Top 9 Most Underrated Snacks You Need to Try Right Now

Step aside, chips and candy—there’s a whole world of underrated snacks waiting to be discovered. These nine hidden gems are flavorful, fun, and deserve way more love. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need something new for movie night, these snacks are here to shake up your snack game.

1. Wasabi Peas

Crunchy, spicy, and totally addictive, wasabi peas bring the heat and the texture. These little green bullets of flavor are perfect for anyone who likes a kick in their snacks. They’re great by the handful, tossed on a salad, or mixed into a trail mix for a surprising punch.

2. Plantain Chips

Plantain chips are the savory, slightly sweet cousins of potato chips. Crisped to perfection and lightly salted, they’re a staple in many Latin American households. Dip them in guacamole or eat them straight from the bag—they’re versatile, crunchy, and criminally underappreciated in the snack aisle.

3. Rice Crackers

Delicate, crispy, and often flavored with soy sauce or sesame, rice crackers are a Japanese snack staple with global appeal. They’re light enough to eat by the dozen but still deliver a satisfying crunch. Some even come wrapped in seaweed for an extra umami hit.

4. Roasted Chickpeas

High in protein and fiber, roasted chickpeas are the health-conscious snack you’ll actually want to eat. They come in sweet and savory flavors and have a crunch that rivals even the sturdiest chip. Bonus: they’re easy to make at home with spices from your pantry.

5. Seaweed Snacks

These thin, salty sheets of roasted seaweed might look humble, but they’re a flavor bomb. Light and crispy with just the right amount of salt, seaweed snacks are packed with nutrients like iodine and iron. They’re great on their own or crumbled over rice or salad.

6. Cheese Curds

Cheese curds aren’t just for poutine—they’re a snack in their own right. Fresh, squeaky, and full of mild cheesy goodness, they’re a staple in the Midwest for a reason. Eat them plain, batter and fry them, or pair with mustard for a tangy twist.

7. Tamarind Candy

Sweet, tangy, and a little spicy, tamarind candy is big in Latin American and Asian cultures. It’s often rolled in chili powder or salt and delivers a burst of complex flavor in a small package. If you love sour candies with a twist, this is a must-try.

8. Pickled Vegetables

Don’t overlook the snack potential of pickled veggies. From Korean kimchi to Southern pickled okra, these tangy treats add crunch, zing, and serious probiotic power. Keep a jar in the fridge and snack on them straight or add to sandwiches for a flavor upgrade.

9. Turkish Delight

This chewy, jelly-like confection dusted with powdered sugar might not be everyone’s go-to, but it should be. Flavored with rosewater, lemon, or pistachio, Turkish delight offers a unique sweet experience that’s totally unlike anything else on the shelf. Just one bite and you’re transported to a magic carpet ride of flavor.

It’s time to break free from snack monotony and give these underrated bites the love they deserve. Whether you’re craving savory, sweet, or something in between, there’s a hidden gem on this list ready to surprise you. Go on—treat your taste buds to something new today!