Top Exotic Snacks in the Netherlands

The snack aisles of supermarkets in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and beyond reflect imported treats and local cravings.

In our ongoing series of exotic snacks around the world, TheTastyFinds brings you the top exotic snacks in the Netherlands.

Fun Facts: In Dutch train stations and fast-food spots, you’ll often find automated snack walls (called automatiek). Just pop in a coin and open a glass door to grab hot snacks like kroketten, frikandel, or kaassoufflé, freshly made and always warm. It’s vending machine culture on a whole new level.

Top-Rated Exotic Snacks in the Netherlands

Best top pick exotic snack: Stroopwafels
Best premium exotic snack: Ferrero Rocher
Best snack in potato form: Takis

20 Popular Exotic Snacks in the Netherlands

Here are 20 exotic snacks that have found their way into the Netherlands:

1. Stroopwafels

While truly a Dutch classic, the stroopwafel has achieved global recognition, making it an exotic find for many international visitors. This iconic treat consists of two thin layers of baked waffles with a caramel-like syrup filling in the middle.

Originating in Gouda in the early 19th century, stroopwafels are traditionally enjoyed warm, often placed over a hot cup of coffee or tea to soften the caramel and enhance the flavor.

2. Drabbelkoek

Hailing from Sneek in Friesland, the Drabbelkoek is a unique and lesser-known Dutch snack that feels exotic even to some outside its region. This hard, round cookie is made by “dribbling” (drabbelen) thin strings of liquid dough into hot butter, which are then left to cool and harden. Made with flour, eggs, milk, butter, and cinnamon, Drabbelkoek offers a distinct crunchy texture and a subtle, spiced flavor, reflecting a traditional artisanal baking method.

3. Oreo Cookies

The universally beloved Oreo cookie is a classic sandwich cookie, with distinctive chocolate wafers and sweet cream filling. In the Netherlands, they are a common sight in supermarket aisles, embraced by consumers of all ages for their familiar twist, lick, dunk slogan. Their widespread availability and numerous flavor variations make them a go-to treat, despite their American origins.

4. Hagelslag / Vruchtenhagel

These are truly unique to Dutch culture and, for many foreigners, are among the most exotic breakfast items. Hagelslag refers to chocolate sprinkles, while Vruchtenhagel refers to fruit-flavored sprinkles. The Dutch traditionally sprinkle these generously over buttered bread, often for breakfast or a quick snack. There are various types of chocolate hagelslag (milk, dark, white) and a rainbow of fruit flavors, making for a colorful and distinctly Dutch culinary experience.

5. KitKat

Nestlé’s iconic KitKat chocolate bar, with its crisp wafer fingers coated in chocolate, is widely available and popular in the Netherlands. While a global brand, KitKat’s appeal lies in its simple yet satisfying combination of texture and taste, encouraging a have a break moment. The Netherlands also sees various international KitKat flavors imported, adding to its exotic allure beyond the classic milk chocolate.

6. Bitterballen

This is a deep-fried crispy meatball. The filling is a rich, creamy ragout, usually made with beef or veal, seasoned with herbs and spices. Their unique preparation and delightful crunch make them an exotic experience for those unfamiliar with Dutch snacks.

7. Milka Chocolate

Known for its distinctive lilac packaging and creamy Alpine milk chocolate, Milka has a strong presence in the Netherlands. While originating from Switzerland and later becoming part of Mondelēz International, Milka’s smooth texture and wide array of flavors (from classic milk to various fillings and inclusions) make it a popular choice among chocolate lovers, offering a taste of European indulgence.

8. Toblerone

The distinctive triangular prisms of Toblerone chocolate, with their honey and almond nougat pieces, are a familiar sight in Dutch supermarkets and airports. This Swiss chocolate bar, with its iconic mountain peak shape inspired by the Matterhorn, offers a unique textural experience and a rich, sweet flavor. Its novelty and global recognition contribute to its exotic appeal.

9. Ferrero Rocher

These elegant hazelnut and chocolate confections, individually wrapped in gold foil, are a symbol of luxury and celebration worldwide, and equally cherished in the Netherlands. Ferrero Rocher features a whole roasted hazelnut encased in a thin wafer shell filled with hazelnut cream, covered in milk chocolate, and chopped hazelnuts. Their sophisticated presentation and rich taste make them a popular gift and a delightful indulgence.

10. Lindt Chocolates

Swiss chocolatier Lindt is synonymous with high-quality, smooth, and refined chocolate. In the Netherlands, Lindt’s range of truffles (especially the Lindor balls with their melting centers) and chocolate bars is widely enjoyed. Their commitment to fine ingredients and luxurious textures elevates the chocolate experience, offering an exotic touch of premium European confectionery.

11. Banketstaaf

The Banketstaaf (or Banketletter during holidays) is a delicious almond paste-filled pastry, often shaped into a log or a letter of the alphabet. Made with flaky puff pastry wrapped around a rich, sweet almond filling, it’s a staple during festive seasons like Sinterklaas and Christmas. Its unique combination of crisp pastry and moist almond paste makes it a delightful and distinctly Dutch exotic treat.

12. Ritter Sport

The square-shaped chocolate bars of Ritter Sport, a German brand, are well-loved in the Netherlands for their convenient size and wide variety of flavors. From classic milk chocolate with hazelnuts to more unusual combinations like cornflakes, marzipan, or even yogurt, Ritter Sport offers a diverse and often surprising range of tastes. Their portability and unique square format add to their appeal.

13. Cadbury Chocolate

The creamy and distinctively flavored Cadbury chocolate from the UK is widely available and popular in the Netherlands, particularly the Dairy Milk range. Known for its rich milkiness and smooth texture, Cadbury offers a different chocolate experience compared to continental European brands, making it an exotic choice for those seeking a taste of British confectionery.

14. Pringles

These iconic potato crisps, packaged in a distinctive cylindrical can, are a global snack and a favorite in the Netherlands. Pringles come in a multitude of flavors, from Original and Sour Cream & Onion to Paprika and various limited editions, offering a consistent crunch and a stackable, shareable experience that is both familiar and globally appealing.

15. Doritos

The bold, intensely flavored tortilla chips of Doritos have a significant following in the Netherlands. With popular flavors like Nacho Cheese, Cool American (a Dutch adaptation of Cool Ranch), and Sweet Chili Pepper, Doritos offer a satisfyingly crunchy and zesty snacking experience.

16. Takis

Known for their intensely spicy and rolled tortilla chip format, Takis have gained a strong foothold among adventurous snackers in the Netherlands. These Mexican-inspired chips, with their vibrant colors and fiery flavors like Fuego (chili and lime), offer a bold and exciting alternative to more traditional crisps, appealing to those seeking a strong taste sensation and an exotic heat.

17. Pocky (Mikado)

These popular Japanese biscuit sticks, half-dipped in chocolate or other flavored coatings, are sold as Mikado in the Netherlands and other parts of Europe. Pocky/Mikado offers a delicate crunch and a sweet, creamy coating, making them an elegant and addictive snack. The variety of flavors, from classic chocolate and strawberry to green tea and cookies & cream, adds to their exotic appeal.

18. Want Want Seaweed Rice Crackers

These light and crispy seaweed rice crackers from the Taiwanese brand Want Want are gaining popularity in the Netherlands, particularly among those seeking savory and umami-rich snacks. The delicate flavor of roasted seaweed combined with the satisfying crunch of the rice cracker offers a distinct East Asian taste that is both intriguing and highly addictive, making them a truly exotic find.

19. Haribo Gummy Candies

The colorful and chewy world of Haribo gummy candies, originating from Germany, is hugely popular in the Netherlands. From the iconic Goldbears to Happy Cola, Starmix, and various licorice assortments, Haribo offers a vast array of shapes, flavors, and textures. Their playful nature and consistent quality have made them a beloved exotic candy for many.

20. Bokkenpootjes

Translating to “goat’s feet,” Bokkenpootjes are a charming and delicious Dutch cookie that combines delicate almond meringue biscuits with a creamy filling, often dipped in chocolate and coated with chopped almonds. These elegant, slightly chewy cookies offer sweetness and a delightful texture, making them a unique and somewhat exotic treat, especially for those unfamiliar with Dutch patisserie.

Wrapping It Up

At TheTastyFinds, we’re always on the lookout for snacks that break borders and redefine cravings.

From Swiss chocolates and American cookies to Japanese rice crackers and Latin American spice bombs, Dutch consumers and snackers are embracing the world, one bite at a time.

Whether you’re a tourist looking for unique souvenirs or a local chasing the next snack sensation, there’s no shortage of exotic treats in this top exotic snack list.