A crunchy sugar coating encircles the fruits placed atop one another on a bamboo stick to create the traditional Chinese snack known as tanghulu. The snack quickly gained popularity During COVID-19, when everyone was under quarantine and social media was the main means of information sharing. When Tanghulu began to gain popularity on social media and reach a global audience, individuals began experimenting with various fruits including grapes, clementines, strawberries, and pineapples. 

The Chinese words "tang," which means sugar, and "hulu," which refers to the skewers, are the source of the term "tanghulu." For people of all ages, the snack's blend of crunchy, juicy, and sweet tastes is a delight. Street food sellers, especially those selling tanghulu, are a popular sight in Korea, particularly in Myeongdong. The number of stores offering tanghulu increased rapidly throughout these brief periods as its popularity increased. In just six months, one of the most well-known Tanghulu businesses in Korea expanded from 50 to over 300 locations.

The word tanghulu was also one of teenagers' most searched words in 2023.  Parents became concerned when they noticed that their children were consuming more sugar because of the tanghulu. Tanghulu has several negative aspects, including high sugar content, a deficiency of nutrients, effects on dental health, and blood sugar increases. The fruit portion of the snack offers some vitamins, but the sugar coating surrounding it adds nothing to the food's nutritional content. Furthermore, it is well known that the sugar coating is sticky and hard, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. And lastly, blood sugar rises. Eating an excessive amount of sugar might result in blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes. 

Although the first bite of tanghulu can serve you a second of happiness, thinking about the potential effects when consumed excessively, try and limit yourself to the right amount each month.

윤해민 강남포스트 학생기자  webmaster@ignnews.kr

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