Filipino snacks have taken the United States by storm in recent years. Interest in Filipino cuisine has surged over 50% in the past year alone[1], driven by Gen Z foodies and a 4.2-million-strong Filipino American community sharing their culture[2]. From tropical dried fruits to crispy street food favorites, these treats are no longer just found in “balikbayan” boxes – they’re trending on TikTok, lighting up Instagram feeds, and flying off shelves in Asian markets. (Even celebrities with Filipino roots are joining the craze – Vanessa Hudgens was spotted proudly posing with her favorite Pinoy chips on Instagram[3]!). If you’re craving a taste of the Philippines, read on for the top 10 Filipino snacks most loved in the U.S. – including their cultural backstories, fun facts, and why Americans can’t get enough of them. (Hint: you can often find these Filipino snacks online or at your nearest Asian grocery – so get ready to discover the best Pinoy snacks and where to buy them!)
1. Dried Mangoes
One of the most iconic Filipino snacks to win over Americans is dried mango. These chewy, golden mango slices pack a punch of natural sweetness and tropical flavor. In fact, the Philippines is famous for its mangoes – and it shows in the numbers. Philippine dried mangoes are a top export, with the United States being one of the largest importers[4]. Snack lovers praise dried mangoes as a healthier alternative to candy, since they’re high in Vitamin C and fiber but taste like fruit candy. Culturally, mangoes hold a special place (the mango is the national fruit of the Philippines), and drying them was a way to enjoy the lush harvest year-round. Today you can find packs of Philippine dried mangoes at major retailers and online, a testament to their popularity in the U.S. Fun fact: The best dried mangoes are said to come from Cebu province – known as the mango capital of the Philippines – where the fruit’s unique sweetness shines through every bite. It’s no wonder these bright snacks have found a devoted fanbase stateside.
2. Ube (Purple Yam Treats)
Meet ube, the vivid purple yam that’s become a phenomenon in the U.S. If you’ve scrolled through dessert photos on social media lately, you’ve likely seen ube’s eye-catching violet hue. Social media has played a huge role in ube’s rise – its naturally photogenic purple color makes it perfect for Instagram and TikTok[5]. But it’s not just about looks: ube’s flavor is subtly sweet, nutty, and comforting, often compared to a mix of vanilla and pistachio. Long beloved in the Philippines (where ube is used in everything from jams to ice cream), ube started its U.S. journey as a “slow-burn” trend. Trader Joe’s helped introduce it to American palates with an ube ice cream in 2019[6], and from there the craze only grew. During the pandemic, ube-cheese pandesal (a purple bread roll with cheese) became a must-bake lockdown snack[7], and soon ube was crowned the “unofficial international flavor star” of 2023[8]. Now, you’ll find ube in donuts, lattes, pancakes, and of course classic Filipino desserts like ube halaya (jam) and ube ice cream. This purple yam’s blend of novelty and nostalgia has opened the door for many Americans to discover Filipino cuisine. Fun fact: Ube’s name comes from the Tagalog word for tuber, and it’s so popular that ube hashtag trends have garnered millions of views, introducing countless people to this vibrant Pinoy flavor.
3. Lumpia
A plate of golden fried lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) – crispy, bite-sized, and utterly addictive.
If there’s one Filipino finger food that everyone falls in love with, it’s lumpia. These are Filipino spring rolls – thinner and crispier than the typical egg roll – usually filled with savory mixes like pork, veggies, or shrimp. Lumpia have long been a staple at Filipino-American gatherings, and now they’re gaining mainstream fame. On TikTok and YouTube, lumpia is a star: content creators have gone viral showcasing this snack’s versatility. One Filipina creator known as the “Lumpia Queen” racked up over 30 million views on a video where she ingeniously used lumpia wrappers to recreate a peach mango pie[9] – blowing viewers’ minds and tastebuds! From Los Angeles to New York, non-Filipinos are tasting lumpia for the first time at food trucks and potlucks, and promptly getting hooked on their shatteringly crisp wrapper and juicy fillings. Culturally, lumpia reflects the Philippine history of Chinese influence (similar to Chinese spring rolls) adapted to local tastes. They can be served as appetizers or snacks (you might hear the term “merienda” for afternoon snack time). Pro-tip: dip your fried lumpia in sweet chili sauce or Filipino banana ketchup for the full experience. With social media boosting its profile, lumpia has become a gateway snack leading Americans to explore more Filipino flavors.
4. Chicharon (Filipino Pork Rinds)
Americans love a good crunchy snack, so it’s no surprise Filipino Chicharon – deep-fried pork rinds – have found fans in the U.S. These aren’t your average gas-station pork rinds; Filipino Chicharon often come with a twist, like a splash of vinegar or seasoning (garlic, chili, etc.) that adds an addictive tang. Once considered an indulgent guilty pleasure, pork rinds have gotten a trendy makeover thanks to the low-carb diet craze. In recent years, pork rinds went from “truck stop snack” to “premium and trendy snack option” as more consumers seek high-protein, keto-friendly bites[10]. This shift has benefited Filipino-style chicharrón, which are naturally zero-carb and packed with flavor. You might see them marketed as “crispy chips” or “fried pork cracklings” in specialty stores and online. Filipinos enjoy Chicharon not just as a solo snack but also as a beer match (we call it pulutan, perfect for munching with a cold drink). There are even variations like Chicharon bulaklak (crispy fried pork intestine – not for the faint of heart but beloved by many locals). In the U.S., adventurous snackers and keto devotees alike are embracing pork rinds – and Filipino brands are popping up on Amazon and international snack boxes to meet the craving. Crunchy, savory, and eminently shareable, Chicharon proves that sometimes the old-school snacks are the ones that trend anew.
5. Banana Chips
When life gives the Philippines millions of bananas, they make banana chips! Banana chips are a classic Filipino snack that has also gained popularity abroad. These are thin slices of Saba banana (a short, starchy banana variety) that are fried or dried into crispy, lightly sweet chips. The Philippines happens to be one of the world’s largest banana producers and the main world exporter of banana chips, with the U.S. and Europe being major importers[11]. So chances are, that bag of banana chips you bought at a health store might actually be a Philippine product. What makes Filipino banana chips special? Often it’s the variety of banana – Saba bananas have a rich flavor and texture that yields a satisfying crunch without needing heavy sugar. Many Filipino brands lightly glaze the chips with honey or sugar syrup for extra yum, while others keep them natural. In American stores, Philippine banana chips are sometimes marketed as a better-for-you snack (since bananas are rich in potassium and fiber), riding the wave of demand for fruit-based snacks. Culturally, banana chips have been a Philippine snack staple for generations – you’ll see them sold in local markets as merienda or as travel treats. They hit that perfect spot between sweet and savory, which is likely why U.S. consumers looking for something novel yet familiar have warmed up to them. Next time you want a change from potato chips, these golden crisps might be your new favorite munchies. 🍌
6. Polvoron
Powdery, buttery, and utterly delicious – Polvoron is a beloved Filipino milk shortbread that’s now charming sweet-toothed Americans. A Polvoron (sometimes spelled polvoron) is a crumbly cookie made from toasted flour, powdered milk, sugar, and butter, compressed into a bite-sized treat that literally melts in your mouth. It actually hails from the Spanish colonial era (the Spanish have their own “polvorones”), but the Filipino version has its own twist: it’s never baked, just formed and wrapped, giving it that uniquely soft crumble[12]. In the Philippines, people often make Polvoron at home or buy them from bakeries, especially around the holidays. Filipino-American families have carried on the tradition, and now even non-Filipinos are discovering these sweets through Filipino bake shops and friends. Polvoron come in various flavors – classic vanilla milk, ube (purple yam) flavor, pinipig (pounded young rice for a nutty crunch), cookies and cream, and more. They’re often wrapped in colorful cellophane or papel de Hapon (Japanese paper) – part of the charm if you receive them as a gift. In the U.S., you can find imported polvorón in Asian grocery stores or even order gourmet versions online. They make great party favors or coffee accompaniments (careful, they crumble easily!). Fun fact: Because of their powdery texture, there’s a playful challenge among kids (and brave adults) to try eating a whole Polvoron without water – inevitably leading to laughs and coughs as the sweet powder coats your throat. If you have a sweet tooth, Polvoron is one Filipino treat you’ll find unforgettable.
7. Halo-Halo – The Coolest Colorful Dessert
A colorful bowl of halo-halo, the famous Filipino shaved ice dessert packed with sweet beans, fruits, jellies, and ube ice cream on top.
Okay, halo-halo isn’t a packaged snack – it’s more of a dessert – but it’s so iconic and buzzworthy that it earns a spot on this list. Halo-halo (meaning “mix-mix” in Tagalog) is a joyous shaved ice parfait that layers together sweetened beans, coconut gel, jackfruit, leche flan, purple yam jam, and more, topped with evaporated milk and often a scoop of ube ice cream. The result is a rainbow-colored sundae that you literally mix up to eat. This wild mix of ingredients can be bewildering to the uninitiated – but one taste, and you’re hooked on its cold, creamy, chewy, and crunchy medley. In fact, the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain lauded halo-halo’s eccentric charm, calling it “wondrous… I mean it’s delicious but how is it made? What’s in it?” while delighting in its flavors[13]. His public praise of halo-halo put the dessert on the radar for many American foodies. Nowadays, Filipino restaurants and even some mainstream ice cream shops in the U.S. offer halo-halo, especially in the summer. It’s a social media darling too (the layers are so picture-perfect). Culturally, halo-halo represents the best of Filipino hospitality – throwing together influences from many cultures and local ingredients to create something uniquely joyful. It’s an evergreen summer favorite back home, and now Americans from California to New York are lining up to try it, especially after it was hyped as one of the best desserts in the world by food magazines. If you see halo-halo on a menu, don’t be shy – grab a spoon, mix it all up, and enjoy a true Filipino fiesta in a glass.
8. Peach Mango Pie – The Hand Pie with a Hype
No list of Filipino snacks would be complete without the legendary peach mango pie. This personal-sized hand pie – filled with sweet Philippine mangoes and peach bits in a flaky, deep-fried crust – has achieved cult status thanks to a certain Filipino fast-food chain’s expansion in the U.S. (we won’t name names, but you probably know it!). Loved by Filipinos and now many Americans, the peach mango pie uniquely showcases Philippine mangoes, which are famous for their luscious sweetness. When the chain behind this pie arrived in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, expats and curious locals alike formed huge lines for a taste. The hype proved real: Food Wars even dubbed it “the best fast-food dessert” in a review[14]. The craze isn’t just abroad – when it launched in London and the UAE, it sold out within weeks, with some fans buying 100 pies at a time[15][16]! In the U.S., peach mango pie’s reputation spread through word of mouth and social media. That earlier-mentioned Lumpia Queen on TikTok? She tried making a lumpia-version of the peach mango pie and the internet went wild[9]. What makes it special? Think of a classic American pocket pie, but amped up with real tropical mango flavor and a shatteringly crisp shell. It’s an on-the-go delight – easy to snack and guaranteed to spark joy with each bite. While we don’t encourage having five in one sitting, we can’t blame those who do. This snack embodies the fusion of East and West: an American-style dessert with pure Filipino soul.
9. Choc Nut – Peanutty Chocolate Nostalgia
Sometimes a snack becomes popular not through flashy marketing, but through pure nostalgia. Choc Nut is exactly that: a humble little peanut milk chocolate candy that tastes like childhood for many Filipinos. Imagine the flavor of peanut butter mixed with cocoa, compressed into a tiny, crumbly bar that melts in your mouth – that’s Choc Nut. It’s been around since the 1970s in the Philippines and sold for just a few centavos back in the day[17]. Every Filipino kid (and adult with a sweet tooth) knows Choc Nut, and Filipino Americans have carried that love with them. What’s surprising is how this nostalgic treat has also charmed non-Filipinos who try it – especially those who love peanut butter. It’s not too sweet, a little grainy in texture, and highly addictive once you pop one. In the U.S., you can find Choc Nut at almost any Filipino or Asian supermarket[18], often in its classic retro-looking white-and-red striped wrapper. Some adventurous bakers have even incorporated Choc Nut crumbles into cookies and brownies for a Filipino twist. Culturally, offering Choc Nut to friends is almost a rite of passage – “Try this, it was my favorite candy growing up.” Don’t expect a Hershey-bar texture; Choc Nut has its own unique consistency that might crumble in your hand (pro tip: let it melt a bit on your tongue). For Filipinos, it’s a bite of sweet memory. For everyone else, it’s a pleasantly surprising candy that proves sometimes simple is best.
10. Boy Bawang (Garlic Corn Nuts) – The Bold, Garlicky Munchies
Rounding out our list with a punch of flavor: Boy Bawang corn nuts. Bawang means garlic in Filipino, and true to its name, this snack delivers a garlicky kick like no other. Boy Bawang is essentially a type of cornick – a Filipino corn nut that’s fried to a crunch and tossed in savory seasoning. It burst onto the snack scene in the early 2000s and quickly gained popularity in the Philippines[19], becoming both a kids’ snack and a favorite beer companion for adults (pulutan strikes again!). What makes Boy Bawang special is that strong garlic flavor (vampires beware!) coupled with an ultra-crispy texture that’s incredibly satisfying to chew. In the U.S., these corn nuts have a growing fan base among those who love bold, savory snacks. They’re often included in Filipino snack variety packs sold online, and you might spot them in the international aisle of large supermarkets or at 7-Eleven in areas with big Filipino communities. The brand has also released flavors like adobo, barbecue, cheese, and chili, but the classic garlic remains iconic. Each crunchy kernel is like a flavor bomb – you’ll get the aroma of roasted garlic as soon as you open the bag. American snackers who discover Boy Bawang often compare it to standard corn nuts and find these even more addictive. And yes, you might need a breath mint after, but it’s worth it! Fun fact: The mascot of Boy Bawang is a cartoon garlic with muscles, ready to fight your hunger. It doesn’t get more fun (or Filipino) than that.
Where to Find These Snacks: Thanks to the growing demand, finding Filipino snacks in the U.S. is easier than ever. You can visit Filipino grocery stores (or the Asian/International aisle of many supermarkets) to pick up these goodies. Many of the best Pinoy snacks are also available through online retailers – you can literally order a Filipino snacks box and have a tasting party at home. The rise in search trends (Google reports that interest in Filipino snacks spiked to a record high in 2025[20]) means more retailers are stocking up. Whether you’re Filipino and feeling nostalgic or you’re a curious foodie eager to try something new, these top 10 Filipino snacks are a delicious way to experience the Philippines’ vibrant food culture. Merienda na! – snack time has never been more exciting, so grab a bite of the Philippines and enjoy. Masarap! (That’s “delicious!” in Filipino.)
Sources:
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Choi, Brian. Data Shows Gen Z Fueling America’s Filipino Food Craze. The Food Institute, Nov. 5, 2024[1][2].
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DHL Express. Expanding global horizons for Philippine dried mangoes. Oct. 15, 2024[4].
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Kinder, Anna. Purple Craze: Ube Moves from Filipino Tradition to Viral Trend. The Food Institute, June 26, 2025[5][21].
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Kollective Hustle. 10 Quintessential Filipino Snacks That You’ll Want to Keep Stocked Always. Apr. 19, 2023[22][19].
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Noche, Julian. 10 Things You Didn’t Know About TikTok’s Viral “Lumpia Queen” Abigail Marquez. Kollective Hustle, Mar. 5, 2023[9].
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Spinner, Jenni. Pork rind power – Category Focus. Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery Magazine, Mar. 2023[10].
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Flores, Dennis. Jollibee Peach Mango Pie Mania Reaches International Markets. Jollibee Group News, Nov. 15, 2022[14][15].
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Accio Business Insights. Filipino Food Trends 2025, Aug. 25, 2025[20].
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https://foodinstitute.com/focus/data-shows-gen-z-fueling-americas-filipino-food-craze/
[3] [17] [18] [19] [22] Filipino Snacks That We Crave Daily — KOLLECTIVE HUSTLE
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[4] Dried Mango Exports from Philippines - Volza
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[5] Purple Craze: Ube Moves from Filipino Tradition to Viral Trend - The Food Institute
https://foodinstitute.com/focus/purple-craze-ube-moves-from-filipino-tradition-to-viral-trend/
[6] [7] [8] [21] Trends Update: The slow but meteoric rise of ube - quench
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[9] 10 things you didn’t know about Tik Tok’s viral “Lumpia Queen Abigail Marquez — KOLLECTIVE HUSTLE
[10] Category Focus | March 2023 | Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery
https://digitaledition.snackandbakery.com/march-2023/category-focus/
[11] Philippines Processed Banana Chips Industry Analysis
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[12] Best Filipino Grocery Store Snacks and Drinks to Buy - Thrillist
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[13] ‘Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown’ in Manila: Just the One-Liners | Eater
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[14] [15] [16] Jollibee Peach Mango Pie Mania Reaches International Markets, Draws Long Lines of Fans in the UK and UAE - Jollibee Group
[20] Filipino Food Trends 2025: Desserts Dominate, Snacks Surge & Street Food Rises
https://www.accio.com/business/filipino-food-trends-2025