Finding a snack that pleases the whole family, from the little ones to the grown-ups, can sometimes be a puzzle. Between sugar cravings and the search for something original, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if the solution came from Asia? The hawthorn treat, a traditional Asian snack, might just surprise you. Loved for its unique sweet and sour taste, it's being reinvented in a multitude of shapes and flavours.
To help you see things more clearly, we've broken down the options and selected a few gems. Our mission? To give you simple insights and practical tips to make the right choice, free from marketing jargon.
Before diving into our selection, here are a few points to keep in mind to find the Chinese fruit paste you'll adore.
What's fun about hawthorn snacks is their variety of shapes. Each format promises a different mouthfeel:
While the authentic taste of hawthorn ranges from tart to sweet, many modern variations are shaking things up. You can now find hawthorn candies paired with other fruits like passion fruit, strawberry, or red date. It's a great way to add variety and discover new gourmet combinations.
To snack with peace of mind, taking a look at the ingredients list is an excellent habit. Opt for short, transparent lists. Some brands, like O'Say, make it a point to offer recipes without added flavours, colours, or preservatives. The cultural bonus? Hawthorn is traditionally eaten as a digestive snack after a heavy meal.
Here is our selection, which gives an excellent overview of the richness of this snack.
What makes it special: The liquid passion fruit syrup center adds an exotic touch and a truly surprising texture. The combination of hawthorn's tartness and the tropical flavour of passion fruit works wonderfully.
Highlights:
Who is it for? For the curious who love fruity flavours and original textures. It's a perfect introduction to hawthorn in a modern light.
Its special feature: For those with a sweet tooth, this version is pure comfort. It combines the sweetness of strawberry and yogurt with the crunch of cashew nuts, all coated in a melt-in-your-mouth hawthorn paste.
Highlights:
Who is it for? For sweet tooths looking for a comforting snack that plays on soft textures and sweet flavours.
Why we love it: It's the must-have, the timeless classic. The O'Say hawthorn roll follows the traditional recipe for a 100% authentic taste. Its firm texture and distinct sweet and sour flavour make it a reliable choice.
Highlights:
Who is it for? For purists and anyone who wants to discover the original taste of this Asian snack. A safe bet that everyone will agree on.
Its strong point: Its fun, mini-burger shape! Two hawthorn discs sandwich a red date (jujube) puree. A creative and truly playful approach.
Highlights:
Who is it for? Perfect for a fun snack to share with the family. Kids will love its playful format.
If the tart flavours of hawthorn aren't your cup of tea, or if you simply want to mix things up, check out our selection of pine nuts. An excellent, crunchy, and flavourful alternative for your snack breaks.
A hawthorn candy is known for its very characteristic sweet and sour taste. The fruit itself is quite tart, a flavour that is balanced by the sugar added during preparation. As for texture, it's a fruit paste that can be soft, chewy, or a bit firmer depending on the format.
It's best to keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat. Most products, like those from the O'Say brand, are sold in individual packets. This is ideal for preserving their freshness once the main package is opened.
Yes, children generally love them for their sweet-and-sour taste and fun shapes. Of course, as with all sweets, ensure they are consumed in moderation due to their sugar content.
Published by: The Joybuy Product Recommendation TeamDate: 17/07/2026