Build a $40 H Mart haul and find out which items are actually worth trying.
If you’ve ever walked into H Mart, you know it’s overwhelming in the best way. So many H Mart snacks, drinks, and frozen foods you’ve probably never seen before.
This time, I gave myself a challenge:
Build a $40 H Mart haul and see what’s actually worth buying.
Here’s everything I picked — plus my honest thoughts.
SNACK
1. Nongshim Banana Kick (~$2)
Light, airy, and tastes exactly like sweet banana cereal.
✔️ Worth it? YES
This is one of those Korean snacks that sounds weird at first but becomes surprisingly addictive. If you’re new to H Mart snacks, Banana Kick is an easy first pick.
SNACK
2. Orion Turtle Chips (~$4)
These Korean chips are famous for their unique 4-layer crunchy texture.
✔️ Worth it? YES
These Korean chips are famous for their layered crunch. Orion Turtle Chips come in several flavors, but the seaweed version is my favorite at H Mart.
SNACK
3. Lotte Pepero (~$2.50)
Think of these like Korean Pocky sticks — crunchy biscuit sticks coated in chocolate.
✔️ Worth it? YES (classic)
Pepero is one of those Korean snacks that disappears fast once you open the box. It’s simple, nostalgic, and easy to snack on while watching a movie or studying.
SNACK
4. Calbee Shrimp Chips (~$3)
A super popular Korean snack with a light seafood flavor and airy crunch.
✔️ Worth it? YES (especially if you like savory snacks)
These shrimp chips are crispy, salty, and surprisingly addictive. They’re one of the classic snacks you’ll spot at almost every H Mart.
SNACK
5. Sweet Potato Snack (~$3)
Slightly sweet, crispy, and lighter than most chips.
✔️ Worth it? YES
These Korean sweet potato snacks have a crunchy texture and mild sweetness that makes them really easy to snack on. Great if you want something not too heavy or overly salty.
SNACK
6. Roasted Seaweed Snack (~$3)
Thin, crispy sheets of roasted Korean seaweed.
✔️ Worth it? YES (healthy pick)
Light, salty, and low-calorie — easy to snack on without feeling heavy. This roasted seaweed snack is one of my favorite things to buy at H Mart.
EASY MEAL
7. Korean Rice Cakes (Tteok) (~$5)
Soft, chewy Korean rice cakes in sweet and spicy sauce.
✔️ Worth it? YES (great beginner Korean meal)
This tteokbokki kit is an easy way to try Korean food at home without needing many ingredients. Chewy, filling, and fun to cook.
QUICK MEAL
8. Bibigo Cup Tteokbokki (~$3–4)
Instant Korean street food with chewy rice cakes and sweet, spicy sauce.
✔️ Worth it? YES (easy meal)
This cup tteokbokki is quick, filling, and surprisingly good for a microwave meal. Perfect if you want to try Korean food without cooking from scratch.
FROZEN FOOD
9. Frozen Korean Pancake
Savory Korean pancakes filled with japchae noodles and vegetables.
✔️ Worth it? YES
Crispy outside, soft inside, and surprisingly filling. These frozen Korean pancakes are easy to cook and one of my favorite finds from H Mart.
DRINK
10. Ramune Soda (~$2–3)
A popular Japanese soda with a fizzy citrus flavor and marble-top bottle.
✔️ Worth it? YES
Ramune is one of the most fun drinks to try at H Mart. The soda is light, sweet, and opening the bottle is half the experience.
My Favorite H Mart Finds
• Frozen Hotteok
• Turtle Chips
• Banana Kick
• Bibigo Tteokbokki
• Pepero
Total Cost
You can easily recreate this haul and still stay under $40. If you’re new to H Mart, this is a great beginner haul with a mix of Korean snacks, drinks, frozen foods, and easy meals.
What I’d Buy Again at H Mart
• Turtle Chips
• Hotteok
• Tteokbokki
Beginner’s Guide to H Mart Snacks
If you’re new to H Mart, this is a great beginner-friendly haul to start with:
It’s also perfect if you want to experience global food without traveling far from home. Want to explore more snacks and frozen foods?
Want to explore more Korean snacks, frozen foods, and drinks? You can browse products and store locations on the official H Mart website.
