From Japan’s unique KitKat flavours to France’s Petit Écolier, snack tourism is emerging as a fun and flavourful way to explore new destinations.
From tasting Japan’s unique KitKat flavours to indulging in Australia’s Tim Tams or the USA’s Coca-Cola Vanilla Soda, travellers are now seeking experiences that go beyond sightseeing. This trend allows tourists to dive into local culture, discover regional specialities, and enjoy destinations through the lens of their culinary delights.
What Is Snack Tourism?
According to Skyscanner, just as the name suggests, snack tourism is an emerging travel trend where travellers plan their trips around discovering and tasting local and regional snacks. Not just to try there, but people are now packing their bags with crowd-favourite treats to bring back home as souvenirs.
Think French Petit Écolier biscuits, Japan’s uniquely flavoured KitKats, and even Thailand’s Mogu Mogu drinks–people are now travelling to new destinations to explore the place in a more flavourful way! The trend reflects simple flavours of local chips and chocolate, says a lot about the place, just like historic landmarks or traditions. Snack tourism blends food travel, cultural exploration, and social media storytelling into one tasty adventure.
Millennials Lead The Trend
According to Skyscanner’s data, almost half the UK travellers (almost 47%) feel local food and snack options are a top priority for them, establishing that snack tourism is the new way of travelling! With this, travellers are seeking authentic, flavourful experiences that let them connect with local culture through food.
Not so surprisingly, the snack tourism trend is being spearheaded by millennials. As per Skyscanner’s data, nearly 6 in 10 (59%) say they choose travel destinations based on popular local snacks or delicacies, and 70% even set aside a budget just to buy unique international treats. Following them, 38% of Gen Z have also shared that they would prefer to dine on French food than visit the Eiffel Tower to experience local culture.
If you’re also planning a trip soon and wish to experience the local culture and flavours, then follow these tips to hunt snacks like a pro –
1. Research well before travelling. You can turn to social media for this.
2. Shop at supermarkets and convenience stores to avoid shelling out unnecessary cash.
3. It’s best to check the rules, as according to Skyscanner, you can’t travel with some foods. So make sure you check custom rules.
Also Read: Find out the Korean Cafes in Pune
Top Destinations Leading the Snack Tourism Trend
Japan: The Snack Capital of the World
Japan tops the list with its endless variety of unique, seasonal, and limited-edition snacks. From matcha-flavored everything to mochi ice cream and unusual KitKat flavors, Japan’s convenience stores (konbini) are a paradise for snack tourists.
South Korea: Sweet, Spicy, and Trendy
Korean snacks have exploded in global popularity thanks to K-dramas and K-pop. Honey butter chips, spicy ramen, and Pepero sticks are not just snacks—they’re cultural icons.
Mexico: A Spicy Snack Adventure
Mexico offers some of the world’s most flavorful and daring snacks—think chili-covered fruits, Takis, and tamarind candies. Snack tourism here is a sensory experience that reflects the country’s passion for spice and zest.
Italy: Timeless Classics for the Taste Buds
Italy combines tradition and indulgence in every snack. Travelers can enjoy biscotti, taralli, or truffle potato chips paired with espresso or wine. It’s snack tourism with elegance.
Thailand: Street Snacks and Tropical Twists
From mango sticky rice chips to coconut candies, Thailand’s snacks are vibrant, tropical, and deeply rooted in local culture. Night markets are the heart of Thai snack tourism.
The Psychology Behind Snack Tourism
Humans are wired for novelty and food is one of the safest, most enjoyable ways to explore the unknown. Snack tourism taps into this curiosity and comfort balance.
Snacks offer:
- Instant gratification: Small bites, big flavors.
- Cultural immersion: Understanding locals through what they eat daily.
- Nostalgia: Many snacks carry childhood or cultural memories that travelers love to experience.
It’s the perfect mix of comfort food and cultural curiosity, which explains why snack tourism resonates across generations.
The Future of Snack Tourism
As global travel continues to recover and evolve, snack tourism is expected to grow rapidly. Food companies are already collaborating with influencers to launch “snack maps”, while airlines and tourism boards are highlighting local snacks in travel campaigns.
We’re moving toward a world where travelers don’t just ask “What can I see?” but “What can I taste?”
Snack tourism perfectly captures the spirit of modern travel—immersive, shareable, and deliciously personal.
Conclusion: Tasting the World, One Snack at a Time
From souvenirs to snacks, travel is no longer just about what we bring back—it’s about what we taste along the way.
Snack tourism is more than a fleeting fad; it’s a reflection of how people today want to connect with culture through everyday life. It invites us to celebrate diversity, support local businesses, and savor the small joys that unite us all—one bite at a time.
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