If you are a snack lover or someone curious about flavors from around the world, Peru is a country full of unique tastes and treats.
From sweet chocolates to crunchy chips, Peru offers traditional and exotic snacks that are fun. In this article, we will look at 20 popular exotic snacks in Peru that locals and travelers love.
Fun Fact: Purple corn (maíz morado) is unique to Peru, and it’s used to make mazamorra morada, a sweet, jelly-like snack sold in cups by street vendors. The bright natural purple color comes from anthocyanins, more than blueberries.
A Look at the Most Popular Exotic Snacks in Peru
- Best top-pick exotic snack: Pringles
- Best premium snack: Inka Potato Chips
- Best snack in gum form: Orbit Chewing Gum
1. Inka Potato Chips
Inka Chips are made from Peru’s native potatoes, giving them a crisp texture and unique flavor. Unlike regular potato chips, these have an earthy, natural taste that celebrates the rich Peruvian soil. They come in flavors ranging from lightly salted to spicy, giving snack lovers plenty of choices.
2. Casino Cookies
Casino Cookies are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. They often have a creamy chocolate or vanilla filling, making them a satisfying snack for anyone with a sweet tooth. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a little treat after school or work, Casino Cookies are known for their classic, comforting taste.
3. Shanantina Sachi Snack
Shanantina Sachi is made from natural seeds and nuts, giving it a crunchy, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. This snack is healthy yet satisfying and is perfect for carrying during a busy day. It is often enjoyed as a mid-day snack to boost energy because it’s rich in protein and flavor.
4. Inka Qhatu Banana
Inka Qhatu Bananas are dried bananas that are naturally sweet and slightly chewy. The original banana flavor is preserved while offering a new texture that is both soft and satisfying. Many hikers and travelers love them because they are lightweight, nutritious, and a perfect snack to eat on the go.
5. Victoria Cookies
Victoria Cookies are soft, light biscuits filled with creamy flavors. They have a slightly sweet taste and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Many people enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, but they also make a perfect snack any time of day.
6. Doritos Chips
Doritos are crunchy tortilla chips with bold flavors like cheese, chili, and barbecue. They are perfect for snacking during movies, parties, or casual hangouts. Their strong taste and satisfying crunch make them a favorite among both kids and adults in Peru.
7. Pringles Crisps
Pringles are thin, uniformly shaped crisps that are known for their light crunch and addictive flavors. Each crisp is carefully molded to have the same shape and texture, making them perfect for stacking or sharing. In Peru, you can find flavors ranging from classic salted and sour cream & onion to barbecue and spicy variants.
8. Takis Rolled Tortilla Chips
Takis are small, rolled tortilla chips that pack a punch of bold flavor. They are crunchy, tangy, and often coated with intense chili and lime seasoning. These snacks are perfect for people who enjoy something spicy and exciting.
9. Lay’s Potato Chips
Lay’s Potato Chips are a classic snack found worldwide, including in Peru. The light crispiness melts in your mouth, and the salty flavor keeps you coming back for more. Lay’s also offers a variety of flavors in Peru, from cheese and barbecue to the local Peruvian seasoning blends that give the chips a unique taste.
10. Oreo Cookies
Oreo Cookies are a universal favorite and are widely loved in Peru. These chocolate biscuits with a creamy filling are perfect for dunking in milk or eating on their own. Oreos are also often used in desserts, such as cakes, ice cream, or milkshakes, because their sweet and slightly bitter chocolate flavor pairs well with many other ingredients.
11. Karinto Crunchy Snacks
Karinto snacks are small, crunchy treats that have a slightly sweet taste and a satisfying texture. They are often made from fried dough coated with sugar or honey, giving them a caramelized finish. Karinto is popular in Peru for its easy portability and the perfect balance of sweetness without being overwhelming.
12. Kit Kat Chocolate Wafer Bar
Kit Kat is a chocolate bar made of crispy wafer layers covered in smooth milk chocolate. In Peru, Kit Kat is popular among children, teenagers, and adults alike. It’s a perfect treat for work breaks, study sessions, or simply when you want something sweet without being too heavy.
13. M&M’s Chocolate Candies
M&M’s are small, colorful chocolate candies coated with a thin candy shell. In Peru, they are loved not only for their taste but also for their playful appearance. Each bite delivers smooth chocolate inside a crispy, crunchy shell.
14. Snickers Chocolate Bar
Snickers bars are packed with caramel, peanuts, nougat, and milk chocolate. They are a more filling snack compared to lighter sweets, making them a favorite for people who need a quick energy boost. In Peru, Snickers is often enjoyed during long work hours, hikes, or as a pick-me-up between meals. It’s a snack that is both indulgent and satisfying.
15. Cheez-It Crackers
Cheez-It crackers are small, square, and cheesy baked treats. They are salty, crispy, and perfect for snacking at home, work, or school. They pair well with drinks like soda or milk and are often used as a quick snack when you need something savory.
16. Goldfish Crackers
Goldfish crackers are small, fish-shaped baked snacks with a mild cheese flavor. Their cute shape and light taste make them appealing to children, while their crunch makes them enjoyable for adults. They are simple yet comforting, perfect for casual snacking.
17. Orbit Chewing Gum
Orbit chewing gum is known for its long-lasting flavor and fresh, minty taste. In Peru, it is a popular choice for freshening breath after meals or simply enjoying a sweet, refreshing flavor on the go. They come in various flavors, including peppermint, spearmint, and fruit blends.
18. Tic Tac Candies
Tic Tac candies are tiny, hard mints that come in small, portable containers. In Peru, they are loved for their convenience and the ability to freshen breath quickly. They come in a variety of flavors, from classic mint to fruit options like orange or cherry. Their small size makes them easy to carry anywhere, and they are often used as a quick treat during work, travel, or school.
19. Milky Bar White Chocolate Bar
Milky Bar is a creamy white chocolate bar that melts smoothly in the mouth. Unlike dark or milk chocolate, Milky Bar has a delicate, sweet taste that is soft and satisfying. It can be eaten on its own or used in desserts. Its creamy texture and gentle sweetness make it a comforting snack for those who want something indulgent but not too heavy.
20. Bob Bon BoM Lollipops
Bob Bon BoM lollipops are colorful, fun, and sweet candy treats loved by kids in Peru. They come in a variety of flavors, such as strawberry, cherry, and cola. The lollipop stick makes them convenient to hold, and the hard candy slowly melts in your mouth, giving a long-lasting sweet taste. They are often given as small treats at parties, used as rewards for children, or simply enjoyed for a quick sugary snack.
Why Snack Lovers Trust The Tasty Find
The Tasty Find is your go-to curated guide for discovering hard-to-find, unique, and delicious snacks from around the world. We believe that snacking is more than just eating; it’s an adventure for your taste buds. Each snack recommendation is carefully selected so you can experience new flavors.
Meanwhile, have you seen our list of top exotic snacks in Chile? Just like our Peru picks, it’s full of interesting treats you won’t want to miss.
Wrapping It Up!
Peru offers a wide range of snacks, from sweet chocolates and candies to crunchy chips and biscuits. These 20 snacks are some of the most popular and exotic choices you can find in the country. Whether you enjoy something sweet, salty, or crunchy, Peru has a snack to satisfy every taste.
If you want to continue discovering unique flavors from around the world, TheTastyFinds series is your guide to tasty snacks you need to try. Keep following for more exciting snack stories.
FAQs
1. Are there snacks unique to Peru that I can’t find elsewhere?
Yes. Snacks like Inka Chips, Shanantina Sachi, and Inka Qhatu Banana are unique to Peru and highlight local ingredients and flavors not commonly found in other countries.
2. Are Peruvian snacks spicy?
Not all Peruvian snacks are spicy. While some chips like Takis or flavored potato chips may have a spicy kick, many snacks, especially cookies, chocolate, and candies, are sweet or savory without heat.
3. Are Peruvian snacks healthy?
Some snacks, like Shanantina Sachi or Inka Qhatu Banana, are made with natural ingredients and are considered healthier options. However, like anywhere, candies and chocolate bars are indulgent treats and should be eaten in moderation.
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