Bamba (snack)

Bamba is a popular snack food produced in Israel. It is a peanut butter-flavored puffed maize product, similar to cheese puffs in texture. Bamba is one of the leading snack foods produced and sold in Israel. It has been manufactured by the Osem corporation in Holon, Israel, since 1964.

History

Bamba was first produced by Osem in 1964. Initially, the snack was not peanut flavored, but rather flavored with a more generic, savory taste. However, in 1966, the company decided to change the flavor to peanut butter, which proved to be a successful decision as the snack quickly gained popularity.

Production

Bamba is made from peanut butter, corn, palm oil, and salt. The process of making Bamba is similar to that of other puffed grain snacks. The corn grits are popped under high pressure, turning them into long ropes. These ropes are then cut into the desired length, and then oven-baked. After baking, they are moved to a rotating drum, where hot air is used to evenly distribute the peanut butter coating.

Nutritional Information

Bamba is high in both fat and sodium, but it is also a good source of protein due to the peanut butter. It is also gluten-free, making it a popular snack for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Cultural Impact

Bamba has become a significant part of Israeli culture. It is often used in studies to show the impact of early exposure to potential allergens, such as peanuts, in reducing the incidence of allergies. The "Bamba Baby" - a baby depicted on the packaging of the snack - has become an iconic figure in Israeli pop culture.

See Also

• List of Israeli dishes
• List of snack foods