Crunchy Filipino School Snacks That Aren’t Chips

Every mom knows the struggle of finding a healthy yet enjoyable snack to pack for their kids to school. Most kids like chips too salty or candies too sweet, and it can be a full obstacle course looking for something neither that would still satisfy their taste buds. The answer is simple though—Filipino snacks!

Local snacks in the Philippines are known for being unique, pure, and nutritious. They aren’t feeding your kids crispy air dashed with oil, salt, or sugar; they contain real ingredients that are filling yet flavorful. They are sort of like traditional cookies, and they make great potato chip alternatives that you can munch on without putting on extra sodium you don’t need.

Here are 5 Crunchy Filipino School Snacks That Aren’t Chips

Otap

Two words: Flaky pastry. And no, it’s not a croissant!

Otap is a crispy and sugary Filipino puff pastry originating from Cebu. It is oval-shaped, has flaky layers, and is topped off with sugar. At first glance, it might resemble a biscuit, but otap is actually a type of bread. Unlike biscuits, which are quick breads that do not require yeast, otap is a properly leavened pastry.

With its light and airy texture, it can be consumed as a snack or a dessert. Due to its flour and butter content, about a few pieces can already fill you up.

Apas

Apas is a light and crisp biscuit similar to otap but without the flaky layers. It's elongated and much thinner, which gives it a different kind of crunch. Unlike otap, which is sweet and buttery, it leans toward the milder side, making it a great choice for kids who prefer snacks that aren’t too sugary.

This biscuit by Mazapan Sweets is a specialty in Quezon Province, particularly Lucena and Lucban, though it’s also widely known in Cebu. You can dip it in milk, pair it with coffee, or eat straight out of the pack!

Uraro is a traditional Filipino cookie made from arrowroot flour. It has a light, powdery texture that crumbles and dissolves in your mouth and has a subtle sweetness perfect for kids who enjoy cookies but don’t need an overpowering sugar rush.

Because of its delicate consistency, uraro is best enjoyed with a glass of milk or a warm drink. It's also an excellent gluten-free option since arrowroot flour doesn’t contain gluten. It’s a great alternative for kids with dietary restrictions.

Puto Seko

Crisp, light, and mildly sweet, puto seko is a classic Filipino biscuit that’s been a childhood favorite to many for generations!

Puto seko has a dry, crumbly texture that also gives a melt-in-your-mouh texture just like uraro, but has a firmer bite. The name "puto seko" translates to "dry cake," which perfectly describes its crunchy and airy consistency.

This biscuit by Vener’s is great as a school snack because it’s not messy to eat, isn’t overly sweet, and pairs well with drinks like hot chocolate or fruit juice. 

Pili Tart

Pili nuts in the form of a tart is one genius way of consuming this healthy local nut. Pili tart is a sweet, rich, and buttery pastry that retains both the flavor and health benefits of pili nuts.

This is a Filipino take on the classic nut tart but with a distinct local taste. It has a naturally creamy texture that complements the crisp tart base, creating a beautiful contrast of crunch and smoothness.

Pili nuts being quite known for being a superfood, this pili tart is packed with nutrients, too! They are high in protein and healthy fat content which make them a more nutritious alternative to sugar-laden sweets.

Healthy Alternative to Chips

Filipino snacks like otap, apas, uraro, puto seko, and pili tarts prove that school snacks don’t have to be just potato chips and candy. These recommendation offer just the same satisfying crunch but with better ingredients, more filling textures, and unique local flavors that make every them enjoyable.

So next time you’re packing a lunchbox or looking for a quick school snack, skip the chips and grab some of these homegrown treats instead. Your kids (and their teachers!) will thank you for the upgrade.

Where to Buy Filipino Snacks?

Flavors of Quezon has some of the best Filipino snacks made with high-quality ingredients. Check out their selection to give your kid a school snack that’s tasty, nutritious, and proudly local!