Excuse me for the sudden introduction...
Perhaps because they believe that relying solely on obvious original items won't win the game. Every time I visit a convenience store and see an unusual packaging, I often think, "Are they really putting this here?" Driven by the determination to try snacks with new flavors, I wandered around convenience stores and picked up snacks transformed in unexpected ways.
‘Ssalsosae’ Meeting Shrimp
‘Ssallobyul’ is a snack that even parents who usually dislike snacks often reach for. It is a rice snack product perfectly sized for one bite. A well-being snack full of a savory yet salty feeling. The existing rice-based snack Ssallobyul has transformed into Ssalsosae.
This guy, whose full name is ‘Ssalsosae Jinjja Saeu’ (Real Shrimp), catches the eye with the large shrimp image on the front of the bag. As soon as you open the snack, the aroma says, "No one can miss that I’m a shrimp snack." It is based on rice but flavored with shrimp paste, seasoning, shrimp concentrate, and crushed shrimp.
The crispy, or rather crackly, texture stands out. Thanks to its hard texture, just chewing it feels like it would relieve stress. The editor, who belongs to the ‘hard texture preference group’ that doesn’t usually go back for already opened snacks, found the texture very satisfying.
The saltiness is not excessive either. If I had to compare, it’s a healthy kind of saltiness(?). Compared to Nongshim’s ‘Alsaewoo Chip,’ Ssalsosae’s unique savory rice snack flavor is attractive. For those who prefer strong and salty tastes, it might feel a bit bland! But after continuously picking a few pieces, I realized this is a snack that can’t be eaten without beer.
Editor’s Out-of-Pocket Score: 4.5 / 5
*What is the Editor’s Out-of-Pocket Score? It’s a highly personal but sharp rating answering the question, ‘Would the editor personally pay and repurchase this?’
Always Leaving You Wanting More Than One Bag: ‘Home Run Ball Greek Yogurt’
Is there anyone who feels full with just one bag of Home Run Ball? It’s a representative snack that feels teasing with one bag, but eating two bags is too filling. It’s also a snack with many delicious ways to enjoy it, such as heating it in an air fryer or briefly freezing it in the freezer.
Home Run Ball, loved since 1981, originally comes in chocolate flavor, but has also introduced tiramisu and non-fat milk flavors. Last month, Home Run Ball newly launched Home Run Ball Greek Yogurt, containing original Greek yogurt from Greece.
However, although it’s Greek yogurt flavor, I imagined a rich yogurt taste, but it’s sweeter and more watery than expected. It also tastes somewhat like white chocolate. I wish the creamy texture had a bit more tanginess. It vaguely reminded me of cream puff flavor? It might taste better if briefly frozen in the freezer! But, as expected… the bestselling original Home Run Ball still tastes better.
Editor’s Out-of-Pocket Score: 3 / 5
The Talk of the Town: ‘Saewookkang Black’
Would you believe it if I told you that the luxurious ingredient ‘truffle’ is included in a snack? ‘Saewookkang,’ which dominates the shrimp-flavored snack market, has newly released Saewookkang Black, boasting twice the shrimp content and the aroma of Italian black truffle.
The editor has tried dishes with truffle oil several times before but always surrendered to the unfamiliar scent and taste. Maybe that’s why, as soon as I opened the Saewookkang Black bag, the distinctive greasy aroma I don’t prefer hit my nose, making me hesitate a bit.
Saewookkang Black is much wider and thicker than regular Saewookkang and spicy Saewookkang (known as Maesae), and the color of the snack is also darker. Taking a deep breath lightly, the first bite of Saewookkang Black was more approachable than expected. Compared to its strong aroma, the taste feels more mainstream.
This product was upgraded to commemorate Saewookkang’s 50th anniversary. It recorded cumulative sales of 2.2 million bags in just two weeks, so it might be worth trying at least once. Like Shin Ramyun Black. Also, if you know someone who loves both truffle aroma and shrimp-flavored snacks, this is a snack to recommend. However, for me, who considered spicy Saewookkang the top among the three Saewookkang types, this wasn’t a flavor I’d repurchase. One time is enough for me...!
Editor’s Out-of-Pocket Score: 1.5 / 5
If you’re tired of the similar tastes and compositions of snacks, encountering these snacks might be quite nice. Let’s discover unknown preferences with new snacks.
Photo by Kim Taein
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