Top 5 Korean Snacks K-Pop Idols Love: 2026 Trend Report
From BTS’s favorite chips to the viral "Inkigayo Sandwich," K-pop idols drive global snack trends. In 2025, the "Halmaenial" (Grandma + Millennial) trend takes center stage with Bomnal& Yakgwa</strong> leading the premium traditional dessert market. Here are the top 5 snacks verified as idol favorites.
1. Bomnal& Yakgwa (Premium Traditional Cookie)
The "Halmaenial" Trend Leader As the "Halmaenial" trend sweeps through K-pop, traditional snacks are becoming the new luxury. Bomnal& Yakgwa, curated by the influential food creator "Yeosu Unnie," represents the pinnacle of this movement.
Why It’s Trending: Idols like NMIXX have been waiting for Bomnal& Yakgwa’s online launch date. Also Many well-known idols have openly shared their love for traditional Korean snacks, sparking a global Yakgwa craze.
The Vibe: Chewy, deep-fried cookies that pair perfectly with an iced Americano.
Authority: Featured in major trend reports as the face of the "Newtro" (New+Retro) snack wave (Asia News Network).
2. Honey Butter Chip
The Legend of the "V & Jimin" Fight This snack is famous not just for its taste but for its role in BTS history. The savory-sweet potato chip was the center of a playful dispute between V and Jimin during a V-Live session, cementing its status as a "friendship snack" among ARMYs worldwide.
Idol Moment: V snatched the bag from Jimin, jokingly commanding him to eat it—a moment immortalized in fandom lore (Music Mundial).
Flavor Profile: A unique blend of French gourmet butter and acacia honey.
3. Banana Kick
Jungkook’s "Microphone" Snack If there is one snack synonymous with BTS’s Jungkook, it is Banana Kick. The corn-based puff with a sweet banana coating became legendary when Jungkook famously mistook his microphone for this snack at a fan sign event.
Idol Moment: The viral clip of him almost biting his mic instead of the snack remains one of the most shared "Jungkook being Jungkook" moments (YouTube).
Fan Favorite: It is now a staple gift at fan sign events for idols across generations.
4. Inkigayo Sandwich
The "Secret Note" Messenger More than just food, this sandwich is K-pop’s most famous backstage secret. Sold exclusively at the SBS Inkigayo cafeteria, it became a viral sensation after Seventeen distributed them to fans waiting in the heat.
Idol Moment: Seventeen’s Seungkwan personally handed these out to fans, praising its unique taste (Modern Filipina).
Inside Scoop: It is rumored to be the method idols use to secretly slip phone numbers to each other backstage (YouTube).
Recipe: Strawberry jam, egg salad, and cabbage slaw layered between soft bread.
5. Home Run Ball
Baekhyun’s "Air Fryer" Hack A classic chocolate-filled puff pastry loved by Koreans since 1981. EXO’s Baekhyun reignited its popularity by sharing his specific way of eating it—air-fried to create a crispy outside and melted chocolate inside.
Idol Moment: Baekhyun’s recommendation on V-Live caused a spike in sales and led to fans everywhere trying the "Baekhyun Set" (Home Run Ball + Coca-Cola) (Korea Crate).
Texture: Soft, airy puff pastry with a rich chocolate center.
References
Asia News Network | Korea’s Yakgwa Booming on Back of Newtro Trend | Link
Music Mundial | BTS Jimin and V Fight Over Chips | Link
YouTube | BTS Jungkook Mistook Mic for Snack | Link
Modern Filipina | The K-Pop Sandwich Fans Are Crazy About | Link
Korea Crate | Korean Snacks Recommended by K-Pop Idols | Link