Lifestyle

2 Favorite American Snacks with an Interesting South Korean Twist

By Jenny Mun at University of California – Berkeley

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:

Packaging:

• Slogan: “Milk’s Favorite Cookie”
• Color scheme: Blue, white

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

Appearance of snack:

• Center: “OREO”
• Design: Geometric line patterns
• Border: Lines on circumference

Taste:

• Hard and crunchy when bitten
• More of a “wet” texture when eating

Korean Oreos:

Packaging:

• Slogan: “Always Like a Friend!” (translated)
• Color scheme: Blue, white

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

Appearance of snack:

• Center: Cursive “L” (for Lotte)
• Design: Swirly floral patterns
• Border: Waves on circumference

Taste:

• Powdery and dry texture when bitten
• Not as crunchy — softer than the American cookie

American Cheetos:

Packaging:

• Color scheme: Saturated dark orange
• Mascot: Chester Cheetah

Nutrition: 

• Standard package size: 252 g
• Serving size: 21 pieces, 9 servings per container
• Each serving size: 150 calories, 10 g fat

Appearance of snack:

• Highly saturated orange
• Powder densely coated on pieces

Taste:

• Intense cheesy and salty flavor
• Very crunchy

Korean Cheetos:

Packaging:

• Color scheme: Saturated dark orange
• Mascot: Chester Cheetah

Nutrition: 

• Standard package size: 90 g
• Serving size: 3 servings per container
• Each serving size: 165 calories, 10 g fat

Appearance of snack:

• Less saturated colors
• More yellow than orange

Taste:

• Sweet taste (BBQ flavor)
• More subtle flavor
• Crunchy, but more airy than American Cheetos

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.

Can’t get enough of Oreos or Cheetos? Check out these related articles:

• 3 Ways to Cook with Cheetos
• Why Schools are Now Banning Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
• 19 Oreo Recipes that Prove It’s the Best Cookie on Earth