In recent days, a beloved snack from mainland China has once again faced a ban from Taiwan authorities. According to reports from Taiwanese media, the Economic Affairs Department has stated that they will not permit the import of “Huang Fei Hong Peanuts” to protect local industries, claiming there are currently no approved import cases. Additionally, travelers returning to Taiwan can only bring back a maximum of 1 kilogram of the peanuts, and resale for profit is strictly prohibited.
One local Twitter user expressed confusion over the ban, stating, “This snack has been popular for over a decade; we used to bring back boxes of it. What’s the point of saying no now?” Another added, “They’re really delicious; why deprive us of enjoying good food?”
The “Huang Fei Hong Peanuts,” originating from Yantai in Shandong, are made from local peanuts, Hebei chili peppers, and Sichuan pepper seeds, quickly winning the hearts of Taiwanese consumers. Its rise in popularity in Taiwan can be attributed to endorsements from celebrities like Fish Leong, making it a must-have souvenir for many. Netizens rave about its “large, plump, and spicy” flavor, with some noting that it’s the perfect accompaniment to beer.
However, this popular snack isn’t new to scrutiny from Taiwanese authorities. Earlier this year, another mainland delicacy, river snail noodles, faced a ban after an online slogan, “You’re Chinese, and I’m Chinese,” was labeled a “unification tool” by the ruling party, prompting immediate action from the Economic Affairs Department. Reports suggested that various mainland snacks were similarly affected, with “Huang Fei Hong Peanuts” specifically noted as never having been approved for import, leading to significant debate among the Taiwanese public.
The question remains: do such bans actually work? Responses from the public indicate they may have the opposite effect. Following the previous crackdown, many Taiwanese expressed frustration online, questioning the rationale behind the bans, even mocking that they would rush to cook river snail noodles to relieve their stress. Observers noted a growing number of night market stalls selling these snacks, with booming business.
Taiwanese pop singer Elva Hsiao recently shared a playful photo of herself enjoying “Huang Fei Hong Peanuts” on social media, leading to enthusiastic reactions from mainland fans who dubbed her actions endearing and “queen-like.”
Once again, the ruling party has targeted “Huang Fei Hong,” inadvertently boosting its popularity. News of the ban topped the trending list on Chinese social media, prompting a flurry of orders in support of the brand. A company representative stated that after the import ban, sales of the product actually surged, as there are no distributors in Taiwan’s market.
The representative expressed hope for a quicker unification between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, anticipating a day when Taiwanese friends can enjoy the tastes of their homeland and vice versa.
“Will renaming it to ‘Huang Fei Lu’ be sufficient?” one user joked. Mainland products loved by the Taiwanese, from iQIYI to river snail noodles and now “Huang Fei Hong,” have been often subjected to scrutiny, labeled as tools of “unification,” showcasing a clear bias in the ruling party’s stance toward all things related to mainland China. One netizen remarked, “It seems anything the authorities can’t profit from gets banned.”
Taiwan’s China Times previously noted that many snacks like “Huang Fei Hong Peanuts” and “konjac snacks” have been popular in Taiwan for years, leading to questions about the motivations behind the government’s crackdown labeling them as “illegitimate.” Observers suggest this reflects a broader issue, as the authorities seem afflicted by a pervasive anxiety concerning anything related to China.
However, it’s perfectly natural for the Taiwanese to be drawn to popular mainland foods and cultural trends. According to Ren Dongmei, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the “soft power” represented by mainland media, social platforms, and the lifestyle they portray is increasingly appealing to Taiwanese youth. She explained that the desire for beautiful experiences and the inherent cultural closeness between the two regions naturally draws the younger generation to embrace and even imitate mainland pop culture, as the manifestation of lifestyle holds immense influence regardless of political barriers.
