Calbee Takoyaki Corn Puffs: Similar in size and texture to Utz cheese balls but tasting nothing like them, these octopus-flavored puffed corn snacks from Japanese snack brand Calbee actually hail from South Korea. They’re coated in a light brown powder tasting strongly of Worcestershire sauce, giving each bite an initial vinegary and savory hit but ending on an unexpectedly (and slightly overpowering) sweet note. They don’t have as strong of a seafood flavor as I would like, probably because the Worcestershire seasoni... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended octopus korean calbee takoyaki corn puffs 3.5 nijiya
Hippeas Far Out Fajita Organic Chickpea Puffs: A new take on the beloved puffed vegetable snack, Hippeas utilize ground chickpeas puffed to a crispy and light texture. The coating is slightly toasted, and each bite feels more substantial than a corn-based puff like Cheetos. The flavor is bold and smoky, with prominent chili powder and paprika seasonings that faintly resemble American Barbecue without any of the underlying sweetness. A good level of heat as well. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, this may not be for you, but I appr... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended berkeleybowl hippeas far out fajita organic chickpea puffs 3.5
Lesser Evil Himalayan Salt and Apple Cider Vinegar Paleo Puffs: This is the second flavor of Paleo Puffs that I’ve tried, which are sometimes on sale at Whole Foods (that’s when I buy them). A more mild version salt and vinegar flavored chips, and much healthier at that, made without any grains and in puffed form (similar to cheese puffs, but more dense). It’s pretty tasty, and I would get it again. 3.5/5.0
recommended wholefoods lesserevil himalayan salt apple cider vinegar paleo puffs 3.5
Hippeas Sriracha Sunrise chickpea puffs: These corn-puff alternatives are made with ground chickpea and have a slightly crispier and denser consistency. The spicy Sriracha flavor has an impressive concentrated spicy sweet chili flavor. I wish the bag were bigger; four servings goes by quickly. 3.5/5.0
recommended spicy organic wholefoods hippeas sriracha sunrise chickpea puffs 3.5
Kado Tamanegi Santaro onion corn puffs: I purchased these Japanese onion-flavored corn puffs from the Japanese market Midoriya next to Union Square in Manhattan. I was attracted to its cute packaging, which seemingly depicts father-son bonding, but on closer inspection, it appears the father is digging the son up with a shovel. This possible potrayal of vegetarian cannibalism is somewhat disturbing, but I'm more confused by the literal translation of the English label of "tamanegi santoro," which translates to mushroom onions (acc... (read more) 3.5/5.0
Reocmmended japanese midoriya cornpuffs kado tamanegi santaro onion corn puffs 3.5
Tohato Matcha milk caramel corn: I've seen these caramel corn snacks at Asian grocery stores over the years but have never tried them until now. They come in a smaller bag containing about 3 or 4 serving sizes (there is no English on the bag for me to tell exactly). The puffed corn pieces are irregularly shaped, kind of like a miniature version of Jaxx cheese puffs, and have a glazed sugary coating that makes them crispy yet light and airy. The matcha flavor is pretty good; it's a little more bitter than most American ma... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended japanese greentea matcha puffs hongkongsupermarket tohato milk caramel corn 3.5