What pops in your mouth like fireworks, melts like caramel heaven, and might even be made from cow’s feet?
No, it’s not a food challenge, it’s just another snack time in Colombia.
Colombia is home to some of the most surprising, mouthwatering, and downright fun snacks in the world.
Whether you’re into sweet, salty, spicy, or all three, there’s something on this list that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Fun Fact: Chocoramo, a seemingly simple chocolate-covered cake, is so popular that it’s often called “the unofficial snack of Colombia” Even astronauts from Colombia have taken it to space.
A Look at the Most Popular Exotic Snacks in Colombia
- Best top pick exotic snack: Jet Chocolate Bar
- Best premium exotic snack: Chitos
- Best snack in potato chips form: Papas Margarita
Let’s dig into 18 of Colombia’s most exotic snacks, You won’t believe what’s hiding in the snack aisle!
18 Popular Exotic Snacks in Colombia
1. Chocoramo
Chocoramo is a Colombian classic, a square piece of moist sponge cake coated in a layer of rich chocolate. The sponge itself is buttery and slightly sweet, providing a soft contrast to the dense chocolate exterior. It’s a snack that satisfies both cake and chocolate cravings in one bite.
Chocoramo has achieved near-legendary status in Colombia. There are now variations like mini Chocoramos, filled Chocoramos, and even a Chocoramo ice cream.
2. Chitos
Chitos are Colombia’s answer to cheesy corn puffs, similar to American Cheetos but with a local twist. Crunchy, bright orange, and explosively cheesy, these snacks are a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Their intense flavor and satisfying crunch make them ideal for casual snacking. In Colombia, it’s common to find Chitos in lunchboxes or as part of a quick school snack, especially paired with a cold soda or juice.
3. Dux Sandwich Cracker
Dux are crispy soda crackers that are incredibly versatile. Though they appear plain, Colombians eat them with everything from butter and jam to tuna salad or even condensed milk.
They’re often part of school lunches and are a go-to comfort food during a coffee break. Their simple, neutral taste makes them perfect for both sweet and savory pairings.
4. Jet Chocolate Bar
Jet is Colombia’s most famous chocolate bar. It’s smooth, creamy, and often embedded with puffed rice for added crunch. Each bar comes with a collectible wildlife sticker from the Jet album series. It is readily available in grocery stores, corner shops, and even school canteens. It’s small, affordable, and satisfies a quick chocolate craving.
5. Supercoco
Supercoco is a hard coconut candy with an intense tropical flavor. Made with real coconut and panela (unrefined cane sugar), it has a chewy texture and long-lasting sweetness. Its rustic packaging and authentic taste make it a standout among the sea of modern candies. It’s a tribute to Colombia’s love affair with coconut.
6. Coffee Delight Candies
These hard candies have a bold coffee taste and a smooth, buttery texture. Perfect for coffee lovers, they offer a caffeine-free way to enjoy the essence of Colombia’s finest beans. They’re often shared in offices, sold in bulk at street stalls, or carried around in purses for a quick pick-me-up.
7. Nucita Cream
Nucita is a tricolor spreadable candy with chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut. A reminiscent of Nutella but with a sweeter twist. It usually comes with a tiny spoon or as a dip with cookies. Kids love peeling back the foil and eating each stripe, whether one at a time or swirled together.
8. Tostacos
Tostacos are crunchy taco-shaped corn chips flavored with cheese or chili. They’re similar to nacho chips but with a more intense flavor and unique shape. Perfect for dipping or eating solo, they make a bold snack choice and pair well with a cold drink.
9. Brownie with Arequipe
This dessert merges two favorites, rich chocolate brownies and creamy arequipe caramel. The result is a moist, gooey, and ultra-satisfying treat. You’ll find these brownies in bakeries, coffee shops, and supermarket snack aisles.
10. Bocadillo Veleño
Bocadillo Veleño is a chewy guava paste wrapped in natural bijao leaves. This snack is sweet, sticky, and slightly tangy, offering a fruity explosion of flavor. It’s often paired with cheese, creating a delightful contrast of sweet and salty. Bocadillo is also a common component in many Colombian desserts and is frequently gifted during holidays and celebrations. The rustic, leaf-wrapped presentation adds a traditional touch that’s hard to resist.
11. Galletas Noel
Galletas Noel is perhaps Colombia’s most beloved cookie. Produced by the iconic Colombian brand Noel, these cookies come in a variety of shapes and flavors from vanilla and coconut to chocolate chip.
They are crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfect for dipping into coffee or hot chocolate. They’re a common feature in Colombian breakfasts and meriendas.
12. Papas Margarita
Papas Margarita is Colombia’s most popular brand of potato chips, offering an array of exotic flavors like chicken, chorizo, and lime. These chips are crispy, golden, and seasoned to perfection.
The “pollo” (chicken) flavor is especially iconic savory, umami-rich, and surprisingly convincing. It’s not uncommon to see people debating which flavor reigns supreme. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or tangy, there’s a flavor for everyone.
13. Galletas Tostadas
Tostadas are thin, round crackers made from corn and lightly salted. They resemble tortilla chips but have a finer texture and milder flavor. They’re often used as the base for Colombian-style nachos or served with hogao (a savory tomato-onion sauce). Some people even dip them in guacamole or cream cheese. They’re also great on their own; a light, crispy snack that delivers both crunch and subtle flavor.
14. Galletas Gama
Galletas Gama are buttery sandwich cookies filled with rich cream, often flavored with chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla. They’re considered an indulgent treat and are often bought in packs of two or more.
Gama cookies are popular among children, but they also appeal to adults with a sweet tooth. Their creamy centers and soft cookie shells create a perfect texture contrast. These cookies are a favorite to pack for picnics, travel snacks, or office treats.
15. Bon Bon Bum
Bon Bon Bum is a lollipop with a bubble gum center, popular throughout Latin America but especially adored in Colombia. It comes in flavors like cherry, mango, and strawberry. The name itself is playful and catchy, and the lollipop is as fun as it sounds.
The transition from candy to gum makes it a two-in-one treat. You’ll find Bon Bon Bum at birthday parties, school events, and even in adult candy jars, it’s a cross-generational favorite.
16. Beso de Negra
Translating to “Black Woman’s Kiss,” this snack is a chocolate-covered marshmallow treat. It’s soft, sweet, and often coated with a layer of coconut or sprinkles. It carries a bit of old-school and has been part of Colombian sweet shops for decades. Its quirky name and playful look make it a favorite among kids and nostalgic adults alike.
17. Achiras
Achiras are small, crunchy cheese-flavored biscuits made from achira (arrowroot) flour and cheese. Originating from the Huila region, these gluten-free snacks are both tasty and unique.
They have a rustic, artisanal texture and a deeply cheesy flavor that makes them addictive. Achiras are often paired with a cup of coffee or Colombian hot chocolate for an afternoon pick-me-up.
18. Gelatina de Pata
This is a traditional Colombian gelatin made from cow’s feet. While it may sound unusual, it’s a beloved snack due to its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and subtle vanilla flavor.
It’s rich in collagen and is often considered a nutritious, energy-boosting treat. Sold in colorful cubes at markets and shops, it’s a staple of old-school Colombian desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are there healthy Colombian snacks?
Yes. While many Colombian snacks are indulgent, options like Achiras (made with natural arrowroot), Gelatina de Pata(rich in collagen), and Avena Alpina (oat-based drink) offer nutritional benefits along with their delicious flavors.
2. Are Colombian snacks sweeter or savory?
Colombian snacks offer a delightful mix of both. Sweet options like Arequipe, Nucita, and Bon Bon Bum are balanced by savory favorites such as Papas Margarita, Achiras, and Tostacos.
3. Where can I buy Colombian snacks outside of Colombia?
Many Colombian snacks are available at Latin American grocery stores in major cities around the world. You can also find a wide variety online through retailers like Amazon, Mercado Libre, and specialty food websites.
4. What snack is best to try first for a newcomer to Colombian food?
If you’re new to Colombian snacks, start with Chocoramo; it’s iconic, widely loved, and a perfect introduction to Colombia’s combination of sweet and simple. Follow it up with Supercoco or Bocadillo Veleño for something fruitier and more traditional.
Wrapping It Up!
Colombia’s snack culture is as vibrant, diverse, and flavorful as its people. These snacks are cultural artifacts passed down through generations, sold in colorful markets, and lovingly packed into school lunches and picnic baskets.
Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or just someone with a curious palate, these 18 snacks are your passport to experiencing Colombia’s delicious, snack-sized heritage.
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