Craving that bag of chips you had overseas? What about specialty candy? Browse international snacks at these local shops.
While America might be known in part for its surplus of flavor-packed snack foods, the overseas options go above and beyond. Luckily, the Hudson Valley hosts a handful of international snack shops where you can ditch the traditional salt and vinegar in exchange for spicy lobster and Indian masala spiced chips. From Swedish candy to Japanese soda, these local shops stock plenty of must-try exotic goods.
845 Exotic Snacks
Galleria at Crystal Run, Middletown
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If you’ve been to the Galleria at Crystal Run, you’ve probably come across 845 Exotic Snacks. The Middletown shop offers a wide range of foreign and limited-edition domestic snacks that you likely won’t find at your local corner store. Try the caramel croquant Canadian KitKats and spicy tropical Doritos or take a gamble and order the mystery box online for a surprise curated assortment of goods.
914 Exotics
Yonkers
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In Westchester County, 914 Exotics is a popular shop for its trendy and viral snacks and sweets. Here, try Dubai chocolate bars (from Dubai), Japanese Hata soda, garlic baguette Sun Chips, Korean spicy chicken Lay’s, and a selection of limited-edition domestic soda flavors.
Fika and Hygge
Poughkeepsie
Photo courtesy of Fika and Hygge
Swedish candy may have had its moment on TikTok, but Fika and Hygge recently moved onto Poughkeepsie’s Raymond Avenue to bring Scandinavian sweets to the Hudson Valley. More than just a sweet shop, the Dutchess County gem doubles as a café serving up specialty Nordic lattes. Take a scooper to the shelves of colorful treats or grab a curated bag of staff favorites.
Hudson Valley Exotics
Online
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While this international snack shop used to have an outlet in the Poughkeepsie Galleria, snackers can still find overseas treats on Hudson Valley Exotics’ website. Shop in categories like beverages, chips and crisps, cookies and desserts, and candy and chocolate to find exactly what you’re looking for. Savory lovers need to try the Kobe steak Lay’s, taco Doritos, or Japanese BBQ Cheetos, while sweet tooths can indulge in Korean cinnamon bun Oreos, strawberries and cream Hershey’s bars, and freeze-dried sour candy.
Promenade Lotto and Snacks
Promenade on 6, Carmel
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Not exactly a mall, Promenade on 6 is an indoor artisanal community comprised of small businesses. Step inside to shop secondhand clothing, permanent jewelry, and international snacks. The Promenade Lotto and Snacks stocks Spanish tomato Lay’s, orange Faygo soda, cookie dough Twix, Japanese Hata soda, and more exotic delights.
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