20 Chinese Snacks for Kids (With Chinese Names & Pinyin)

Chinese snacks are more than just delicious treats—they’re a window into one of the world’s richest cultures. For parents and educators raising globally aware children, introducing Chinese food is a flavorful way to engage young learners. From traditional sweets enjoyed during festivals to savory street foods, Chinese snacks can spark curiosity, encourage language learning, and promote cultural appreciation. This guide explores the most kid-friendly Chinese snacks, how to introduce them safely and meaningfully, and how to make them part of your child’s cultural learning journey.

At WuKong Education, we believe that learning Chinese isn’t just about language; it’s also about understanding culture through everyday things like food. Here’s a tasty way to help your kids discover Chinese traditions—bite by bite!

Classic Favorites Chinese Snacks for Kids

1.White Rabbit Candy (大白兔奶糖 – Dà bái tù nǎi táng)

Creamy milk candy wrapped in edible rice paper. Fun Fact: A nostalgic treat across Asia!

2.Haw Flakes (山楂片 – Shān zhā piàn)

Tart-sweet disks made from hawthorn fruit (like fruit leather).

3.Tanghulu (糖葫芦 – Táng hú lu)

Sugar-glazed fruits on a stick (traditionally hawthorn, but modern versions use strawberries or grapes).

4.Osmanthus Jelly (桂花糕 – Guì huā gāo)

Floral, mildly sweet jelly made with osmanthus flowers.

5.Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼 – Cōng yóu bǐng)

Flaky, pan-fried layers with green onions.

6.Baozi (包子 – Bāo zi)

Steamed buns with savory or sweet fillings (pork, veggies, or red bean).

7.Chinese Sausage Buns (腊肠包 – Là cháng bāo)

Soft buns wrapped around sweet-savory sausage (like a Chinese hotdog).

8.Tea Eggs (茶叶蛋 – Chá yè dàn)

Hard-boiled eggs marbled with tea and spices.

Festival Chinese Snacks for Kids

9.Mooncakes (月饼 – Yuè bǐng)

Rich pastries with lotus seed or red bean paste, eaten during Mid-Autumn Festival.

10.Tangyuan (汤圆 – Tāng yuán)

Chewy glutinous rice balls (filled with sesame or peanut), symbolizing family unity during Lantern Festival.

11.Zongzi (粽子 – Zòng zi)

Sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, enjoyed during Dragon Boat Festival.

Modern Twists Chinese Snacks for Kids

12.Lychee Jelly Cups (荔枝果冻 – Lì zhī guǒ dòng)

Fruit-flavored jellies with real lychee bits (popular in lunchboxes).

13.Seaweed Snacks (海苔 – Hǎi tái)

Crispy roasted seaweed sheets (try sesame or teriyaki flavors).

14.Shrimp Chips (虾片 – Xiā piàn)

Light, airy chips with a mild seafood taste (naturally gluten-free).

15.Fried Milk (炸鲜奶 – Zhá xiān nǎi)

Crispy outside, creamy inside—like a sweet French toast!

16.Sugar-Coated Haws (糖葫芦 – Táng hú lu)

Candied fruit skewers (use strawberries for a modern twist).

17.Soy Milk & Youtiao (豆浆 & 油条 – Dòu jiāng & Yóu tiáo)

Warm soy milk with crispy fried dough (a classic breakfast pair).

Savory and Crunchy Snacks for Kids

18. Five-Spice Beans (五香豆, wǔ xiāng dòu)

Roasted broad beans seasoned with five-spice powder—a crunchy and protein-rich snack.

19. Spicy Strips (辣条, là tiáo)

Chewy wheat gluten strips with spicy, salty seasoning. Best for older kids who enjoy bold flavors.

20. Shrimp Chips (虾条, xiā tiáo)

Light, crispy snacks with subtle seafood flavor. A fun swap for potato chips.

Final Thoughts

Introducing Chinese snacks to kids is about more than satisfying a sweet tooth. It’s about building bridges between cultures, between parents and children, between food and language. Whether you’re exploring mooncakes in a lesson on the moon festival or using haw flakes to teach Mandarin numbers, Chinese snacks offer countless ways to learn, bond, and grow.

FAQs: What Parents Want to Know

Q: Are Chinese snacks healthy for kids?
Yes! Many Chinese snacks are made from natural ingredients like beans, fruit, rice, and seeds. Choose steamed or baked options over fried, and avoid overly processed varieties.

Q: Can I pack Chinese snacks in a school lunchbox?
Absolutely. Items like pineapple cakes, haw flakes, and rice crackers are portable, non-perishable, and easy to eat.

Q: How can snacks help kids learn Chinese culture?
Snacks like zongzi and mooncakes are directly tied to holidays. You can use them to tell stories, practice vocabulary, or explore WuKong’s Chinese  lessons for kids.