Chips are the most popular snack in the U.S. It is fruit in Europe, and chocolate is the number one choice globally. There are savory, crunchy, sweet, chewy, spicy, creamy, fruity, and tangy snacks—so no matter what you’re craving, there’s at least one option in the big world of food for you. We’ve compiled the five most popular snacks in the world (except chips, of course).
Stroopwafels of Netherlands
A stroopwafel is the sweeter, handheld cookie version of your favorite childhood breakfast. It consists of two thin layers of dough pressed into a waffle iron and filled with caramel-like syrup in the middle. The syrup is pure ecstasy, literally.
Stroopwafels were invented in the early 1800s in the South Holland city of Gouda, where around 100 bakers were the only treat sellers. Today, you can find stroopwafels everywhere in the Netherlands from different popular brands.
Osen Bamba from Israel
The bestselling snack in Israel, Bamba, is what you would get if you swapped in peanut butter for the cheese in Cheetos puffs. The peanut butter-coated corn puffs are air-baked, giving them a light and crunchy texture, like regular chips.
We love that they won’t give you dusty fingers—the puffs get their flavor from all-natural peanut butter, which is poured into each batch before the Bamba is cooled and packaged. It’s a snack for all ages, not just kids.
Biltong from South Africa
Do you like beef jerky? If yes, you’ll love Biltong. Biltong is not beef jerky, but it is made from a large variety of cuts from different meats (beef, Wildebeest, and ostrich are popular) and can contain more than 50 percent fat.
The meat is processed by applying vinegar, massaging it with salt and spices such as coriander, cloves, and pepper, and drying it naturally. Since the 17th century, this snack is still the top choice of most South Africans today- and for a good reason.
Knoppers from Germany
A single Knoppers waffle comprises five crunchy, creamy layers: A waffle, hazelnut creme, another waffle, milk creme, and one last chocolate-covered waffle. This German snack is different shades of pure, edible delight. It’s probably the most exotic waffle one can taste.
The combo of flavors (the snack is a nougat-filled, Nutella-drenched chocolate-coated waffle) makes Knoppers pretty addicting. You can buy a pack of five at almost every minimart and convenience store all across Germany for 1.5 euros, or about $1.70.
7-Eleven Onigiri from Japan
If there was one thing that could overtake the Slurpee at 7-Eleven, it would be the onigiri served at Japanese locations. Onigiri—rice balls stuffed with various fillings and wrapped in seaweed—are a staple of 7-Elevens in Japan and always fresh.
Flavors of the onigiri on rotation include turnip wasabi, grilled beef kalbi, chicken karaage (fried chicken), and the favorite: salmon. Each store manager tailors their offerings to the local demand. However, each flavor is deliciously unique- making it hard to choose a favorite.
