5 Must-Try Colombian Snacks & Candy You Can’t Miss

Have you ever wondered what makes Colombian food so special? Is it their mix of flavors and textures? Or maybe it’s the fact that Colombian people make food using fresh, local ingredients found only in this part of the world. Either way, one thing is for sure — Colombian snacks and cand are nothing like anything else. And that’s why exploring this country is impossible without tasting their authentic dishes and snacks.

In this article, we’ll introduce 5 must-try snacks and candies that are preconditions of tasting Colombian cuisine. Just make sure not to miss any of those the next time you visit this country!

1. Empanadas

If you’re a fan of spicy, flavorful snacks, then you should definitely start exploring Colombian cuisine with their beloved empanadas. Most people in Colombia adore Empanadas — a baked or fried turnover that consists of meat, potatoes, and various local spices. This Colombian snack is inspired by Spanish culture and the name “Empanadas” means “breaded.”

Even though there are a lot of cities in Colombia where you can taste this delicious treat, one area known for offering some of the most authentic and flavorful empanadas is Medellin, or “City of Eternal Spring,” as people call it. So, try not to miss tasting it as you stop by one of the local street vendors or cafés while visiting Medellin.

2. Chocoramo

Now let’s move on to sweet Colombian snacks and introduce one of the iconic candies that’s beloved by both children and adults. Chocoramo is a fluffy vanilla cake covered in rich milk chocolate that has more than 70 years of history. Initially, the snack was produced by a family-owned company called Ramo. However, the brand started to grow in the 1950s and soon it became so popular that traditional Colombian breakfasts became unimaginable without daily Chocoramo accompanied by a glass of milk.

3. Obleas

Speaking of Colombian desserts, we couldn’t exclude Obleas from this list. This traditional Colombian sweet consists of two layers of wafers, willed with dulce de leche or arequipe (caramelized milk), jam, or even condensed milk. Even though this snack is simple and you can find similar wafer-like candies all over the world, such as Stroopwafels in the Netherlands or Alfajores in Argentina, Colombian people have nostalgic feelings towards Obleas and that’s why it has such a special place in this culture. 

4. Bon Yurt

If you love special yogurts that include crunchy toppings, chances are that you’ll adore Colombian Bon Yurt. At first glance, it’s just a regular yogurt cup that comes with cereal on top. However, the fact that it’s made by Colombian dairy company Alpina already makes this snack brand unique for local people in the country. Some international snacks that taste in a similar way include  Danone’s “Crunch Yogurt” and Müller’s “Corner Yogurt.”

5. Cocadas

The final Colombian snack we’re about to discuss is especially adored by those who love coconut fillings. Cocodas is a coconut treat made from grated coconut, sugar, and sometimes condensed milk. Basically, it tastes like Rafaello but without the crunchy outer layer and hazelnut center. 

Final Thoughts

Now you already know the basics of Colombian snacks and candies that are worth trying each time you visit this extraordinary country. Just try not to forget about one thing — regardless of how much you adore sweets and snacks, Colombia has a lot more to offer in terms of tasty treats and traditional meals.