Oreos and Cheetos — 2 favorite childhood snacks that I can’t seem to outgrow. Ever since my elementary school days, their colorful and distinctive packagings have been firmly ingrained into my brain.
So when I was mindlessly strolling through my local Korean market’s snack aisle, I did a double-take when I caught glimpses of suspiciously familiar wrappings glinting under the fluorescent lights. Oreos and Cheetos in a Korean grocery store?! It turns out that South Korea has its very own versions of these beloved American snacks. Here’s a breakdown of the packaging, nutrition, appearance, and taste of the 2 countries’ editions.
American Oreos:
Photo by Jenny Mun
Packaging:
- Slogan: “Milk’s Favorite Cookie”
- Color scheme: Blue, white
Photo by Jenny Mun
Nutrition:
- Standard package size: 14.3 oz (405 g)
- Serving size: 3 cookies, 12 servings per container
- Each serving size: 160 calories, 7 g fat
Photo by Jenny Mun
Appearance of snack:
- Center: “OREO”
- Design: Geometric line patterns
- Border: Lines on circumference
Photo by Jenny Mun
Taste:
- Hard and crunchy when bitten
- More of a “wet” texture when eating
Korean Oreos:
Photo by Jenny Mun
Packaging:
- Slogan: “Always Like a Friend!” (translated)
- Color scheme: Blue, white
Photo by Jenny Mun
Nutrition:
- Standard package size: 10.58 oz (300 g)
- Serving size: 1 pack, 6 servings per container
- Each serving size: 255 calories, 12 g fat
Photo by Jenny Mun
Appearance of snack:
- Center: Cursive “L” (for Lotte)
- Design: Swirly floral patterns
- Border: Waves on circumference
Photo by Jenny Mun
Taste:
- Powdery and dry texture when bitten
- Not as crunchy — softer than the American cookie
Photo by Jenny Mun
American Cheetos:
Photo by Jenny Mun
Packaging:
- Color scheme: Saturated dark orange
- Mascot: Chester Cheetah
Photo by Jenny Mun
Nutrition:
- Standard package size: 252 g
- Serving size: 21 pieces, 9 servings per container
- Each serving size: 150 calories, 10 g fat
Photo by Jenny Mun
Appearance of snack:
- Highly saturated orange
- Powder densely coated on pieces
Photo by Jenny Mun
Taste:
- Intense cheesy and salty flavor
- Very crunchy
Korean Cheetos:
Photo by Jenny Mun
Packaging:
- Color scheme: Saturated dark orange
- Mascot: Chester Cheetah
Photo by Jenny Mun
Nutrition:
- Standard package size: 90 g
- Serving size: 3 servings per container
- Each serving size: 165 calories, 10 g fat
Photo by Jenny Mun
Appearance of snack:
- Less saturated colors
- More yellow than orange
Photo by Jenny Mun
Taste:
- Sweet taste (BBQ flavor)
- More subtle flavor
- Crunchy, but more airy than American Cheetos
Photo by Jenny Mun
Holistic review:
Overall, the two countries’ packagings are very similar. In regards to nutrition, the American standard size is definitely larger. However, in terms of calories per serving size, the Korean versions outweigh the American versions. In terms of taste, it really is a matter of personal preference. Both are equally delicious and have distinct charms of their own, but if you’re ever curious about how the Korean versions of Oreos or Cheetos taste, you can find them at any Korean grocery store for yourself.