Types of Snacks in Ghana: A Simple Guide to Popular Ghanaian Snacks
Ghana is well known for its rich culture, warm hospitality, and delicious food. While many people talk about famous Ghanaian meals like jollof rice, fufu, and banku, snacks play an equally important role in everyday life. From roadside treats to homemade delights, snacks in Ghana are enjoyed by children, adults, workers, travelers, and families alike.
If you are searching for types of snacks in Ghana, this guide help you understand what people actually eat, enjoy, and sell across the country.
What Are Snacks in Ghana?
In Ghana, snacks are light foods people eat between main meals or during moments like work breaks, school time, traveling, or social gatherings. Some snacks are traditional, prepared using local ingredients such as cassava, maize, peanuts, plantain, and cocoyam. Others are modern or packaged snacks, influenced by changing lifestyles and global food trends.
Generally, snacks in Ghana come in many forms. They may be fried, roasted, baked, or steamed, and can be sweet or savory depending on personal preference. These snacks are either homemade or commercially packaged and are commonly sold on the streets, in open markets, small shops, and supermarkets across the country.
Traditional Ghanaian Snacks
Traditional snacks are deeply connected to Ghana’s culture and history. Many of them have been eaten for generations and are still popular today.
1. Kelewele
Kelewele is one of the most popular street snacks in Ghana. It is made from ripe plantain cut into small cubes, seasoned with ginger, pepper, onions, and local spices, then deep-fried until golden brown. People love kelewele for its unique sweet and spicy taste. It is easy to find, especially in the evenings and at night markets, and it is both filling and affordable.
2. Roasted Plantain (Kofi Brokeman)
Roasted plantain, popularly known as Kofi Brokeman, is a simple but well-loved snack across Ghana. It is usually sold with roasted groundnuts, creating a balanced and satisfying combination. This snack is commonly eaten in the evening, especially by workers, commuters, and travelers looking for a quick way to satisfy hunger.
3. Bofrot (Puff-Puff)
Bofrot, also known as puff-puff, is a deep-fried dough snack that is soft on the inside and golden on the outside. It has a slightly sweet taste and is very popular in Ghanaian homes, schools, and social events. Bofrot is often enjoyed with tea, porridge, or soft drinks, making it a favorite breakfast or snack-time option.
4. Chin Chin
Chin chin is a crunchy fried snack made from flour, sugar, butter, and milk. Although it is common in many West African countries, it is widely enjoyed in Ghana as well. Because of its long shelf life and crunchy texture, chin chin is ideal for parties, school snacks, and long journeys.
5. Agbeli Kaklo
Agbeli kaklo is a traditional snack made from grated cassava mixed with coconut, onions, and spices, then shaped into small balls and fried. It has a rich, savory taste and is especially popular among people who enjoy cassava-based foods. This snack is often appreciated by traditional food lovers who value local flavors.
6. Nkatie Cake (Peanut Brittle)
Nkatie cake is made by mixing roasted peanuts with melted sugar and shaping the mixture into bars or small balls. It stands out as a high-energy snack that is both filling and long-lasting. Nkatie cake is widely sold in markets, on streets, and even in traffic, making it one of the most accessible snacks in Ghana.
7. Tatale
Tatale is a thick pancake prepared from ripe plantain mixed with flour, pepper, and spices. It is usually eaten with beans stew and is especially common in Northern Ghana and traditional households. Tatale is loved for its soft texture and slightly spicy flavor, making it a comforting traditional snack.
8. Roasted Corn
Roasted corn is a seasonal favorite in Ghana, especially when fresh maize is in abundance. The corn is roasted over charcoal and enjoyed hot. It is often paired with coconut or pear (African avocado), creating a satisfying and nutritious snack that many Ghanaians look forward to each season.
Modern and Packaged Snacks in Ghana
In recent years, modern and packaged snacks have become increasingly popular in Ghana, particularly in urban areas. These snacks are convenient, widely available, and suit fast-paced lifestyles.
9. Biscuits and Cookies
Biscuits and cookies, both local and imported, are widely consumed across Ghana. They are especially popular among children, office workers, and students because they are easy to carry, affordable, and available in most shops and supermarkets.
10. Potato Chips and Crisps
Potato chips and crisps are commonly sold in supermarkets, kiosks, and convenience stores. They are enjoyed as quick snacks and are often chosen for their crunchy texture and variety of flavors.
11. Meat Pie and Sausage Roll
Although they are baked, meat pies and sausage rolls are commonly eaten as snacks in Ghana. They are popular at bakeries, school canteens, and events, and are loved for their savory fillings and satisfying nature.
12. Popcorn
Popcorn is an affordable and widely available snack in Ghana. It is commonly sold near schools, traffic areas, cinemas, and public spaces. Its low cost and light nature make it a popular choice for both children and adults.
13. Chocolate and Candy
Ghana is one of the world’s largest producers of cocoa, which has made chocolate and candy an important and growing snack category. These snacks are enjoyed by people of all ages and are increasingly produced both locally and internationally for the Ghanaian market.
Regional Snacks in Ghana
Different regions have unique snacks based on local crops and traditions.
| Region | Popular Snacks | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Ghana | Kulinkuli | A crunchy snack made from groundnuts, popular for its rich taste and high energy. |
| Maasa | A soft, sweet snack made from rice, commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or evening snack. | |
| Volta Region | Akple-based snacks | Snacks prepared from corn dough (akple), often shaped and cooked in different forms. |
| Cassava and maize snacks | Traditional snacks made using cassava and maize, reflecting the region’s staple crops. |
Snacks Commonly Sold as Street Food
Street food is a major part of Ghanaian snack culture.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Street Snacks | Kelewele |
| Roasted plantain and peanuts | |
| Bofrot | |
| Roasted corn | |
| Boiled eggs with pepper | |
| Why Street Snacks Are Popular | Affordable |
| Convenient | |
| Freshly prepared |
Snacks for Events and Ceremonies
At weddings, funerals, parties, and festivals, snacks are an important part of hospitality. Popular event snacks:
- Bofrot
- Meat pie
- Spring rolls
- Chin chin
Healthier Snack Options in Ghana
Many people are becoming more health-conscious. Healthier snack choices include:
- Roasted groundnuts
- Coconut pieces
- Fruits like mangoes, bananas, and oranges
- Roasted corn
Snacks as a Business Opportunity in Ghana
Snacks in Ghana are more than just foods eaten between meals; they also serve as an important source of income for many people. Because snacks are part of everyday life, there is always a steady demand from students, workers, travelers, and families. Most snack businesses require relatively low startup capital, and the ingredients are easy to find locally, making it an attractive option for small-scale entrepreneurs.
Snack businesses in Ghana do well mainly because snacks are consumed daily and appeal to a wide range of customers. Common snack ventures include selling kelewele, puff-puff vending, and the production and sale of peanuts and nkatie cake. These businesses are popular because they are affordable to start, easy to manage, and can generate consistent income when located in busy areas.