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Top Snack Time Finds at Specialty Grocery Stores

Looking for lunchbox inspiration? From K-pop candy to fresh fruit, local kids share their snack selections from Orange County’s specialty grocery stores.

By Jenn Tanaka

August 31, 2026
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Need some back-to-school lunch inspiration? Look no further. We asked local students to share their favorite snacks, sweets, and sips. From fresh fruit and Persian flatbread to Korean-style chips, check out their top specialty grocery picks

SUPER IRVINE INTERNATIONAL MARKET

Parkview Center
5331 University Dr., Irvine, CA 92612

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“I love fruits like raspberries, strawberries, melons, and bananas. I also really like cherry tomatoes. Oh! I saw this lollipop on TikTok. It’s supposed to play music when you eat it. [The AMOS Tasty Sounds music lollipop candy] I just wanted to try it and – wow! – it actually works. The Takis, I’ll share with my brothers. There’s a bakery here and I ordered this huge bread. [Sangak is a Persian inspired whole-wheat leavened flatbread known for its dimpled texture. It’s a top seller at Super Irvine.] – Lara, 7th Grade


H MART

Northpark Plaza
3931 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA 92602

Westpark Plaza
3825 Alton Pkwy., Irvine, CA 92606

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“The ramen! This is one of my favorite things in this entire haul because of the spice level and flavor. Spam musubi is another light snack and here’s roasted sweet potatoes. You can eat the skin, or you can eat it without it, which is what I do.


I picked these [Orion Real O Jelly fruit candies] because it’s a pocket snack. You can eat it on the go. Then there are some cotton candy grapes. They’re really sweet and it’s a healthy alternative. I also picked Choco Pie. It has a chocolatey outside and a light marshmallow inside. This is Pocky! It’s kind of low calorie.


This is another light snack that I like [Orion Marine Boy wheat snacks]. It’s seaweed flavored crackers. It’s really light so it’s good for a midnight snack.” – Owen, 7th grade


TRADER JOE’S

Crystal Cove Shopping Center
8086 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92657

Walnut Village Center
14443 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604

Woodbury Town Center
6222 Irvine Blvd, Irvine, CA 92620

University Center
4225 Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

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“Everything I got is yummy, yummy, yummy! The ketchup potato chips, my aunt had them before. She let me try them and I really liked it! Meringues are also yummy. And stroopwaffles! Because you get them on United Airlines’ flights and I really like them. Strawberries are my favorite fruit and they’re also yummy!” – Gabby, 5th Grade


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