As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchasesIn the vast spectrum of snack foods available globally, a unique category emerges that draws attention not just for its taste but also for its visual appeal: black-colored snacks. If you’ve landed here out of intrigue or a specific craving, you’re in for an intriguing culinary journey. Delve into the dark side of snacking as we unpack some of the most appealing and delicious black snacks from around the world. These are not just quick bites; each carries its own tale, cultural significance, and flavor palette.
For all of the yellow foods you can eat starting with the letter A, read this post.
Black Sesame Seeds
Originating from the tropical regions of Africa and India, black sesame seeds are now a cornerstone of Asian desserts and crackers. These tiny, glossy seeds pack a powerful punch of nutty flavor and are often roasted to enhance their rich taste. While they are sprinkled atop various dishes, they also star in black sesame balls – a sweet, glutinous rice dumpling filled with a luscious black sesame paste. These seeds also carry health benefits, being rich in antioxidants and known to support heart health.
Squid Ink Crackers
A perfect blend of marine delicacies and snack-time crunch, squid ink crackers are a popular choice in various Asian and Mediterranean locales. The ink provides a unique depth of flavor – a hint of the sea with a touch of saltiness. Beyond flavor, it’s the striking black hue that makes these crackers a visual delight. Often enjoyed with a side dip or just by themselves, they’re a conversation starter for any snack spread.
Black Licorice
A divisive snack, black licorice has lovers and detractors in equal measure. It boasts a distinct anise flavor, with its roots tracing back to ancient civilizations. Whether you’re enjoying the soft, chewy forms or the harder varieties, black licorice offers a taste that lingers. Its deep black color, achieved from the extract of the licorice plant root, stands out in the candy world. Often touted for its potential health benefits, it’s a treat to be consumed in moderation.
Seaweed Snacks
With a crisp bite and a distinct oceanic aroma, seaweed snacks, especially the nori variety, are a favorite for many. Originating from East Asia, these thinly sliced and roasted sea plants are rich in minerals and vitamins. Perfectly seasoned, they serve as an accompaniment to meals or as a standalone snack. Their dark, almost-black hue combined with a shiny glaze makes them as appealing to the eyes as they are to the palate.
Black Truffle Chips
When luxury meets snack-time, you get black truffle chips. The earthly, aromatic fragrance of black truffles transforms regular potato chips into gourmet delights. Every bite carries the subtle, musky undertones of the truffle, making it a premium snacking experience. The deep, dusky shade of the chips, interspersed with specks of truffle, adds to the visual appeal.
Black Garlic Chips
What happens when garlic undergoes a fermentation transformation? You get black garlic, a sweet, umami-rich version of the common garlic. Turned into chips or crisps, black garlic offers a combination of crunch and complex flavors. The fermentation not only darkens the garlic but also amplifies its health benefits, making these chips a delightful and beneficial treat.
Black Bean Chips
Beans aren’t just for meals; when ground into flour and seasoned with spices, they become a crispy, crunchy delight in the form of black bean chips. Their dark appearance comes naturally from the bean itself, which, when baked or fried, gives off a toasted hue. More than just a chip, these are packed with protein and fiber, making them a healthier alternative to regular potato chips. Their earthy flavor, complemented by various seasonings, provides a satisfying savory experience.
Black Rice Cakes
Not as common as their white counterparts, black rice cakes are a revelation. Made from black or forbidden rice, these cakes have a natural nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. Their dark coloration comes from anthocyanins, antioxidants that have numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with your favorite spreads, black rice cakes are a wholesome and attractive snack choice.
Bamboo Charcoal Peanuts
Taking peanuts to the next level, bamboo charcoal-coated peanuts are an interesting combination of crunch, flavor, and aesthetics. The exterior layer is crafted from bamboo charcoal, which gives the peanuts their black appearance. Inside, the nut remains crunchy and flavorful. Beyond just visual appeal, bamboo charcoal is often believed to have detoxifying properties, adding a layer of health intrigue to this unique snack.
Black Pudding Bites
Originating from the British Isles, black pudding is traditionally a type of blood sausage. When sliced into bite-sized pieces and fried or baked, it becomes a savory snack with a rich, iron-forward flavor. Its black color comes from pig’s blood, which might sound unappealing to some, but it’s a celebrated delicacy in many cultures. These bites are not just packed with protein but also with history, making them an interesting conversation piece at gatherings.
Activated Charcoal Crackers
In the realm of intriguing snacks, activated charcoal crackers stand out. Made by incorporating activated charcoal into the dough, these crackers have a stark black appearance. They’re not just about looks; these crackers bring a slight smokiness to the palate. However, it’s essential to consume them in moderation since excessive intake of activated charcoal can interfere with medication and nutrient absorption.
Black Sesame Brittle
A delightful merge of sweetness and crunch, black sesame brittle is an age-old snack with a modern appeal. The black sesame seeds are interspersed within a golden sugary matrix, creating a visual contrast. Each bite delivers a nutty flavor complemented by the sweet caramelization of sugar. It’s a snack that bridges the old with the new, making it perfect for diverse palates.
Black Lava Salted Caramels
Blending the sweet allure of caramel with the earthy tones of black lava salt, these treats are a taste sensation. The caramels, soft and chewy, are contrasted by the crunch of the salt. The black hue of the lava salt offers a visual pop against the golden caramel, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Black Soybean Edamame
Most are familiar with the bright green edamame beans served as a staple appetizer in sushi restaurants. Yet, there’s a darker sibling to this popular snack: black soybean edamame. These beans, while black on the outside, reveal a grayish-green interior when shelled. The taste is nuttier and slightly sweeter than their green counterparts. Packed with protein and fiber, they make for a nutritious nibble, and their unusual color adds a unique touch to any snack spread.
Black Lentil Pops
Diving into the legume family, we find the lesser-known black lentils turned into airy pops. These are made by puffing black lentils, resulting in a light, crunchy snack. The naturally dark hue of the lentils remains, making them a stark contrast to the usual beige-colored puffed snacks. These little pops not only offer a delightful crunch but are also a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber.
Black Tapioca Pearls
A cornerstone of the beloved bubble tea, black tapioca pearls are more than just a drink accompaniment. Made from cassava starch, these chewy balls get their color from brown sugar or caramel, which gives them a rich, sweet flavor. Beyond beverages, they can also be found in various desserts, offering a gummy contrast to softer textures. Their glossy black appearance and delightful chewiness have made them a favorite for many around the world.
Black Olive Tapenade
Mediterranean cuisine offers a spreadable black delight in the form of black olive tapenade. Ground black olives mixed with capers, anchovies, and olive oil create a paste that’s both savory and slightly briny. It serves as an excellent spread on crackers or toasted bread, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. Its deep, almost-black color is visually striking, making it a standout at any snack table.
Black Chickpea Pops
Similar to the black lentil pops, black chickpea pops are another legume transformed into a crunchy snack. Roasted or fried to perfection, these chickpeas offer a nutty, earthy flavor. Their naturally dark hue makes them a visually appealing alternative to regular chickpeas. Paired with spices or enjoyed plain, they’re a protein-packed option for those seeking both taste and nutrition.
Black Grape Dried Fruit
While most people are familiar with golden raisins, the dried form of black grapes is a sweet, chewy treat. The drying process concentrates the natural sugars of the grapes, giving them an intensified sweetness with a hint of tartness. Their dark, wrinkled appearance might not win any beauty contests, but the burst of flavor they provide makes them a sought-after snack.
Chocolate Cookies with Black Cocoa
Taking inspiration from popular cookies like “Oreos”, these dark, almost black cookies use black cocoa. This particular type of cocoa has been heavily dutched, giving it a deep color and a milder chocolate flavor. Paired with a cream filling or enjoyed on their own, these cookies are a visual and gustatory treat.
Black Fungus Chips
Venturing into the world of fungi, black fungus, also known as wood ear mushroom, is a common ingredient in Asian cuisine. When thinly sliced and dehydrated, it turns into a crispy snack with an earthy flavor. Rich in dietary fiber and believed to have health benefits, these chips are not only a tasty treat but also a nutritious one. Their wavy, almost translucent appearance adds a touch of elegance to any snack spread.
Black Corn Tortilla Chips
A twist on the classic tortilla chip, black corn variants offer an added visual appeal. Made from black maize, these chips retain the familiar crunch and are perfect for dipping. Their dark hue makes for a dramatic backdrop against vibrant salsas, guacamoles, and dips, making them a favorite at gatherings and parties.
Black Quinoa Puffs
Another grain turned snack, black quinoa puffs are tiny balls of goodness. When puffed, they become light and airy, with a subtle nutty flavor unique to quinoa. They’re often seasoned with herbs or spices, creating a harmonious blend of taste and crunch. Beyond their taste, they’re also packed with protein and essential amino acids, making them a wholesome snacking option.
Charcoal Lemonade Popsicles
A modern twist on the traditional popsicle, charcoal lemonade popsicles blend the detoxifying benefits of activated charcoal with the tangy refreshment of lemonade. The result is a visually stunning black popsicle that’s both refreshing and slightly mysterious in its appearance. It’s the perfect blend of health, flavor, and aesthetics.
Blackcurrant Gummies
Fruit snacks get a dark twist with blackcurrant gummies. These chewy treats pack the rich, slightly tart flavor of blackcurrants. Their deep purple, almost black hue, combined with their fruity aroma, makes them a delightful treat for both adults and kids alike.
Black Pepper Rice Crisps
For those who like a bit of heat, black pepper rice crisps are the answer. These thin, crispy wafers made from rice flour are generously seasoned with coarsely ground black pepper. The result is a snack that tingles the palate with its spiciness, complemented by the lightness of the crisps.
Nori Wrapped Rice Crackers
Building on the popularity of seaweed, these snacks consist of small rice crackers wrapped in a sheet of nori. The salty crunch of the seaweed perfectly complements the mild flavor of the rice cracker, creating a balanced snack. The dark seaweed wrap adds a touch of sophistication to these bite-sized delights.
Black Chia Seed Pudding
A snack that doubles as a dessert, black chia seed pudding is both delicious and healthy. When soaked, chia seeds take on a gel-like consistency, creating a texture similar to pudding. Mixed with almond or coconut milk and sweetened to taste, it becomes a delightful treat. The tiny black seeds give the pudding its characteristic speckled appearance.
Black Tea Jelly Cubes
Drawing inspiration from East Asia, black tea jelly cubes are a unique snacking experience. Black tea, when set with agar or gelatin, forms a wobbly, aromatic jelly. Cut into cubes and often served with a sprinkle of sugar or drizzle of honey, they provide a bouncy, chewy texture coupled with the deep flavors of the tea.
Black Cacao Nibs
Taking chocolate back to its roots, cacao nibs are essentially bits of fermented, dried, roasted, and crushed cacao bean. The black variants have a deeper roast, giving them an intense chocolate flavor with a slight bitterness. They’re a crunchy, antioxidant-rich treat that can be eaten on their own or sprinkled on other snacks for added texture and flavor.
As we conclude this exploration, it’s clear that the world of black snacks is both vast and varied. From traditional treats with centuries of history to modern creations inspired by current trends, there’s truly something for everyone. The next time you’re in the mood for something unique, delve into these dark delights and embark on a culinary adventure like no other.
There’s also an article on all of the snacks that are the color purple!
