TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has embraced cilantro as a snack sensation, with retailers launching dozens of cilantro-flavored products, even as Tuesday (Feb. 24) marks "International I Hate Coriander Day." The day originated in Austria in 2013, when coriander critics created a Facebook page called "I Hate Coriander" and designated it as an annual commemoration. Retailers and cafes across Taiwan have introduced cilantro-infused offerings, sparking a culinary trend that has captured social media attention.
7-Eleven launched more than 30 cilantro-themed items, including popcorn flavored with cilantro, enticing enthusiasts to explore unique flavors. Products include Cilantro Meatball Soup Corn Snacks, launched by 7-ELEVEN and FamilyMart in September 2025, and PX Mart's (全聯) cilantro macarons, released on Friday (Sept. 12, 2025). FamilyMart offers Lipton Cilantro Peanut Milk Tea, while Duroyal (杜老爺) introduced Cilantro White Chocolate Ice Cream Bars in limited quantities at FamilyMart. Cilantro-flavored items extend beyond snacks to cafes and restaurants across Taiwan.
Cafes in Changhua County, including Fong Siang CAFE (偑巷咖啡) and shaved ice shop Knock Knock Snow (敲敲雪冰舖) in Changhua City, joined the cilantro craze with specialty drinks and desserts. Fong Siang CAFE offers cilantro lattes, while Knock Knock Snow serves cilantro-flavored shaved ice. Taiwan's Pizza Hut made waves with a cilantro-rich pork-thick soup pizza, launched in September 2024, showcasing the brand's creative approach to local flavors. Lay's pushed flavor boundaries with its 'Cilantro Flavor', and Doritos introduced a cilantro variant that quickly sold out, causing shortages across retail outlets island-wide.
The cilantro Doritos, with their green color and roasted appearance, deliver a mildly spicy, crispy texture and a subtle cilantro fragrance that appeals to adventurous consumers. The cilantro trend continues to captivate taste buds across Taiwan, highlighting a growing appetite for bold culinary experiences. Retailers and food brands are poised to innovate further with cilantro-infused products, responding to social media buzz and consumer demand for unique flavors. The trend shows no signs of slowing as more businesses explore cilantro-based offerings. ◼