Banana Kick, a Korean snack recently named by BLACKPINK’s Jennie as her favorite, has been turned into two new desserts at Knotted’s first U.S. store in Westfield Century City, Los Angeles. The items — a Banana Kick Cream Donut and a Banana Kick Cream Latte — have drawn attention from fans and food lovers alike.
Jennie’s Mention Sparks LA Snack Craze
The collaboration between Nongshim and the Korean dessert café Knotted reinterprets the popular snack for the U.S. market. The Banana Kick Cream Donut features a banana-flavored cream filling topped with crumbled Banana Kick pieces, while the Latte offers a smooth drink version with the same sweet flavor. The two desserts mark Knotted’s launch into the American market with a culturally resonant twist.
Korean Snack Culture Gains Ground in LA
Known for its trendy branding and playful desserts, Knotted has quickly captured the attention of Gen Z and millennial consumers. Its collaboration with Nongshim introduces Korean snack culture to American audiences with striking visuals and a familiar pop reference.
Interest surged after Jennie appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show and shared that Banana Kick was her favorite Korean snack. According to Brandwatch, mentions of Banana Kick in North America noticeably increased over the past month.
New Global Flavors Coming Soon
Nongshim plans to expand this momentum by introducing more collaborative desserts and new product lines like Strawberry Banana Kick and Melon Kick to global markets. Melon Kick keeps the original’s crunch but features a cool, fruity melon flavor designed to evoke the refreshing taste of summer fruit.
Where to Buy
Banana Kick and its new variants are available online through platforms such as Amazon, H Mart, Walmart, Instacart, YAMI, and WEEE!, allowing wider access for consumers interested in Korean snacks.
BY EUNBYUL KIM [kim.eb@koreadailyny.com]
