Where To Buy Korean Food

Get Snacks From South Korea

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