Top Trending Exotic Snacks Available in Canada
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For those who like to try something new and find flavors they haven't tried before, then exotic snacks can make for a much more interesting snack break. There's pickle flavoured candy, Japanese chewy candy, crazy drinks, hot ramen and international chocolate, among other things for the curious Canadian snack lover.
The good news? They don't always need to be bought from abroad. Specialty snack shops and online vendors are a great place to try exotic snacks available in Canada, allowing you to taste a variety of new foods from around the world without leaving the comfort of your own home.
From tart to spicy, sweet to weird and even plain old fun, here are some interesting exotic snacks to try out.
Exotic snacks are imported, treats that are international or unusual, may have flavours or textures not typically found in regular Canadian stores. They may be candy, chips from other countries, special beverages, spicy noodles and other fun items. Online Canadian candy shops like Candy Confusion make it simpler to uncover the candy you are searching for without traveling overseas.
What Are Exotic Snacks?
The term exotic snacks don't necessarily mean that a snack has to come from a faraway country. In Canada, it is mostly used for food products that are different from the wide range of food items found in the typical grocery store.
An exotic snack might be:
- Imported candy with a different flavour.
- A version of a popular brand that is produced in a small amount and then sold out.
- Snack from another country
- A surprising flavour combination
- A novelty or social media friendly product
- A delicious treat that isn't typical such as a sweet and savoury mix or a beverage.
Unique or unusual snacks can include things like pickle-flavoured snacks, candy made into the shape of sushi, sour candy with unexpected flavour pairings and international ramen.
This is why it's so much fun to discover international snacks in Canada.
Why Are Exotic Snacks Trending in Canada?
People look for something special to eat as a snack for a variety of reasons. Some Canadian shoppers have been captivated by unusual food trends, and several of these trends have made unusual snacks more appealing to them.
1. Social Media Makes New Snacks Discoverable
With its user-friendly platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube these less than conventional snacks are easily accessible to audiences much wider than the intended market.
What you eat at home might be a favorite snack in one country but be something Canadians want to try after a taste test, food challenge or snack haul on the internet.
2. Canadians Are Curious About International Flavours
It's simple to explore a new food culture by trying foods from another country.
A range of chewy candy sold in Japan, novelty foods from the United States, Korean noodles and other unusual items from Europe can provide something new to what's available locally.
3. Limited Editions Create Curiosity
When a brand suddenly comes in an interesting taste, shape or edition, it can be a delightful treat for your taste buds.
This is especially irresistible to those who like to assemble various types of their favourite candy or even compare foreign tastes.
4. People Enjoy the Surprise Factor
There are snacks that are popular just because they are not expected.
Pickle candy, sushi-shaped candy or candy that is a sour combination that is not typical can spark conversation at a party, movie night or meeting.
5. Nostalgia Meets Something New
It isn't always about buying something that is totally new to you when you go shopping abroad for snacks.
In some cases, individuals are searching for a favorite childhood candy which they recall from another country or perhaps a different version of an already popular candy bar.
It's a mix of memory and newness that makes Canadian imports particularly intriguing.
Top Trending Exotic Snacks Available in Canada
Here are some unusual, imported, novelty and international products that are on the market now and listed by Candy Confusion. Limited stock and import items may be subject to change and it is recommended to always confirm stock availability on the product page before ordering.
|
Snack |
What Makes It Interesting |
Best For |
|
Van Holten's Pickle Puffed Big Papa |
Pickle-inspired crispy puffed snack |
Pickle lovers |
|
Howlers Souracha Liquid Candy |
Sour candy in a liquid format |
Adventurous candy fans |
|
Tajubo Candy Sushi |
Sushi-inspired candy presentation |
Novelty snackers |
|
Skittles Squishy Cloudz |
Soft, squishy take on a familiar candy |
Skittles fans |
|
Sour Punch Pickle Roulette |
Pickle-inspired sour candy experience |
Sour & pickle lovers |
|
Hi-Chew Mango |
Chewy candy with mango flavour |
Fruit-flavour fans |
|
Airheads Soda |
Airheads-inspired soft drink flavours |
Candy & soda fans |
|
Buldak Ramen Carbonara |
Spicy ramen with a creamy carbonara-style flavour |
Spicy-food fans |
|
Buldak Ramen Cheese |
Spicy ramen combined with cheese flavour |
Ramen lovers |
|
Warheads Sour Cloud Peach |
Sour candy with peach flavour |
Sour-candy fans |
|
eFrutti Lunch Bag |
Novelty candy designed around a lunch-bag concept |
Kids & gifting |
|
Rap Snacks Snoop Dogg Bar-B-Que Cheddar |
Savoury snack with a distinctive branded flavour |
Chip lovers |
1. Van Holten's Pickle Puffed Big Papa
Pickle-flavoured snacks have become a fun new category for adventurous snackers and Van Holten's Pickle Puffed Big Papa has a different approach.
This product is a dill-pickle seasoned crispy puffed snack, rather than a pickle. The product is currently available from Candy Confusion and is made with red lentil flour, maize flour and pickle style seasoning ingredients, which is an unusual combination for those who tend to enjoy savory snacks that are slightly tangy.
Best for: Pickle lovers and those looking for something new and interesting to eat.
2. Howlers Souracha Liquid Candy
Howler's Souracha Liquid Candy is a good example of the fact that exotic candy in Canada does not only exist in the form of imported chocolate bars and gummies.
This candy is special from other candies as it is liquid. Perfect for anyone wanting to taste candy in new forms and flavors.
Howlers Souracha Liquid Candy is one of the Candy Confusion featured products.
Ideal for: Trendsetting candy aficionados and those seeking something different.
3. Tajubo Candy Sushi
The concept of visual sushi is applied and made novel by the candy sushi.
Tajubo Candy Sushi is currently on the list of Candy Confusion and is a very interesting option for those looking for unique snacks in Canada to eat and play with.
Ideal for: Gifting, parties, kids and novelty food.
4. Skittles Squishy Cloudz
Squishy Cloudz will be a new treat for many Canadians; the skittles are already well known.
A classic candy that's brought to life in a new format. Candy Confusion currently has Skittles Squishy Cloudz Fruits on its list.
Best for: Skittle lovers, soft, chewy candy fans.
5. Sour Punch Pickle Roulette
For those who like to take a big bite, it's fun to combine pickle and sour flavours.
Sour Punch pickles are now available at Candy Confusion, and if you're a bit adventurous, this is another choice to be enjoyed on a sour candy stick, aside from the classic fruit-flavoured versions.
Ideal for: Sour-candy lovers, pickle aficionados and challenges for friends and family.
6. Hi-Chew Mango
For those who aren't a fan of spicy or extremely tart candies Hi-Chew Mango is a gentler introduction to international candy.
Hi-Chew refers to its chewy texture and mango adds a tropical fruit twist to this one. The 50g Hi-Chew Mango pack is on offer at Candy Confusion.
Best for: Fruit-candy fans and those who are exploring new candy for the first time.
7. Airheads Soda
Why stop at candy? Drinks are one of the most intriguing exotic treats that are found in Canada.
At present, Candy Confusion offers Airheads Soda in Blue Raspberry flavors and Watermelon flavors. These are a mix of familiar candy flavours and fizz.
Ideal for: Sweet drink lovers, and those that enjoy coming up with matching flavour combinations between food and drink.
8. Buldak Ramen Carbonara
Indulgent items don't have to be sweet.
Buldak Ramen Carbonara is a fusion of the spicy taste of Buldak noodles and a creamy carbonara-based taste. There is a 135g version of Carbonara available, according to the current listing on Candy Confusion.
Ideal for: Avid spice fans looking for something delicious besides a candy bar.
9. Buldak Ramen Cheese
So, if you're into spicy noodles with a cheesy flair you'll want to check out another option from Candy Confusion Buldak Ramen Cheese.
This is a popular international variety of instant noodles that is eaten with cheese and heat to give a strong flavor to the dish.
Perfect for: Ramen enthusiasts and adventurers.
10. Warheads Sour Cloud Peach
A softer take on the sour candy theme Warheads Sour Cloud Peach will appeal to candy lovers who prefer a less firm texture.
The peach variety is now among the products featured on Candy Confusion.
Perfect for: Sour candy lovers who enjoy chewy candy.
11. eFrutti Lunch Bag
There are some exotic food items which are notable not for any extreme taste but for their presentation.
eFruiti Lunch Bag is a novelty candy product currently available on the Candy Confusion's list. It is easy to present in a playful manner, which makes it particularly well suited for gifting, parties or snack sharing events.
Ideal for: gifts, parties and novelty candy lovers.
12. Rap Snacks Snoop Dogg Bar-B-Que Cheddar
Rap Snacks is for those who like savoury snacks as opposed to sweets.
Savoury Snoop is a bar-b-que flavoured cheddar that is currently available at Candy Confusion.
Best for: Savoury and snack lovers of chips.
Best Exotic Snacks for Different Taste Preferences
Not all exotic snack items are suitable for all tastes. When in doubt, make it easier by picking the favourite flavours.
Best for Sour Lovers
Try options such as:
- This is a spicy pickle roulette.
- Warheads Sour Clouds Peach
- Warheads Extreme Sour Mystery Hard Candy
- Skittles Giants Sour
These kinds of sour products are currently in Candy Confusion's selection.
Best for Spicy Food Lovers
A good place to start is international ramen.
Buldak Ramen Carbonara and Buldak Ramen Cheese are the two choices available on Candy Confusion's list.
Best for Sweet Lovers
Consider:
- Hi-Chew Mango
- Skittles Squishy Cloudz
- Tajubo Candy Sushi
- eFrutti Lunch Bag
These are available in varying textures and formats, but all with a decidedly sweet flavour.
Best for Adventurous Snackers
If you want to experience something that you may not have done before, ask yourself:
- Howlers Souracha Liquid Candy
- Pickle Puffed snacks
- Sour Punch Pickle Roulette
- Tajubo Candy Sushi
These are more interesting for their format or flavour combination, which is less common.
Best for Gifting
Novelty items can be great items to add to a snack gift set as they offer discovery instead of just offering another familiar chocolate bar.
You can also have fun with one of the many strange foods, such as Tajubo Candy Sushi, eFrutti Lunch Bag, or sour or pickle food based on other unusual ideas.
Where to Buy Exotic Snacks in Canada
If you're searching for where to buy exotic snacks in Canada, online specialty snack stores can be a convenient place to start.
If you're shopping on the net for a snack store, don't judge by the quantity of products they have. Consider:
- Product variety: Does the store offer candy, chips, drinks, ramen and other snack categories?
- Product information: Are flavours, sizes and ingredients clearly described?
- Availability: Is the product currently in stock?
- Shipping: Does the store ship within Canada?
- Packaging: Are imported products packaged appropriately for shipping?
- Payment security: Does the website provide a secure checkout?
- Freshness information: Are best-before dates and storage information available where relevant?
Candy Confusion is a Canadian online candy and snack shop that carries a variety of imported, retro, novelty and unusual candy. The current site has candy, snacks, drinks, ramen and more – and it's one place where Canadians can try new tastes without having to go to several stores to find them.
Why Shop Exotic Snacks Online?
With online shopping, it's much easier to find rare snacks in Canada.
More Variety
Limited availability of international products at a local supermarket. The online stores can bring together different categories in one place.
Easier Product Discovery
You can browse by categories and find something you were not looking for originally.
Access to Hard-to-Find Products
A selection of international flavours and novelty products might not be available in the regular shops.
Convenient Shopping
The products can be viewed and compared in the comfort of your home, and then ordered by flavour, format and size.
Great for Snack Boxes and Gifts
Exotic foods may also make a good present for a tasty foodie.
Mystery-box products are also available in Candy Confusion, giving a surprise to those who select to discover a series of products instead of picking each one individually.
Tips for Choosing Exotic Snacks
Trying something new is part of the fun but a little preparation can prepare you to choose the product that you'll enjoy.
Start With Flavours You Already Like
If you like mango, chocolate, sour candy or spicy food try something out of the ordinary for those more familiar taste buds.
Check the Spice Level
There is often a huge difference between different international snacks when it comes to how hot or spicy they can be.
Consider Texture
Many people enjoy chewy candies, some enjoy snacks that have crunch to them and others enjoy soft gummies. Reading the product description will help keep you from getting a surprise.
Check Ingredients and Allergens
Packaging and ingredient information may vary depending upon the product's origin. When consuming a new pack and new products, please check current ingredients and allergen information in the package.
Check Size and Price
An unfamiliar snack doesn't need to be purchased in a large quantity. They make it a good idea to try a smaller package first to determine if you like it.
Check Availability
Imported or limited edition snacks can be sold out or even change over time. If a product is now available, it doesn't mean that it will be there tomorrow.
FAQs
What are exotic snacks ?
Typically, exotic snacks are imported snacks, international snacks, unusual or hard-to-find snacks with flavours, formats or combinations not found in the typical grocery store in Canada.
Where can I buy exotic snacks in Canada?
Exotic snacks are available in specialty candy and snack shops, international grocery stores as well as online Canadian snack shops. One online choice has candy and snack products imported from unusual and novelty candy, Candy Confusion.
What are the most popular exotic snacks?
There is no single list as popularity varies from region to region, trend and taste. Those who like to try something new will love sour candy, imported chocolate, international ramen, weird drinks and novelty snack foods.
What is the best exotic snack to try first?
Start by trying something that's close to a favourite flavour. If you enjoy mangoes for example you can try out Hi-Chew Mango products or if you like sour candies you can try out Warheads or a Sour Punch.
Are imported snacks available online in Canada?
Yes. There are a number of Canadian online stores that cater to imported and international snacks, so it is possible to buy snacks that aren't in stock at your local supermarket.
What are some viral snacks available in Canada?
The availability of viral snacks varies from day to day. Fad products are those that can go viral in a matter of days and can have unusual flavours, novelty formats, or international fad foods. It's best to check current Canadian snack-store listings rather than relying on an old viral-snack list.
Are exotic snacks expensive in Canada?
The prices are subject to change depending on product, size, brand or import costs and availability. If you're interested in a new product you might try it first in smaller packs of candy or snacks to see how well it is received before purchasing in bulk.
Can I order international snacks online in Canada?
Yes. Numerous specialty snack shops in Canada have online ordering. Please review shipping coverage, product availability, ingredients and storage information before ordering.
Final Thoughts
The excitement of the “exotic snacks” in Canada, is that there isn't any kind of single definition for what makes a snack interesting. It can be a new taste of foreign candy to one person. Other, it may be a spicy Korean noodle soup, a food based on pickle, an unusual soft drink or novelty candy that is not even a candy in the traditional sense.
Try to begin with flavors you're already familiar with and then develop into more adventurous.
Who is looking to try something different with regards to snacks, candy, hard-to-find snacks in Canada and more, Candy Confusion has it all and can be found online. There is something to discover in every type of candy and novelty sweets, international ramen, drinks, savoury snacks and more.
Product availability is subject to change, please see the current list of available products before ordering and have fun exploring something new.