Snacks are inevitable and an ever-present part of almost everyone’s life. Over the years, popular snacks have changed based on society’s influences and tastes of consumers.

Cracked seed stores were established in Hawaii in the mid-1800s by Chinese immigrants, allowing people to purchase inexpensive snacks of preserved seeds and fruits.

Stores selling the items multiplied as the snacks became a major source of after-school treats for children.

Math teacher, Deborah Kula, said, “When I was younger, dill pickles were my all time favorite. The Yick Lung store in Aina Haina had a big barrel of pickles, 5 cents each.”

Though the stores are not as visible as before, the Li Hing Mui powder introduced via seeds continues to grow in demand. The fine powder is often applied not only to snacks, including candies, fruits and shave ice, but also to savory dishes.

Social Studies teacher, Whitney Miyahira, said, “Li hing gummy bears were among my favorite snacks as a kid and I loved anything with chocolate! Cookies, pudding snacks, Snow Caps and Kit Kats were other treats I indulged in.”

Snack preferences do not usually remain the same as people mature, but  consumers sometimes are surprising in their choices.

Science teacher, James Bell, said, “I used to eat vegetables when I was younger due to the fact that my mom often bought celery and broccoli sticks. Now, however, I tend to eat unhealthy and sugary snacks because you only live once and deserve to treat yourself!”

With the modern attitude of mixing flavors, traditional snacks are now in the minority. Dill pickle, pizza, roasted garlic with salt and sun-dried tomato and Parmesan are among the hundreds of potato chip flavors. Similar mixed varieties can be found in ice cream, baked goods and candies.

“There was a time when unhealthy snacking seemed to rule. I enjoyed chips, cookies, sweet stuff, sodas, and I did not pay much attention to how frequently or what quantities I was consuming.  I am more conscious of healthy snacks now and I actually enjoy them. Bad eating habits catch up and health begins to suffer.  I still enjoy the other snacks,  but I am better about limiting quantities and will deliberately choose a healthier snack – most of the time,” said Kula.