The Unfading Newtro Craze... Nostalgic Foods from 'Those Days' Gaining Popularity

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Amid the ongoing Newtro craze, nostalgic foods that remind people of "those days" are gaining popularity.

According to the food and beverage industry on the 1st, Geundae Golmok Danpatbang, one of the "Three Major Bakeries of Daegu," recently launched the "Newtro 6-Set," which the whole family, young and old, can enjoy. The biggest feature is that it combines signature old-fashioned breads with various breads reinterpreted in a modern way. It consists of the bestsellers representing Geundae Golmok Danpatbang, "Original Danpat Bread" and "Fresh Cream Danpat Bread," as well as "Ssuk-a Bread," "Baekmi Bread," "Kongtteok Kongtteok," and "Sweet Potato Bread."

The Original Danpat Bread is an authentic red bean bread filled with red bean paste boiled in a traditional cauldron and walnut pieces inside the dough. The Fresh Cream Danpat Bread is filled generously with sweet fresh cream in the Original Danpat Bread, capturing both taste and visual appeal.

Jung Seong-hwi, CEO of Hongdudang, which operates Geundae Golmok Danpatbang, said, "The Newtro concept is very attractive because it can secure many consumers who have experienced past 'hits' as customers upon launch." He added, "For those without experience or memories, Newtro concept foods can appeal as something new through the product or menu itself, so Newtro concept foods will continue to appear steadily."

Daesang Cheongjeongwon introduced three types of "Baro eat Anjuya (夜) Muktae Yeolpung" that can be eaten immediately without cooking. Muktae, which was popular as a grilled beer snack in the 1970s and 80s, has been reinterpreted as a snack-type anju (side dish) to fit the Newtro trend. The lineup includes "Muktae Yeolpung Sweet Honey Flavor," "Muktae Yeolpung Spicy Fire Chicken Flavor," and "Muktae Yeolpung Cheongyang Teriyaki Flavor." Using Cheongjeongwon's know-how, thick dried pollack well-dried in the winter wind was selected and baked in a hot air oven to enhance the crispy texture. Since the special sauce is applied and baked directly, it is also an advantage that you can enjoy it according to your taste without additional sauce. The Muktae Yeolpung Sweet Honey Flavor features a delightful sweet and salty taste of sweet honey sauce, while the Muktae Yeolpung Spicy Fire Chicken Flavor is perfect for those who prefer spicy flavors, as it is baked with fire chicken sauce.

CJ Freshway introduced B2B (business-to-business) exclusive products "Ppeongiyo Donkatsu" and "Ppeongiyo Macaron," which reinterpret the 40-year-old traditional snack "Ppeongiyo" with a Newtro concept. The packaging features the signature color of Ppeongiyo launched in 1982, capturing the Newtro sentiment. The Ppeongiyo Macaron is a dessert using Ppeongiyo-flavored cream and crushed Ppeongiyo snacks. The filling cream is butter cream-based with Ppeongiyo snack powder added, enhancing its unique flavor.