Belgium might be known for its waffles and world-class chocolate, but there’s a whole world of unexpected and delicious snacks it offers. Think you’ve tasted it all? Scroll through and see how many of these top exotic Belgian snacks you’ve heard of and which ones you’ll be adding to your next grocery list!
Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or just really into finding your next snack obsession, this list is for you. Hungry yet? Let’s get started.
Fun Fact: Speculoos, a spiced shortcrust biscuit, originated in Belgium and has gained international fame. The Lotus brand, established in 1932, popularized these cookies, which are now enjoyed globally, especially in the United States under the name “Biscoff”.
Table of Content
- A look at the most popular exotic snacks in Belgium
- 18 Popular brands of exotic snacks in Belgium
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Wrapping it up
A Look at the Most Popular Exotic Snacks in Belgium
Best top pick exotic snack: Boni Selection Hot Mix
Best premium exotic snack: Chokotoff by Côte d’Or
Best snack in potato crisps form: Croky Chips
18 Popular Exotic Snacks in Belgium
1. Speculoos Cookies (Lotus Biscoff)
Speculoos cookies, also known as speculaas, are traditional spiced shortcrust biscuits originating from Belgium. Lotus Biscoff, produced by Lotus Bakeries, is the most renowned brand of speculoos cookies. In the 1980s, Lotus Biscoff gained international recognition when Delta Airlines began serving the cookies to passengers, introducing them to a broader audience.
2. Chokotoff by Côte d’Or
Chokotoff is a unique Belgian chocolate toffee created by Côte d’Or, a renowned Belgian chocolate manufacturer. It combines a semi-hard chocolate caramel center with a crunchy dark chocolate shell, resulting in a delightful contrast of textures.
3. Croky Chips
Croky is a leading Belgian brand known for its wide range of potato crisps. The brand offers an array of flavors, from classic salted to innovative options like paprika and bolognese. Croky chips are a staple in Belgian households, often enjoyed as a snack during gatherings or as an accompaniment to a cold drink.
Croky chips are widely available in Belgian supermarkets and can also be purchased online through various retailers. The brand’s popularity has led to its expansion into international markets, allowing snack enthusiasts around the world to experience the distinctive flavors of Croky chips.
4. Aoste Stickado
Aoste Stickado offers a variety of dried sausages, including flavors like shallot and walnut. These sausages are ideal for an authentic Belgian aperitif experience, often served alongside cheese and wine. The Stickado range includes various flavors, each made with a blend of traditional techniques and modern flavors.
The sausages are made from premium cuts of meat, seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices, and air-dried to perfection. This process results in a product that is both flavorful and tender. The sausages are often enjoyed as part of a charcuterie board or as a standalone snack. Their unique flavors and high-quality ingredients make them a popular choice for those seeking an authentic taste of Belgian charcuterie.
5. Buiteman Organic Gouda Cheese Biscuits
Buiteman Organic Gouda Cheese Biscuits are savory biscuits made with Gouda cheese, refined for an aperitif or as a snack. Buiteman, a Dutch company with a strong presence in Belgium, is known for its high-quality cheese biscuits, and the organic Gouda variety is a standout product.
The biscuits are made using traditional baking methods, ensuring a crisp texture and rich flavor. The organic Gouda cheese used in the biscuits adds a depth of flavor that complements the biscuit’s buttery base. These biscuits are often enjoyed with a glass of wine or as part of a cheese platter.
6. Les Chips de Lucien Ribble Chips
Les Chips de Lucien Ribble Chips are a standout artisanal snack from Belgium, made by the family-owned farm of Lucien in the Walloon region. These chips are distinctive due to their wavy or “ribble” texture, which offers a more robust crunch compared to regular flat potato chips. The thicker cut and unique texture make them ideal for dipping or enjoying on their own.
7. Boni Selection Party Mix Aperitif Biscuit
The Boni Selection Party Mix is a delightful assortment of salty aperitif biscuits, designed to cater to every snack lover’s preference. Perfect for gatherings and parties, it offers a simple, satisfying, and shareable option that appeals to both adults and children, making it suitable for get-togethers or casual snacking sessions.
8. Bitecone Mini Cones Filled with Dark Chocolate
Bitecone Mini Cones features crispy miniature waffle cones filled with rich dark Belgian chocolate. The dark filling is smooth, slightly bitter, and intensely flavorful, complementing the sweet, crisp cone exterior. The small size makes them ideal for portion-controlled indulgence, or as elegant toppings on desserts like ice cream or mousse.
9. Pom-Bear
Pom-Bear is a fun, kid-friendly snack featuring teddy bear-shaped potato crisps that have become a staple in many Belgian and European households. Light and airy, these crisps are made from potato starch and are baked rather than fried, making them a somewhat lighter alternative to traditional chips.
10. Kaassoufflé
Kaassoufflé consists of a breaded and deep-fried outer shell that contains a gooey, melted cheese center, offering a satisfying contrast between crispy and creamy. Often served hot, it is a staple of “friteries” and late-night food culture.
11. Cracknut
Cracknut is a crunchy peanut-based snack featuring a paprika-flavored coating, offering a bold and savory flavor profile that’s especially popular among Belgians. Each peanut is enveloped in a crispy shell that’s seasoned with a distinctive blend of spices, giving it a satisfying crunch and a touch of heat.
12. Hagelslag
Hagelslag, or chocolate sprinkles, are a breakfast and snack staple in many Belgian (and Dutch) homes. Traditionally, they are sprinkled generously over buttered bread or toast, creating a sweet, crunchy layer that melts slightly into the spread.
13. Pâté Gaumais
Pâté Gaumais is typically made from marinated pork, often encased in a golden pastry crust. It’s available from artisan butchers in Belgium and some online specialty shops that carry regional delicacies.
14. Belgian Waffles
Belgian waffles are a globally recognized symbol of Belgian cuisine, famous for their light texture, deep grid pattern, and irresistible aroma. Traditionally enjoyed fresh from waffle stands or cafés, these treats are also available in packaged formats that retain much of their authentic flavor and texture.
15. Dumon Chocolates
While Dumon’s chocolates can be purchased in their Bruges store, many offerings are also available online through their website and select specialty retailers. These chocolates make for perfect gifts or indulgent treats and exemplify the artisanal quality Belgium is famous for in the world of chocolate-making.
16. Belgian Beer Snacks
Belgian beer culture is world-famous, and with great beer comes an equally revered tradition of beer snacks. These typically include cubes of strong local cheeses (like Chimay or Herve), dry sausages, olives, pickled onions, and spicy nuts, each chosen to complement the flavor profiles of Belgian ales and lagers.
17. Chocolaterie Pierre Marcolini
Pierre Marcolini is one of Belgium’s most prestigious chocolatiers, known for his refined approach to chocolate-making and commitment to sourcing the finest cocoa beans from around the world.
18. Boni Selection Hot Mix
Boni Selection Hot Mix is a dynamic blend of crunchy rice crackers, peanuts, and other spicy tidbits, seasoned with chili and savory umami flavors. This 500g party-sized snack is ideal for sharing and pairs exceptionally well with beer, wine, or soda. Each component in the mix brings a different crunch and spice level, making every handful exciting.
Let’s check out some frequently asked questions before wrapping up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I purchase Belgian snacks online?
You can order a wide range of Belgian snacks from several reliable websites such as Amazon, FoodBelgium, and Belgicastore.
What makes a snack “exotic” in Belgium?
In the Belgian context, “exotic” snacks are those that offer unique flavors, textures, or ingredients not typically found in mainstream global snack markets. They may have roots in traditional Belgian culture or be a combination of international tastes.
Are Belgian snacks expensive to buy online?
Pricing varies. Everyday snacks like Croky chips or Speculoos cookies are affordable, while premium or artisanal ones may cost more. Shipping costs also apply for international deliveries.
Are there any gluten-free or vegan Belgian snacks?
Yes. Some Belgian snacks, such as certain dark chocolates or potato crisps (like plain Croky), are naturally gluten-free or vegan. However, it’s always best to check the product label or online description carefully.
Can I gift Belgian snacks internationally?
Yes. Many online retailers offer international shipping and even gift packaging. Belgian chocolates, in particular, are popular gift items. Make sure to check shipping regulations for your destination country.
Wrapping It Up!
Whether you’re an adventurous foodie, a nostalgic expat, or simply curious to try something new, these 20 exotic snacks from Belgium are sure to excite your taste buds. With many available online, there’s no need to book a flight; just a click can bring these delights straight to your doorstep.
So why wait? Start building your Belgian snack box today and take a bite into Belgium’s best-kept gourmet secrets.
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