We all enjoy a good snack, especially when it claims to be healthier than the usual options. But what if we told you that one of Australia’s favourite ‘veggie’ snacks isn’t exactly what you think it is?
This surprising revelation recently sparked a social media stir after a woman shared a humorous confession about a misunderstanding regarding a typical Australian snack.
In a video that’s now gone viral, Nia admitted, ‘I’m about to be called the dumbest woman alive. These yummy snacks I’ve been eating for years, these gorgeous, green bean pea goodness…I ate these for so many years, until last year I found out these aren’t dehydrated peas, they’re just shaped as peas.’
If you’re a fan of Harvest Snaps, you might be nodding along—or perhaps, like many others, you’re just as shocked.
For years, many have assumed that these crunchy green snacks were simply peas plucked from the pod and dehydrated for our snacking pleasure. But the truth is a little more complicated (and a lot more interesting).
Let’s set the record straight. Harvest Snaps are made with 68 per cent green peas, but they’re not just peas that have been dried out and popped into a bag.
Instead, the peas are milled into fine flour, mixed with other ingredients, and then shaped into familiar pod-like forms before being baked to crispy perfection. The result? A snack that looks like a pea pod but is a cleverly crafted, pea-based crisp.
Calbee Australia, the company behind Harvest Snaps, has never claimed otherwise. Their packaging lists the ingredients and nutritional information.
A spokesperson for Calbee Australia explained, ‘Harvest Snaps are proudly made with green peas, which are milled in-house and then shaped into pods before being baked, not fried, for a crunchy, better-for-you snack.’
‘We have never claimed these are dehydrated peas, and our packaging clearly outlines the ingredients and nutritional profile.’
It’s easy to see how the mix-up happened. The snacks look remarkably like pea pods, and the branding leans heavily into the ‘veggie’ angle.
In the comments on Nia’s video, many confessed to having made the same mistake. ‘I consider myself to be relatively intelligent, and I too just thought they were dehydrated peas for soooo long,’ one user admitted.
Another asked, ‘Wait, what are they then?’
Others, however, were a little more sceptical. ‘Didn’t you ever wonder like…Why [were there] no peas?’ one commenter quipped.
Another added, ‘Girl, have you ever had fresh peas before? They look nothing like that.’
The power of packaging—and perception
This isn’t the first time a snack has caused confusion thanks to clever marketing and packaging. Food companies often walk a fine line between highlighting their products’ health benefits and ensuring they don’t mislead consumers.
The Calbee spokesperson summed it up nicely: ‘We believe in making better-for-you snacks that are both fun and transparent, and we encourage consumers to read labels and enjoy a wide range of veggie options.’
Harvest Snaps are still a good snack option now that the truth is out. With 68 per cent green peas, they’re higher in protein and fibre than many traditional chips, and because they’re baked rather than fried, they’re lower in fat.
Plus, they come in a range of flavours—original salted, salt & vinegar, and Wasabi, to name a few—so there’s something for every palate.
Of course, like any snack, moderation is key. While they’re a better-for-you option, they’re still processed, so it’s best to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.
Have you ever discovered that a favourite food wasn’t quite what you thought it was? Did you also believe Harvest Snaps were just dehydrated peas? Or do you have another snack-related confession to share? Let us know in the comments below.
Never heard of them