7 Healthy Snacks to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

Every May, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans in the U.S. Originating in 1978 as “Asian/Pacific Heritage Week,” the week transformed into a monthlong celebration in 1990. Today, AAPI Heritage Month is a time to honor the diverse landscape of Asian cultures in neighborhoods across the country—and what’s a more universal way to celebrate than with a truly great snack?

Whether it’s the perfect puffed crunch, a tingly spicy heat that rises in the body or a sweet, juicy bite, Asian snacks cover the gamut. Here are seven healthy snacks to enjoy—that are also from Asian- or Asian American-owned businesses—during the month of May and beyond.

Yakult Probiotic Drink 

Some of my earliest childhood memories include tearing off the tin cap of a Yakult and sipping the sweet, cool drink during hot summer visits my family would make to the Japanese market. Yakult probiotic drink was developed in Japan in 1935, and recently became popularized in the U.S. It can now be found at major retailers like Target, Walmart, Stop & Shop and more, so everyone can enjoy the citrusy drink. While drinking it on its own is delicious, you can also use it as an ingredient in recipes like Dragonfruit Yakult or a probiotic homemade ice cream.

AshaPops Popped Water Lily Seeds 

Puffed water lily seeds, also called makhana, are seeds from Euryale ferox, a waterlily plant that grows in India. The puffed seeds contain plant-based protein and are a recommended superfood in ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, according to AshaPops, a mother-son business founded in 2017. I met Jai Farswani, the son, in Los Angeles and was taken by their philosophy behind popped waterlily-seed snacks. Today, AshaPops are available in major supermarkets across the country and available for purchase on their website. The recipes are crafted by Jai’s mother, Asha Farswani, and their entire line is gluten-free, grain-free and vegan. Flavors of the crunchy, light snack range from simple Himalayan pink salt to chili, turmeric garlic and vegan cheese.

Dang Thai Rice Chips 

Khao taen, or Thai sticky-rice chips, elicit the perfect crunch. Dang was developed by Thai American brothers Vincent and Andrew Kitirattragarn, who named the company after their mom. To make the chips, they soak sticky rice in sweet watermelon juice and coconut milk, then crisp it to highlight the flavors of the toasted rice along with seasonings like Sriracha Spice, Aged Cheddar, Coconut Crunch and Toasted Sesame. In addition to the chips, Dang also has a line of coconut chips with flavors including Caramel Sea Salt, Lightly Salted and Original, and bars available in flavors like Almond Cookie, Crazy Rich Chocolate, Lemon Matcha and Peanut Butter. Whatever snack you’re looking for, you can find Dang on Amazon and Thrive and at your local grocery store.

Oishii Strawberries 

Developed in Japan by Hirokii Koga, Oishii aims to practice sustainable farming in the U.S. by growing fruit in indoor vertical farms. The goal is to deliver a “perfect” fruit year-round to consumers who value quality and attention to detail over quantity. The Omakase Berry is the most well-known of Oishii’s products, which also include the Koyo Berry and the Rubī Tomato, and it elevates an everyday snack to an almost mind-boggling flavor experience. While each strawberry is as sweet and uniform as the next one, these do come with a higher price tag than the fruit at your local supermarket. You can find Oishii strawberries using their store locator with products currently available in eight states and Washington, D.C.

BobaBam Instant Drink Kit

If you’ve ever wanted to re-create your favorite Taiwanese bubble tea drink at home, then a boba drink kit is just what you need. Bobabam takes a “just add milk” approach to their frozen bubble tea packets. Now, folks can enjoy classic boba flavors like Milk Tea, Matcha, Brown Sugar, Taro, Strawberry, Mango and Coffee in a matter of minutes. Put a twist on your favorite mixes with recipes like this Chia Seed Pudding Topped with Boba or the Peanut Butter Banana Boba Shake. Find Bobabam in the freezer section of your local grocery store or order directly from their website.

HotPot Queen Tingly Mala Wild Mushroom Chili Sauce

Say hello to HotPot Queen’s Tingly Mala Wild Mushroom Chili Sauce, my latest culinary obsession that goes on snacks, in sandwiches, on noodles or veggies and more. If you are in need of a pick-me-up, the sauce will perk up your taste buds with a savory, hint of sweet, mushroom umami flavor. The shiitake and wild Boletus mushroom blend is harvested from the mountainous Yunnan region in China. The mushrooms are flavored with Sichuan peppercorn, chili and spices to provide the perfect multilayered heat to elevate any snack or quick meal. If you’re in need of a little bit more than a snack, try HotPot Queen’s spicy thick-cut noodles.

Matcha Direct Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder

Matcha is an antioxidant-rich green tea, and it's a wonderful addition to sweet snacks or a refreshing iced drink in the summer. Matcha Direct uses traditional methods of grinding matcha powder, and each order is freshly ground before being shipped. The starter kit includes matcha, a tea scoop, tea whisk, whisk holder and tea strainer, so you can make the drink easily at home.