14 Tastiest California Snacks of 2026


Whether you are looking for your new favorite local snack or putting together a California themed gift basket, we have rounded up a comprehensive selection of the most delicious gourmet California snack foods. From organic olive oil popcorn to sea salt caramels, you'll find everything you need in our California Snacks Collection. Salty, sweet, or savory --- we have all the bases covered. 

Sea Salt and Olive Oil Popcorn displayed in a basket and on a white background with a brand graphic alongside

1. Sea Salt & Olive Oil Popcorn

You won't be able to get enough of this delicious, healthy popcorn! The corn is organically grown right here in California on a family-owned farm. Expertly made in small batches, this is the perfect snack for any popcorn lover. There is a reason why year after year it is number 1. It's organic, gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, and California grown. It is also a great size- about as tall and slightly wider than a wine bottle.

Our most popular flavor is the healthy yet classic Sea Salt & Olive Oil. If you have a sweet tooth, you can also check out our maple and brown sugar flavor! These are also bestsellers for wedding welcome bags or office client gifts. Shop Sea Salt & Olive Oil Popcorn

Looking for something a little more sweet or savory? We've got you covered! Try our White Cheddar Popcorn or Vanilla Salted Caramel Corn


A clear bag of California Dried Apricots - 2 oz with an orange label, a healthy snack.

2. California Dried Apricots

Another accessible snacking favorite that is beloved by most! Our California dried apricots and sweet and juicy. Hand-selected and sun-ripened to peak perfection, these apricots are wonderfully plump, rich, and naturally sweet with a delightful, tender chew. These wholesome treats are packed with essential vitamins, iron, and fiber to provide power and energy all day. Conveniently portioned in a 2 oz bag, this snack is an excellent, crowd-pleasing addition to custom California welcome boxes, corporate event gifts, or local wedding amenity bags. Shop California Dried Apricots

lemon zing pistachios shown on a white background and arranged in bulk on a shelf display at an event

3. Lemon Zing Pistachios

These all-natural organic pistachios are grown and roasted on California's Central Coast. This small family-owned business controls every aspect of production, from planting the seeds to packaging the final product, so you'll always be getting the same high-quality pistachios in every small batch that is made.

If you love pistachios, be sure to check out our full selection of organic pistachios, including salted, hickory smoke, and onion garlic. We've found the Lemon Zing flavor is the biggest crowd pleaser! Shop Lemon Zing Organic Pistachios


California Herb Almonds in packaging with a second photo of them displayed in a bowl on a charcuterie plate

4. California Herb Almonds

Considering California produces 80% of the world's almonds, it's no surprise these nuts are a staple around here. Our almonds are sourced from family-owned farms. The California herb flavor is roasted with a delectable combination of oregano, thyme, basil, garlic, onion, and sea salt. Can't get enough of this tasty snack? Try out our other California Almond flavors such as Honey Cinnamon and Lime + Sea Salt! Shop California Herb Almonds

 

Clear plastic bag filled with small caramels, tied closed with a brown bow

5. Sea Salt Caramels

Jessica Foster is an incredible women-owned and run chocolatier based right here in Santa Barbara. She usually even delivers every handmade batch to our headquarters herself! She spent years learning and perfecting her craft before finally launching Jessica Foster Confections over twenty years ago. She still oversees all aspects of production. Her sea salt caramels are a fan favorite as they are sweetened with honey and studded with crystals of fleur de sel. Shop Sea Salt Caramels

A clear plastic bag of California Pretzels, a classic salty San Francisco snack, is tied with a golden ribbon. The label displays the brand name, a wheat graphic, and lists the net weight as 16 ounces.

6. California Pretzels

A classic crowd-pleasing snack with serious California presence! These delicious mini pretzels have the perfect salty crunch. Crafted with passion and care in San Francisco.

 plastic bag filled with almond brittle, closed by a red twist tie, and a label on the front

7. Paso Almond Brittle

Paso Almond Brittle is crafted in small batches by Paso Almonds where their motto is more nuts than not! They sure live up to that when it comes to their signature Paso Almond Brittle. Loaded with almonds and high quality ingredients, this brittle is a nationwide cult favorite and a regular on our staff pick lists! Shop Paso Almond brittle

 Small plastic pouch with dried oranges, half dipped in chocolate

8. Chocolate Orange Crisps

These California fruit crisps are dried to maintain the fruit's vitamins, colors, and flavors, without any added sugars or preservatives. These crisps are just half dipped in chocolate, creating the perfect ratio of bittersweet orange and creamy rich chocolate. This is a must-try snack! Looking for a different flavor or shipping in summer heat? Try the Creme Blood Orange Crisps or the pure Orange Crisps! 

Shop Chocolate Orange Crisps


Organic Mango

9. Organic Dried Mango

This organic pouch of dried mango is more than just tasty - it's also environmentally friendly! This is a fully compostable little pouch full of mangos that have been peeled and cut by hand, then dried to produce perfectly sweet and chewy mango slices without any added preservatives or sugars. Dried fruit is one of our most recommended gluten-free, vegan healthy crowd-pleasing snacks! Shop Organic Dried Mango

 

 A Meyer Lemon Shortbread Cookie in white packaging sits beside an unwrapped, scalloped-edged square of the same cookie with a few crumbs on a white background. A square, scalloped-edge Chocolate Cacao Nib Shortbread Cookie rests partly outside its white Rustic Bakery wrapper. Cookie crumbs and cacao nibs are scattered nearby.

10. Shortbread Cookies

A rich, buttery shortbread infused with a fresh and bright meyer lemon or a harmonious blend of cacao nibs, cocoa, and a touch of sea salt. Each delicately crafted shortbread is made in Northern California and is individually wrapped for convenience and freshness. Shop Meyer Lemon Shortbread Cookie or the Chocolate Cacao Nib Shortbread Cookie. Looking for a larger serving? We offer both flavors in boxes as well!

California Mixed Fruit Gummy Bears in someone's hand

11. California Gummy Bears

These adorable gummy bears went through rigorous testing to ensure that they are the best tasting bears around. California Gummy Bears uses all California grown fruit as well as non-GMO ingredients and natural flavors to make these gummy bears healthier and tastier than others. They even shaped the gummies to resemble the California State Animal, the Grizzly Bear! Shop our Mixed Fruit California Gummy Bears or Golden Coast Gummy Bears!

The Golden State Snack Heaven Gift Tote, made from organic cotton in California, is displayed with gluten-free sea salt & olive oil popcorn, a box of gummy bears, and a pack of California herb almonds in front.


A box of Crackers & Spreads sits next to two jars of tapenade—Artichoke Parmesan and Kalamata Olive—against a white background.

12. Organic Sourdough Flatbread with Tapenades

The long organic California-baked flatbread bites are perfect for dipping into our tapenade jars, no utensils needed!  Using California grown artichokes, olives, and capers, these spreads are a gourmet must! Shop Artichoke Parmesan, Kalamata and Caper Tapenade and Olive Oil & Sel Gris Flatbread Crackers.

If you are looking for a curated gift, the Simply Savory Gift Box makes a perfect trio.

The Simply Savory Gift Box includes Rustic Bakery rosemary sourdough crackers and two jars of olive tapenade, all elegantly presented with floral paper lining and green crinkle paper.

 A box with a picture of small round yellow cheese bites and a row of them lined up next to the box

13. Savory Cheese Coins

Savory Cheese Coins are another tasty treat made by Rustic Bakery. Made with local California cheeses, these coins are crispy, cheesy and just a tiny bit spicy, making them so deliciously addictive. This snack is definitely one of our favorites here at Santa Barbara Company. Shop Savory Cheese Coins.

 Baja Vida Salsa Fresca Jerky bag features a cow image, jalapeños, fresh tomatoes, and visible jerky.

14. Salsa Fresca Beef Jerky

California takes its salsa very seriously and our Salsa Fresca Beef Jerky is the perfect ode to California taco culture! It's very mild with a fresh and vibrant flavor.

The fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro and jalapeños are the star of the show, but honorable mentions include avocado powder, tamarind, honey, garlic and tamari sauce. It’s truly applaudable how all those ingredients come together to make such a delicious snack.

This item is gluten-free, has no added nitrates or nitrites and is nut-free as well. Shop Salsa Fresca Beef Jerky.

TLDR: Here's our list of the best California snacks.

  1. Sea Salt & Olive Oil Popcorn

  2. California Dried Apricots

  3. Lemon Zing Pistachios

  4. California Herb Almonds

  5. Sea Salt Caramels

  6. California Pretzels

  7. Paso Almond Brittle

  8. Chocolate Orange Crisps

  9. Organic Dried Mango

  10. Shortbread Cookies

  11. California Gummy Bears

  12. Organic Sourdough Flatbread with Tapenades

  13. Savory Cheese Coins

  14. Salsa Fresca Beef Jerky

With so many incredible California crafted snacks to choose from, we couldn't possibly fit them all in this list.

Check out our full collection of California snack foods.

 

WHO WE ARE

WOMEN-OWNED & GREEN-CERTIFIED

Our team is made up of designers, volume gifting specialists, florists and shopkeepers along with a sommelier and one amazing delivery driver. Every order is hand-packed by one of our team members with love and care.

Founded on the idea that gifting can be both beautiful and sustainable, Santa Barbara Company creates memorable gifting experiences driven by incredible maker stories, thoughtful presentation and unforgettable quality. We specialize in local and California gifts featuring curated products from small batch makers.

Four women stand and kneel on a porch surrounded by flowers, holding gift boxes, bouquets, and a shopping bag labeled Santa Barbara Company. The scene is cheerful and colorful, as if celebrating an occasion.