Top 5 Korean weight loss snacks you haven’t tried yet

Are you trying to get in shape but are tired of protein shakes, diet sodas, and bland salads? Look no further, Korea has a variety of delicious and healthy weight loss snacks. These snacks are not only low in calories, but they are also convenient, support digestion, and keep you feeling full for longer.

Here are five Korean weight loss foods you might have never heard of, which taste amazing while still helping you reach your weight loss goals.

1. Seaweed snack

Thin, crispy, and with a satisfyingly salty taste, the Korean seaweed snack is a healthy alternative to chips and other crispy snacks. In Korea, it is a common side dish, but many eat it as a snack directly from the package. Besides the taste and texture, seaweed is also packed with minerals such as iodine, magnesium, and calcium, which benefit thyroid health and metabolism.

Protip: Use the seaweed sheets to wrap rice, veggies or eggs for a more filling option.

2. Barley tea

This “Korean water” is a household staple over there. Unlike sugary sodas or diet shakes, barley tea is light, refreshing, and has 0 calories. It is high in fiber, which is known to lessen hunger. Besides, it can help with digestion and control blood sugar levels. Barley tea has a nutty, a bit sweet flavor with a hint of roaster grain (kind of like popcorn water).

Protip: Served hot, it gives a cozy feeling. Served cold, it’s crisp and refreshing, making it a year-round favorite in Korea.

For many Koreans, this is one of their absolute favorite snack growing up. The Korean sweet potato (also called “goguma”) tastes sweet, creamy with a hint of caramel. When eaten cold, they are almost like candy, but sugar-free. They are also very filling; one sweet potato keeps you full for hours. Besides, it is also rich in vitamins A and C, which are good for your skin and immunity.

Protip: Mealprep many sweet potatoes at the same time, to have them ready as an easy on the go snack.

Korean people love convenience stores, due to the variety of on the go snacks, including healthy ones (maybe refer to the other article). Instead of eating unseasoned chicken breast, many people are used to, the chicken breast snack is individually sealed, juicy, and comes in any flavour you want: terriyaki, garlic, chili, etc. Like any chicken breast, it is high in protein, low in fat and calories, but also convenient.

Protip: Always keep one in your bag; this way, you will be able to eat healthy despite being busy.

5. Konjac Jelly

I saved the best for last: konjac jelly. It is Korea’s most famous diet hack and my absolute favorite snack ever. In Korea, konjac jelly became a huge trend thanks to K-pop idols and influencers, many of whom partnered with brands to promote it during their diet phases. Surprisingly, not many have heard of it outside of Asia, despite its incredible benefits.

Konjac jelly has an amazing chewy jelly texture and a fruity (lychee, mango, strawberry, etc.), refreshing taste, almost like a gelatin candy. The konjac jelly is almost calorie-free. That’s right, most pouches have around 7 calories. This is because it is made from the konjac root (also called shirataki or glucomannan), a natural source of soluble fiber that our bodies cannot digest. This is why it’s so low in calories and super filling. Besides, konjac jelly comes in pouches, which makes it also very convenient. 

Protip: Eat it cold for a more delicious taste. Then drink a glass of water afterwards, the fiber expands in your stomach, making you feel even fuller.

Conclusion

From the salty crunch of seaweed snacks to the chewy sweetness of konjac jelly, all these Korean weight loss snacks prove that getting in shape does not have to be boring. Besides, they are convenient and easy to add to your routine. Next time you are searching for some healthy weight loss foods, skip the boring salads and protein shakes and try one of these Korean hidden gems.