If you’ve ever visited Israel, you probably tried the ubiquitous Bamba and Bisli, but there’s a whole world of Israeli snacks you might not be aware of. From sweet treats to savory bites, here are five Israeli snacks you might have missed.
Krembo, the “ice cream of the winter”
Ever hear of mallomars (in the U.S.), Tunnock’s teacake (in the U.K.), or sweetie pie (in South Africa)? Well, there’s an Israeli version of this fluffy marshmallow treat: Krembo.
Combining a crunchy cookie with marshmallow fluff covered in chocolate, this sweet snack is considered the ice cream of the winter. In fact, it’s only available in the winter — legend has it that the dessert was invented by ice cream shop owners looking for a way to boost sales in the winter months.
The word “Krembo” literally translates to “cream inside.” Just be careful how you eat it — there’s a large debate among Israelis, and you have to stand by your choice. Israel is split into two teams: team cookie-first and team marshmallow-first. I personally fall amongst the small minority that attempts to get a little of each into one bite.
Cheetos: Not just your regular cheese puff
In many parts of the world, the word “Cheetos” is associated with cheese puffs. But in Israel, out of the nearly dozen varieties of this crunchy snack, only a select few are actually dairy! Due to the significant population of Israelis who keep kosher — not mixing dairy and meat and maintaining a waiting period between the two — most of the Cheetos available in Israel are pareve, meaning non-dairy.
Simply Google the word “Cheetos” in Hebrew (צ’יטוס), and you’ll see the staggering array of Cheetos-branded snacks available in Israel. There’s even Cheetos popcorn! However, the most popular Cheetos snack among Israeli kids is ketchup-flavored. Surprised? You’re not alone! But these unexpected flavors just add to the diversity of Israel’s snack landscape.
Shoko B’sakit: A chocolate milk revolution
You’ve never had chocolate milk like this before! This popular treat is, quite literally, a bag of chocolate milk. You simply bite off the corner and it’s ready to enjoy. Shoko B’sakit comes from Yotvata, a kibbutz located just outside of Eilat — they have been producing dairy since the 1960s and are one of Israel’s largest dairy companies.
Here’s a summer tip for the road trippers: If you’re heading to Israel’s southernmost city, a pit stop at the Yotvata rest area is a must. They offer unlimited chocolate milk from a tap — for free! It’s no wonder why Shoko B’sakit is an all-time favorite in Israel.
Sour Spicy Doritos: Turning up the heat
Frequently called the “green Doritos” due to their vibrant green packaging, Sour Spicy Doritos are a staple at Israeli parties, gatherings, and Shabbat Oneg. This tangy and fiery taste stands apart in a world where flavors like Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese are the most famous.
In fact, these more globally recognized Doritos flavors only recently hit Israeli shelves, marked with the phrase “famous in America” as a marketing tactic. When Cool Ranch Doritos made their Israeli debut in September 2022, it was a sensation. News articles were buzzing, announcing that the iconic flavor had finally made its way to Israel. However, nothing beats the zingy bite of Sour Spicy Doritos.
Gumigum: The beloved ice pop with a gummy twist
No Israeli summer is complete without a Gumigum ice pop. This frozen treat is so integral to Israeli culture that the famous duo Static and Ben El even wrote a song about it before their breakup. Born in the 90s, this refreshing popsicle combines tangy lemon and berry sherbet, best known for the gummy bears hidden inside.
In recent years, however, the Gumigum has been a subject of controversy. Many Israelis have voiced their dismay over a decreasing number of gummy bears in each pop.
Facebook groups of food lovers are filled with complaints from those who yearn for the nostalgic experience of a “proper Gumigum.” The issue is such a hot topic that it has even found its way into the headlines, with several Israeli news outlets covering the phenomenon known as “Gumigum bad luck.”
While the company has assured customers that there should always be between 2-4 gummy bears per pop, with strict quality control measures in place, many Israelis are all too familiar with the heartbreak of opening a Gumigum, only to find it without any bears.
Will you score a bear-packed frozen treat on your next visit to Israel? There’s only one way to find out.
What’s your favorite Israeli snack? Let us know on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok!
Originally Published Jul 16, 2023 03:38PM EDT
