It’s hard to believe that the 2020 summer Olympics, the summer games, will be happening in just a few months. It’s always an exciting event, between the anticipation of the games, the opening ceremonies, the stories of triumph and heartbreak, and the unbelievable displays of athleticism.
The Olympics are in Tokyo, Japan this year, which will undoubtedly showcase the country’s vibrant culture from start to finish.
While I highly recommend jet-setting off to Japan, that’s not a possibility for everyone. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the incredible food the country has to offer. For that matter, you should open up your palette to a variety of foods from some of the countries participating in the games!
Let’s look at three global snacks that you can find here in the States. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you to not only watch the summer games this year but to learn more about other cultures in the process.
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
- Pocky – Japan
Japan is well-known for being a country with hundreds of snack options. Sometimes they range from the practical and plain, while other times they can seem a little outrageous!
One Japanese snack that has crossed the globe and is becoming increasingly popular in America is Pocky. Pocky is very simple; chocolate-covered biscuit sticks. They come in a small, portable box and each stick has a small section without chocolate to hold onto, so your hands won’t get messy.
What you’ll find with Pocky is that it isn’t overly sweet, like many American-style cookies or candies. But, it can also satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a nice “crunch” at the same time. Pocky is now widely available in the U.S., and you should have no problem finding it at your local superstore or grocer.
- Hummus – Greece
If you want a healthy snack that pays homage to the origin of the Olympics, try hummus. The Olympics first started in Ancient Greece, and while there’s some debate over where hummus officially originated, it’s typically touted as a Greek dish.
Hummus is traditionally made with chickpeas, tahini, and good olive oil. You can make your own at home very easily, or choose a store-bought version. Typically, hummus is served with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables. So, whether you’re headed to an Olympic party or you just want a healthy option to snack on while you’re watching the games, hummus should be your go-to dip.
- Jerky – America
I couldn’t leave the U.S. off of this list! Now, when people think about American food, health and fitness might not immediately come to mind. The U.S. often gets a reputation for being excessive with unhealthy ingredients and over-indulging. Thankfully, that’s not always true. There are plenty of healthy snacks in the States, including jerky.
No, I don’t necessarily mean the gas station jerky that’s full of nitrates and preservatives. When you get the right kind of jerky or make your own at home, it’s actually very good for you. Jerky is high in protein, lean, and flavorful. You can make it with different meats, including venison, turkey, or even salmon!
If you don’t want the hassle of making your own, choose store-bought jerky from an artisanal company that doesn’t use fillers in their product.
So, from this year’s host to the country that started it all, back to the red, white, and blue, you can find delicious global snacks to enjoy and feel good about all summer long while you celebrate the games.
