If you're obsessed with li hing mui, you're not alone. This iconic Hawaiian snack blends sweet, sour, and salty flavors into one unforgettable bite. But li hing mui is just the beginning—there’s a whole world of delicious dried plum snacks worth exploring. From Chinese preserved plums to spicy Taiwanese candies, these bold treats bring serious flavor.
Below, you’ll find 9 crave-worthy dried plum snacks that give li hing mui a run for its money. Whether you like chewy, spicy, or lip-puckeringly sour, there’s a new favorite waiting for you.
What makes li hing mui so popular? It’s all about that flavor punch. Made from salted preserved plums and coated in li hing mui powder, this snack hits every taste bud with its sweet, salty, sour combo. No wonder li hing mui candy is a favorite across generations in Hawaii.
These nostalgic Hawaiian dried fruits aren’t just tasty, they’re part of island culture. Locals grew up snacking on li hing mui plum candy after school or buying them by the bag from mom-and-pop shops. They’re chewy, bold, and totally addicting.
Plus, li hing mui snacks are super convenient. They’re easy to pack, fun to share, and don’t spoil quickly. If you’re looking for a flavorful, travel-friendly treat, these li hing mui powder snacks check every box.
Dried plum candy is one of those snacks you try once and never forget. Some versions are sweet and sticky. Others are super sour and salty. Many of the best ones are rolled in chili or licorice for a spicy-sweet finish. If you like snacks that surprise you, this is it.
These tangy plum treats come in all shapes and sizes. Some are soft and chewy, others are hard like jawbreakers. You’ll find plum leather rolls, powder-dusted nuggets, and candies filled with plum paste. Whatever your texture preference, there’s a version for you.
And because these plum snack brands mix flavors so creatively, you never get bored. One bite might be fruity and sweet, another might be sour and spicy. That unexpected variety is what makes them so addictive.
If you love snacks that make your mouth water, sweet and sour plums are a must. These are some of the most craveable li hing mui alternatives:
1. Chan Pui Mui
This chewy dried plum candy is coated with a powdery mix of sweet, salty, and sour flavors. It’s similar to li hing mui but with a thicker texture and stronger licorice notes.
2. Sweet Dried Plum (3 oz)
This Hawaiian dried fruit is softer than li hing mui and less salty, making it perfect for beginners. It’s mildly tangy with just the right amount of sweetness.
Li hing mui might be your go-to, but these dried plum snacks give it a serious run for its money.
3. Chinese Salted Dried Plums
These are intensely sour with a salty kick. They’re often used in Chinese medicine, but snack lovers eat them straight from the bag. They’re one of the most classic preserved plum snacks around.
4. Tangy Plum Leather Rolls
Think fruit roll-ups—but make it plum. These chewy strips are packed with flavor and usually spiced with chili or licorice. They’re great for road trips or movie nights.
Chinese dried plums come in many forms. Some are chewy, some crunchy, and some almost melt in your mouth. Here are two to try:
5. Hua Mei
This dried plum is extra sour and is often dipped in chili powder. It’s common in Chinese stores and sometimes added to drinks for an extra zing.
6. Mui Gua
These preserved plums are sweet, soft, and sticky. They often come in fancy gift boxes and are great for sharing at Lunar New Year or other holidays.
Taiwanese plum candy is known for its bold taste. It often combines salty plum with licorice, chili pepper, or tangy seasonings that pack a punch. These tangy plum treats are not for the faint of heart, but if you love adventurous flavors, they’re a must-try in the world of Asian plum snacks.
7. Spicy Plum Candy
This fiery treat is made from preserved plums and coated in spicy powder. It’s tangy, spicy, and impossible to put down. The heat builds with each bite, making it one of the most exotic plum snacks out there. Great for spice lovers who want something fruity but with a kick.
8. Sweet-Sour Li Hing Balls
These little round balls are coated with li hing mui powder and come in both chewy and hard versions. They’re popular in Taiwan and Hawaii alike, blending sweet, sour, and salty flavors. The balance of textures and intense flavor makes them a standout among li hing mui candy options.
Hawaii has more than just li hing mui. It has a full lineup of plum snack brands worth trying:
9. Rock Salt Plum
This traditional Hawaiian treat uses big chunks of dried plum and a generous amount of salt. The saltiness makes the sour flavor pop even more. You’ll find these in local stores or online snack shops.
Bonus: Try dipping some of these snacks in lemon juice for a next-level flavor bomb.
Still craving more sour? Try these picks:
Not into sour? Go for sweeter plum treats. These are some of the best dried plum snacks for sugar lovers who crave fruity, chewy delights. They’re ideal for dessert, a mid-day pick-me-up, or a fun snack to share with friends.
These snackable dried fruit options are perfect for gifting or stashing in your desk drawer. Plus, their sweet taste makes them a great intro for anyone new to li hing mui alternatives.
You don’t need to live in Hawaii or visit an Asian market to enjoy these treats. You can find them all online.
Start your snack haul at Snack Hawaii. We carry dozens of li hing mui snacks, salted dried plums, tropical plum snacks, and preserved fruits. Everything ships straight to your door—fast and fresh.
Whether you're team li hing or just plum-curious, there's never been a better time to explore new flavors. From Chinese dried plums to Hawaiian sweet-and-sour snacks, your next craving is just a click away. Shop all dried plum snacks now at Snack Hawaii!
Some top alternatives include Chan Pui Mui, Hua Mei, and spicy Taiwanese plum candy. These options deliver similar sweet, salty, and sour flavors, but each has its own unique twist. If you love li hing mui, these are great ways to mix things up.
Many are both! You’ll find dried plum snacks that are sweet, sour, salty, or even spicy—sometimes all at once. That bold flavor combo is what makes them so fun to eat.
You can shop a full selection of exotic plum snacks at Snack Hawaii. They carry Hawaiian dried fruits, li hing mui powder snacks, and more. It’s a one-stop shop for all your tangy plum treats.
They’re salty, sour, and just a little sweet. The li hing mui powder gives them a tangy kick that makes them stand out from other snacks. It’s a flavor that’s both bold and nostalgic.
Li hing mui is a type of preserved plum, but not all preserved plums are li hing mui. What makes li hing mui different is the signature powder coating that gives it that unmistakable taste.
Hawaiian plum snacks often feature li hing powder, giving them a tangy-sweet flavor that’s totally unique. These snacks are a big part of Hawaii’s snack culture and are loved by locals and visitors alike.
Yes! Dried plum snacks are fun, flavorful, and often come in cute, colorful packaging. They’re a great gift for anyone who loves trying new and exotic treats.
Yes, most kids can enjoy li hing mui plum snacks in moderation. Just be sure to check for any spicy ingredients or added salt, as some versions are more intense than others.
