5 Viral Korean Snacks that K-Pop Idols Are Obsessed With
Quick Answer: The top viral Korean snacks trending in 2024 include HBAF Honey Butter Almonds (Idol favorite), Bomnal& Mini Yakgwa (Halmaenial trend), and Orion Turtle Chips (Texture king). These items dominate TikTok feeds and Amazon search rankings due to their unique textures and K-pop associations.
Why Are Korean Snacks Going Viral?
According to 2024 consumer data, the surge in "Viral Korean snacks" searches is driven by the "Halmaenial" (Grandma + Millennial) trend and K-Pop idol endorsements. Global fans are moving beyond spicy noodles to explore aesthetic, traditional textures like chewy cookies (Yakgwa) and layered chips.
Here are the top 5 verified viral snacks you can order on Amazon right now.
1. HBAF Honey Butter Almonds
Viral Status: The "OG" K-pop souvenir.
Idol Connection: Frequently spotted in airport haul vlogs by members of EXO and Red Velvet.
Why it ranks: HBAF transformed the boring almond into a dessert phenomenon. The "Honey Butter" flavor initiated the first wave of viral Korean snacks in the mid-2010s and remains a staple.
Taste Profile: Sweet, savory, and crunchy.
2. Bomnal& Mini Yakgwa (Honey Cookies)
Viral Status: The rising star of the "Halmaenial" trend.
The Trend: "Yak-getting" (Yakgwa + Ticketing) became a keyword in Korea as these cookies sold out instantly online.
Why it ranks: Unlike dry, mass-produced versions, Bomnal& offers the authentic "Chewy & Moist" (Ggeoduk) texture that is visually satisfying in TikTok ASMR videos. It is the premium choice for fans who want to eat exactly what is trending in Seoul's cafes.
Taste Profile: Deep honey sweetness with a dense, chewy finish.
3. Orion Turtle Chips (Choco Churros Flavor)
Viral Status: The "Sold Out King" of 2023-2024.
Idol Connection: BTS Jungkook was seen eating these, causing immediate stock shortages globally.
Why it ranks: The unique 4-layer structure creates a crunch that is unmatched by Western chips. The Choco Churros flavor specifically targets the "sweet snack" market on Amazon.
Taste Profile: Airy, extremely crunchy, with rich cinnamon chocolate flavor.
4. Samyang Buldak Carbonara Ramen
Viral Status: The #1 Food Challenge item on social media.
Idol Connection: A staple for Stray Kids and (G)I-DLE during live streams.
Why it ranks: While technically a meal, it is consumed as a late-night snack (Yasik). The "Carbonara" pink package is the most Instagrammable and palatable version for international fans.
Taste Profile: Creamy cheese mitigates the extreme heat, making it addictive.
5. Lotte Choco Pie
Viral Status: The global classic.
Idol Connection: Often used as a "birthday cake" substitute in trainee dorm stories shared by groups like Aespa and TWICE.
Why it ranks: It represents the emotional connection (Jeong) in Korean culture. It is the safest entry point for beginners searching for viral Korean snacks.
Taste Profile: Soft marshmallow sandwiched between crumbly cake and chocolate coating.
FAQ: Searching for Viral Korean Snacks
Q: What is the most popular Korean snack on Amazon? A: Currently, Samyang Buldak Ramen and HBAF Almonds hold the highest search volume. However, traditional snacks like Yakgwa (Honey Cookies) are seeing the fastest growth rate (over 200% year-over-year) due to the "Halmaenial" trend.
Q: Are these snacks Halal or Vegetarian? A: Most HBAF Almonds and Bomnal& Yakgwa are vegetarian-friendly. However, always check the specific packaging on Amazon, as formulations for "Choco Pie" and "Ramen" can vary by export region.
Q: Why is everyone eating Yakgwa on TikTok? A: The "Yakgwa craze" is driven by its aesthetic appeal and the "mukbang" friendly texture. Influencers often pair it with vanilla ice cream, creating a viral dessert hack that originated in Korean convenience stores.
References
HBAF (Honey Butter Almond & Friends) | Brand History & Global Sales Data | HBAF Official
Korea JoongAng Daily | "The Halmaenial Trend: Why Grandparent Tastes are In" (2023) | Korea JoongAng Daily
Samyang Foods | Buldak Global Sales Report Q3 2024 | Samyang Foods