Whether you’re exploring local markets, grabbing something from a corner store, or enjoying a casual afternoon snack, Trinidad and Tobago’s exotic snack scene offers something for every taste.
From the legendary “Vital Supply” of Crix crackers to the spicy, sugary kick of Tamarind balls, we’ll be highlighting 20 of the most popular exotic snacks in Trinidad and Tobago.
Fun Fact: Many snacks are inspired by festive flavors enjoyed during Carnival, with bold spices, tropical fruits, and crunchy textures dominating the scene.
A Look at the Most Popular Exotic Snacks in Trinidad and Tobago
- Best top-pick exotic snack: Hershey’s Chocolate Bars
- Best premium snack: Big Foot
- Best chips snack: Lay’s Potato Chips
Here’s our curated list of 20 popular and exotic snacks in Trinidad and Tobago:
1. Big Foot
Manufactured by Holiday Snacks, Big Foot is arguably the most iconic snack in the country. These are oversized, foot-shaped corn puffs heavily dusted with a sharp, salty cheddar cheese seasoning. The texture is unique, it’s a “melts-in-your-mouth” puff that starts with a loud crunch. Whether you’re at a school sports day or stuck in traffic on the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway, a bag of Big Foot is the universal comforter.
2. Bermudez Crix Crackers
If Trinidad had a national biscuit, this would be it. Crix is a plain, salted cracker that is loved for its incredible “snap” and versatility. It comes in Original, Whole Wheat, and even Multi-grain. Trinis eat Crix for breakfast with a slice of local “Rat Cheese” (New Zealand cheddar), for lunch with canned tuna, or as a late-night snack with guava jam.
3. Devon Chocolate Digestive Biscuits
Devon is a brand that brings a touch of British elegance to the Caribbean. Their Chocolate Digestives are a household staple. These are semi-sweet, wheaty biscuits with a thick coating of smooth milk chocolate on one side. They are famously sturdy, making them the perfect “dunking” biscuit for a hot cup of Milo or local cocoa tea.
4. Paula’s Tamarind Candy
Paula’s is a name synonymous with “fruit confectionery” in T&T. Their tamarind candy captures the islands’ love for the “sweet-and-sour” profile. These are soft, chewy nuggets of tamarind pulp mixed with sugar. It’s a flavor that wakes up the senses, intensely tart at first, followed by a rush of sugary sweetness that lingers.
5. Lisa’s Preserves Tamarind Balls
While Paula’s offers a more “candy-like” experience, Lisa’s Preserves provides the rustic, homemade feel that Trinis crave. These tamarind balls are often hand-rolled and include the seeds, giving you a truly authentic tropical experience. They often come in “spicy” versions as well, infused with local hot peppers to give you that signature Caribbean “burn” alongside the sugar.
6. Lay’s Potato Chips
While Lay’s is a global brand, in Trinidad, it’s a premium alternative to local potato chips. You’ll often find the classic “Yellow Bag” (Salted) at every “lime” (a Trini word for a social gathering). Interestingly, in T&T, Lay’s are often used as a side dish for sandwiches or “cutters” (savory appetizers served with drinks).
7. Doritos
Nacho Cheese Doritos are a staple of the Trinidadian cinema experience and house parties. Because of the country’s love for bold, spicy flavors, the “Spicy Nacho” and “Flaming Hot” varieties are particularly popular. They are the go-to “loud” snack for when you want something with a heavy crunch.
8. Cheetos
In T&T, Cheetos (specifically the “Crunchy” kind) compete directly with the local “Chee Zees.” While Chee Zees are the local favorite, Cheetos are seen as the “exotic” American cousin. They are prized for their consistent crunch and the specific “tang” of the American cheese blend used in the recipe.
9. Pringles
Pringles hold a special place in T&T because of their portability. You’ll rarely see a beach trip to Maracas or Mayaro without a few cans of Pringles in the cooler. The “Sour Cream and Onion” flavor is a perennial favorite, often shared among friends while sitting in the back of a pickup truck.
10. Oreo Cookies
Oreos in Trinidad are a ritual. While they are the same classic sandwich cookie found globally, the “Double Stuf” variety is particularly sought after in local “parlours” (small convenience stores). They are almost always consumed with a glass of cold milk or used as a topping for “Snow Cones” (shaved ice) sold by street vendors.
11. Chips Ahoy!
The “Blue Bag” (Original Crunchy) is the king of cookies in many Trinidadian pantries. They are the ultimate school snack. Many locals grew up with the ritual of microwaving them for 10 seconds to soften the chocolate chips, mimicking that “fresh from the oven” taste that pairs perfectly with the island’s humid afternoons.
12. M&M’s
Peanut M&M’s are the clear winner in the T&T market. The combination of a roasted nut, chocolate, and a candy shell makes them the perfect snack for the tropical climate because they “melt in your mouth, not in your hand” a vital feature in 32°C (90°F) weather.
13. Skittles
For those who prefer “fruity” over “chocolatey,” Skittles are the go-to. The “Original” red bag is a common sight at “kallie” (corner) shops. They are particularly popular during the Carnival season when people need a quick, portable sugar boost to keep them dancing through the streets of Port of Spain.
14. Kit Kat
The “four-finger” Kit Kat is a legendary office snack in T&T. It’s the standard “break time” treat. Many locals appreciate the Kit Kat for being “lighter” than other chocolate bars, making it a manageable treat that won’t make you feel too sluggish in the Caribbean heat.
15. Hershey’s Chocolate Bars
Hershey’s represents the classic American chocolate experience in the islands. While T&T produces its own world-class dark chocolate, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds remains a top seller for those looking for a simple, nostalgic, and creamy indulgence.
16. Reese’s Cups
Peanut butter and chocolate are a combination that has gained massive traction in T&T over the last decade. Reese’s Cups are often found in the “chilled” section of gas station convenience stores. Eating them cold is the “pro-tip” for enjoying them in the tropics, as it gives the peanut butter center a fudge-like consistency.
17. Twix
Twix is loved for the “crunch.” The biscuit base reminds many locals of the “shortbread” style cookies popular in British-influenced Caribbean baking. It’s often the chocolate bar of choice for those who want a snack that feels more like a “mini-meal.”
18. Snickers
When you’re “hangry” in the middle of a Trinidadian traffic jam, Snickers is the answer. It’s widely considered the most “filling” chocolate bar available, packed with enough peanuts and nougat to hold you over until dinner (which, in T&T, is often a heavy meal of roti or pelau).
19. Pop-Tarts
Pop-Tarts are a fascinating “exotic” entry. While not a traditional Caribbean breakfast, they have become a trendy snack for teenagers. Strawberry and Blueberry are the classic choices, often eaten straight from the foil wrapper without toasting, a “rebel” move that has become the standard way to enjoy them on the go.
20. Goldfish Crackers
Goldfish crackers are the ultimate “toddler snack” in T&T. Walk into any preschool or playgroup in San Fernando or Diego Martin, and you’ll likely see a bag of “Cheddar Goldfish.” They are loved for being baked rather than fried, making them a parent-approved alternative to the heavier corn-puff snacks.
Why Snack Lovers Trust The Tasty Find
At The Tasty Find, we curate snacks with care, ensuring you discover only the most delicious and authentic flavors from around the world. From everyday favorites to exotic treasures, our guides are designed to make snacking an adventure.
Meanwhile, have you seen our list of exotic snacks in Korea? You won’t want to miss it.
Wrapping it Up!
Trinidad and Tobago offers a snack scene as vibrant and diverse as its culture. Whether you’re a diaspora Trini looking for a taste of home or a global explorer ready to stain your fingers orange with some Big Foot, these 20 snacks offer a delicious snack for every moment and mood. Discover snacks review with TastyFinds.com
Stay connected with The TastyFinds for more exciting snack series.
FAQs
1: Are Trinidadian snacks very spicy?
Some, like Takis, spicy Doritos, or Curry-flavored chips, pack heat. Others, like chocolates and tamarind candies, are sweet or tangy. Always check labels if you prefer mild flavors.
2: Do these snacks contain common allergens?
Many include peanuts, wheat, or dairy, such as Snickers, Reese’s, and Oreos. Always read the packaging if you have allergies.
3: Are there gluten-free options?
Some chips and candies are naturally gluten-free, but most cookies, crackers, and chocolate bars contain wheat. Look for certified gluten-free labels.
4: Are tamarind candies healthy?
Tamarind candies are mostly high in sugar, so enjoy them in moderation. They provide a tangy flavor but limited nutritional benefit.
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