Best Korean Snacks to Try in the U.S.
If you’re looking for the best Korean snacks to try in the U.S., you don’t have to start with whatever happens to be trending online. Korean grocery stores offer everything from butter cookies and savory crackers to chocolate treats and sugar-free candy.
Having grown up with these foods, I’ve developed my own favorites, and some aren’t necessarily the ones you’ll find in every Korean snack roundup.
Here are seven Korean snack picks I genuinely enjoy, including a few that deserve more attention in the United States.
1. Haitai Butter Ring Cookies – My Favorite Butter Cookies
I’ve tried butter cookies from different countries, including Danish-style varieties, and Haitai Butter Ring remains my favorite.
These ring-shaped cookies have a rich buttery flavor and a delicate, crumbly texture. They’re sweet without being overwhelming and go especially well with coffee.
If you’re familiar with European butter cookies, you’ll recognize the general style. Personally, I prefer Butter Ring to many of the Western versions I’ve tried.
They’re easy to overlook among the more colorful Korean snacks, but they’re one of the first things I’d recommend picking up.
2. Nongshim Shrimp Crackers (새우깡) – A Korean Classic
Shrimp Crackers, or Saewookkang, have been a familiar snack in Korea for generations.
They’re light and crunchy, with a savory seasoning and a noticeable but not overpowering shrimp flavor. If seafood-flavored snacks are new to you, think of them as seasoned crackers rather than something that tastes like actual shrimp.
I’ve always enjoyed Shrimp Crackers, and they’re a good example of how Korean savory snacks can differ from the usual potato chips and cheese crackers found in American supermarkets.
You can start with the original version, which has been a longstanding favorite in Korea.
3. Lotte Pepero (빼빼로) – Chocolate-Covered Biscuit Sticks
Pepero combines a thin, crisp biscuit stick with a coating of chocolate.
If you’ve tried Japanese Pocky, you’ll be familiar with the idea. Pepero has a similar appeal: a satisfying crunch, just enough chocolate, and an easy-to-share format.
In Korea, November 11 is known as Pepero Day, when people exchange boxes with friends, classmates, and loved ones.
Coincidentally, this article was published on November 11, making it a particularly fitting day to introduce one of Korea’s most recognizable chocolate snacks.
The original chocolate flavor is a classic, while Almond Pepero adds chopped almonds for extra texture. Both are easy starting points if you’re new to the brand.
4. Orion Choco Songyi (초코송이) – Mushroom-Shaped Chocolate Treats
Choco Songyi consists of small, mushroom-shaped treats with chocolate caps and crunchy biscuit stems.
The chocolate is sweet, and the biscuit adds a light contrast without making the snack feel too rich.
The playful shape is part of its charm, but this isn’t just a novelty snack. It’s a familiar Korean childhood favorite that still makes a satisfying little treat.
You might see it sold under the English names Choco Boy or Mushroom Chocolate Biscuits, depending on the retailer.
5. Orion Goraebap (고래밥) – Savory Sea-Creature Crackers
Goraebap is a longtime Korean favorite made up of small, hollow crackers shaped like whales and other sea creatures.
The original roasted-seasoning version has a savory flavor and a light, crispy texture. It’s not especially spicy or heavily seasoned, making it easy to snack on.
The shapes are fun, particularly for kids, but Goraebap is just as appealing to adults who grew up eating it.
If you’re looking for something besides potato chips, this is one of the Korean snacks I’d suggest trying.
You may find it listed as Goraebap or Whale Rice Snack at American retailers.
6. Lotte Mom’s Hand Pie (엄마손파이) – Flaky Pastry Cookies
Despite its name, Mom’s Hand Pie isn’t a traditional American-style pie. It’s a thin, flaky pastry cookie, somewhat similar to a French palmier.
The layers are crisp and lightly sweet, with a buttery flavor that pairs nicely with tea or coffee.
Unlike a dense butter cookie, Mom’s Hand Pie breaks into delicate, flaky pieces when you bite into it. It can be a little messy, but that’s part of the texture.
It’s a good choice when you want something sweet without chocolate or cream filling.
Some American retailers list it as Eomma Son Pie, so searching by the Korean brand name can help.
7. Korean Sugar-Free Candy – Lotte Anytime and ZERO Xylitol
Korean candy is one category I think deserves more attention.
I’m not particularly fond of Korean chewing gum, but I genuinely enjoy Korean hard candy, especially the sugar-free varieties.
Two of my favorites are Lotte Anytime and Lotte ZERO Xylitol Mint Candy.
Lotte Anytime
Anytime combines cool mint with a creamy milk flavor. It’s sweeter and milder than a strong peppermint candy, with a distinctive taste that sets it apart from ordinary mints.
If you find traditional peppermint a little too sharp, Anytime offers a softer alternative.
Lotte ZERO Xylitol Mint Candy
Lotte ZERO takes a different approach, with refreshing flavors such as lemon mint, peach mint, and peppermint.
These have a brighter, more mint-forward taste than Anytime, making them a good choice if you prefer something refreshing rather than creamy.
Both products are worth exploring if you enjoy sugar-free sweets. Just remember that sugar-free doesn’t necessarily mean calorie-free, and certain alternative sweeteners can cause digestive discomfort when consumed in large amounts.
Which Korean Snacks Should You Try First?
If you’re new to Korean snacks, it helps to choose a few different types rather than filling your cart with similar products.
| If you enjoy… | Try… |
|---|---|
| Butter cookies or shortbread | Butter Ring |
| Salty, savory crackers | Shrimp Crackers |
| Chocolate-covered biscuits | Pepero or Choco Songyi |
| Light, crispy snacks | Goraebap |
| Flaky pastries | Mom’s Hand Pie |
| Mints and sugar-free candy | Anytime or ZERO Xylitol |
I’d start with Butter Ring, Shrimp Crackers, and one of the mint candies. They’re quite different from one another and give you a good introduction to the variety of Korean snacks.
Where to Buy Korean Snacks in the U.S.
You can find many Korean snacks at H Mart, other Korean grocery stores, and specialty Asian supermarkets.
Shopping in person makes it easier to compare flavors, package sizes, and prices. For more ideas beyond the snack aisle, take a look at my guide to what to buy at H Mart.
If you don’t have a Korean grocery store nearby, online retailers such as H Mart and Kurly USA carry Korean food products, although availability and delivery options vary by location.
Amazon and other online marketplaces may also have these snacks, particularly in multipacks. Check the package weight and total price before ordering, since imported products can cost considerably more online.
Some products may appear under different English names, so searching by brand and Korean product name can help.
A Few Things to Check Before Buying
Imported snacks don’t always have the same packaging or labeling as their Korean counterparts.
Before ordering, check the flavor, package size, and expiration date. If you have food allergies, read the current ingredient label carefully, especially for products containing wheat, milk, soy, sesame, nuts, or shellfish.
For snacks you’re trying for the first time, smaller packages are usually the better choice. You can always buy more once you find a favorite.
Final Thoughts
Korean snacks don’t have to be unusual or trendy to be good.
Some of my favorites, like Butter Ring and Pepero, are based on familiar cookies and chocolate treats. Others, like Shrimp Crackers and Goraebap, offer flavors and textures you might not normally find in an American snack aisle.
And if you enjoy sugar-free candy, don’t overlook Korean mints. They’re among the products I personally find most enjoyable.
These are the Korean snacks I’d happily buy again, and I think they’re a good place to start if you’re curious about what Korean grocery stores have to offer.