Back in the day, snacks were simple. We had our bag of chips and maybe a handful of pretzels to call it a day. But as the world evolves, so do our snacks that we used to enjoy. Thanks to Gen Z, this generation has raised different trends that have changed the snacking world. Gen X, get ready to explore these 10 trendy snacks that you’ll either hate or try.
10. Takis
Standard potato chips, back in the day, became Takis. These tightly rolled corn tortillas feature a spicy chili pepper and tangy lime flavor. Yup, that’s exactly why Gen Z loves them too much. They were actually from Mexico, yet they found their popularity today. Even brands are collaborating with Takis to feature their tangy and spicy flavor. For Gen X, the flavor might be weird.
9. Prime Energy Drinks
In the age of social media, two of the biggest YouTubers, Logan Paul and KSI, launched a product that is enough to keep their followers powered. It’s none other than Prime, which is a brand that became an overnight sensation among its followers. The difference between Gen X’s regular energy drink is that it features 200mg of caffeine in one can. Despite its popularity, Gen X would wonder about the purchasing power of two popular people.
8. Dubai Chocolate
In a world of ordinary chocolate bars, the Dubai Chocolate Bar begs to differ. It was made famous by a shop from New York City because of the combination of milk chocolate filled with creamy pistachio paste. The best part? It’s probably the crispy shredded phyllo dough that they call kataifi. This trend sparked brands and fast food restaurants to recreate the flavors to go with their products. For Gen X, the hype might be too much over a chocolate bar.
7. Chamoy Pickle Kits
This one’s probably bizarre for Gen X. This chamoy pickle kit is a DIY snack of a giant pickle. Basically, you hollow them out and stuff them with your snack, like Takis or gummy bears. After, you pour them with a sweet Mexican condiment called chamoy, which is made from pickled fruit. It’s a wild combination that racks up millions of views from TikTok. For Gen X, the idea of stuffed pickles with questionable filling is just too much.
6. Japanese Kit Kat Flavors
Every Gen Z has probably tasted a pack or two of Kit Kat from Japan. They’re difference from the ones you can buy in the US is their bizarre flavors. They even feature about 300 flavors from wasabi to purple potato and edamame (it gets weirder from there). For Gen X, they see Kit Kat as a simple milk chocolate with wafers that they enjoy after a meal. What’s bizarre for them is that Gen X would do anything, like paying expensive fees just to ship them.
5. Matcha-Flavored Everything
Two decades ago, Gen X would probably dread the taste of matcha. For them, it’s bitter, and they would probably think it is an acquired taste. They would probably be flipping to know that their favorite snacks are now flavored with matcha. For Gen Z, the vibrant green color is Instagram-worthy as it’s a trending drink in the market. Don’t be shocked to see kids drinking matcha lattes with their matcha cakes. Not to mention the matcha-flavored ice cream!
4. Dried Yogurt
Yup, Gen Z calls dried yogurt a snack. It’s a viral TikTok trend that involves straining out the yogurt’s liquid and letting it dry until the consistency is like cheese frosting. They’re adding food coloring to make them stand out and look vibrant in photos. For Gen X, yogurt was a simple snack, so the idea of them completely dried out may be baffling.
3. Korean Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are probably one of the nostalgic foods for Gen X, as they used to have them as an after-school snack. But today’s corn dogs are filled with mozzarella cheese and coated in a sweet batter. They’re even rolled in crispy ramen noodles and diced potatoes, which is bizarre to Gen X’s simple preferences.
2. Boba Tea Snacks
Before the matcha wave, Boba tea has been Gen Z’s favorite drink for years. Still as popular as ever, the drink has moved on to the snack world. We’re talking about boba ice cream, boba-filled mochi, and popping boba with bursts of fruit juice when bitten. For Gen X, the idea of those black gelatin balls floating around a mixture of milk and tea can be strange. What more could they taste ice cream with boba in it?
1. Cottage Cheese Snacks
Gen X may remember cottage cheese as a diet food adults ate during the ’70s and ’80s. However, they made a grand comeback thanks to Gen Z’s palate. Now, they can be seen blended in high-protein ice cream or used as a creamy vegetable dip. This may be unpleasant for Gen X, who have been forced to eat them as children.