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Chicago's Best Snacks

Posted on April 10, 2025   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
City Cast Chicago staff

City Cast Chicago staff

Chicagoans love their snacks — but which ones are our favorite? (Plateresca / Getty Images)

Chicagoans love their snacks — but which ones are our favorite? (Plateresca / Getty Images)

Spring is upon us, which means picnics and the park, patio gatherings, and cookouts. Wondering what Chi snacks to serve? The City Cast Chicago team broke down the best snacks the city has to offer.

Many Chicagoans have enjoyed a bag, or tin, of Jays potato chips. Established in 1927 by Leonard Japp, you can now find these chips in various tasty flavors, such as BBQ, Jalapeño Krunchers, Original, and more. And don’t forget the Hot Stuff 🥵

Every get-together needs chips. Vintner’s has been made by Utz since 1926. Even though the recipe changed, pick up a bag of the Sizzlin’ Hot Crunchy Kurls, or the Crunchy Nuggets if you want to avoid hot chip fingers.

Overhyped or classic go-to? This popcorn snack is popular among tourists and has been synonymous with Chicago since 1949. You can order popcorn tins online — are you team cheese, team caramel, or Chicago combo?

Founded in Chicago in 1898, many Chicagoans have walked past the Southwest Side factory, which was considered the largest bakery in the world. There are so many Nabisco snacks to choose from, like Chips Ahoy!, Ritz Crackers, Triscuits, and more.

Calling all sweet tooths! Made by Tootsie Roll Industries headquartered in Chicago, these soft, chewy, and fruity candies come in nearly a dozen flavors. You can get them in value-sized packs, so no one has to fight for their fill.

⛔ Plus, these snacks are NOT worth it

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