As K-POP fans, we are always ready to eat what our faves serve, and sometimes they take that a tad too literally. It turns out that our favorite idols have quite the appetite when it comes to naming their songs, with everything from sweet treats and refreshing drinks to savory snacks making their way into their discographies. And we’re not just talking about a handful of songs, either!
Whether they’re using food as a metaphor for love, confidence and attraction or simply having a little fun with their lyrics, K-POP artists have given us an entire menu of delicious releases. So, grab yourself a snack and get comfortable because we’re serving up some of our favourite food-and-drink-inspired K-POP songs.
‘CANDY’ – H.O.T
We’re taking things right back to the beginning with a 1st gen K-POP classic! H.O.T.’s ‘Candy’ was released in 1996 and remains one of the group’s most recognizable songs. Its cheerful melody, memorable choreography, and colorful styling helped make it an iconic release of its era. And 30 years later, it’s still a song worth adding to your K-POP playlist. Talk about a treat that has no expiry date!
‘Sugar Free’ – T-ARA
If you’re looking for something a little less sweet, T-ARA has you covered. ‘Sugar Free’ sees the group embrace an EDM-influenced sound, with an addictive electronic beat that makes it difficult to sit still. Released in 2014, the track remains one of the group’s standout releases. Just because it’s called ‘Sugar Free’ doesn’t mean we’re cutting it off our playlist!
‘Butter’ – BTS
You didn’t think we’d leave BTS off this menu, did you? Released in 2021, ‘Butter’ became a global phenomenon, serving up a smooth disco-pop sound with plenty of confidence and charm. The song uses the ingredient as a playful metaphor for the group’s irresistible appeal, and its accompanying music video certainly gave us some memorable moments. If only spreading butter on toast were this effortlessly cool.
‘Chicken Noodle Soup’ – j-hope ft Becky G
Who doesn’t love a good bowl of chicken noodle soup? j-hope teamed up with Becky G for this 2019 collaboration, sampling the iconic 2006 track by Webstar and Young B while adding their own flavor through new lyrics and choreography. The result is an energetic hip-hop release that celebrates dance, culture, and music that helped shape j-hope’s own journey. It’s a collaboration that certainly brought the heat!
‘Ice Cream’ – BLACKPINK ft Selena Gomez
Things are getting a little chilly with this next track. BLACKPINK joins forces with Selena Gomez for ‘Ice Cream,’ a bright, playful pop track filled with sweet references and flirtatious lyrics. The collaboration brought together two huge names in pop music, making it an especially exciting release for fans. It’s colorful, catchy, and perhaps the sweetest of ice cream we can listen to on repeat without the fear of it melting.
‘Ice Cream Cake’ – Red Velvet
We can’t talk about food-inspired K-POP without mentioning Red Velvet’s ‘Ice Cream Cake.’ Released in 2015, the track was the group’s first release following the addition of Yeri and introduced fans to a more playful side of their musical identity. From its quirky production to its infectious chorus and unmistakable Red Velvet charm, it’s a song that remains a fan favorite. We’ll take two scoops, please!
‘Doughnut’ – TWICE
Released in December 2021 as TWICE‘s ninth Japanese single, ‘Doughnut’ is a dreamy winter ballad that uses the shape of a doughnut as a metaphor for the emptiness someone leaves behind when they’re not around. It’s a particularly bittersweet take on the theme, with TWICE delivering one of their more emotional Japanese releases. Who knew a doughnut could make us feel so many things?
‘Blue Orangeade’ – TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Opposites attract, and TXT explored that idea with ‘Blue Orangeade’. Featured on their debut mini-album The Dream Chapter: STAR in 2019, the song uses the contrasting colors and flavors of blue and orange to represent two people who are different but work perfectly together. It’s a bright, refreshing pop track that perfectly captures the youthful energy of the group’s earlier releases. A rather unusual flavor combination, but we’re sold!
‘CAKE’ – ITZY
Life is too short not to have your cake and eat it, too! ITZY served up a playful summer release with ‘CAKE’ in 2023, combining energetic pop production with a colorful concept. The song encourages listeners not to worry too much about life’s problems and to enjoy themselves instead. Sometimes, we really do need to stop overthinking everything and have a slice of cake.
‘Super Tuna’ – Jin
You simply cannot have a K-POP food playlist without JIN’s ‘Super Tuna.’ What started as a playful birthday surprise for fans in 2021 became an unexpected viral sensation, with the BTS member celebrating his love of fishing through an irresistibly catchy trot-inspired song. Its accompanying choreography was just as entertaining, inspiring fans around the world to join in. Who knew a song about tuna could make such a splash?
‘Hot Sauce’ – NCT DREAM
Things are heating up! NCT DREAM brought the spice with their 2021 title track ‘Hot Sauce,’ a vibrant release that mixes hip-hop influences with an addictive, experimental sound. The song uses the idea of hot sauce to describe an irresistible attraction, with the members delivering plenty of attitude throughout. It’s bold, it’s colorful, and it’s definitely not for anyone who prefers their music without a little kick.
‘Bon Bon Chocolat’ – EVERGLOW
We’re going back to 2019 for EVERGLOW’s explosive debut! ‘Bon Bon Chocolat’ introduced the group with a powerful combination of electronic production, infectious hooks, and an attitude-filled performance. While the title might sound like something you’d find in a sweet shop, the song is anything but delicate. It was a memorable introduction to the group and one that still deserves a place on our playlist.
‘CHEESE’ – Stray Kids
Say cheese! Stray Kids have never been ones to play by the rules, and ‘CHEESE’ is a brilliant example of their playful approach to music. Released on their 2021 album NOEASY, the track uses humor and wordplay to respond to criticism and embrace the things that make them different. It’s an unapologetically cheeky release with plenty of personality. And honestly, we think it’s pretty grate.
‘Spicy’ – Aespa
aespa brought the heat with ‘Spicy’, the title track from their 2023 mini-album MY WORLD. The energetic dance-pop release marked a particularly bright and playful moment in the group’s discography, with a catchy chorus and plenty of attitude. Its title is certainly fitting, as this is one track that refuses to hold back. Mild isn’t really aespa’s thing, is it?
‘Candy Sugar Pop’ – ASTRO
If there’s one group that knows how to deliver a sugar rush, it’s ASTRO. ‘Candy Sugar Pop’ is a bright, cheerful pop track that combines funky disco influences with the group’s signature charm, using sweet treats as an affectionate expression of love. Released in 2022, it was the title track of their third full-length album, Drive to the Starry Road. It’s practically impossible not to feel a little happier after listening to this one. We’ll happily have another helping!
‘Marshmallow’ – IU
Before IU became one of South Korea’s most celebrated soloists, she was serving up sugary pop goodness with ‘Marshmallow.’ Released in 2009, the song is a playful, upbeat number that compares the feeling of falling for someone to the sweetness of the titular treat. It’s an adorable addition to her earlier discography and just a reminder of how much her musical style has evolved over the years.
‘Saucin’’ – NEXZ
Who said food-inspired K-Pop had to be sweet? NEXZ bring a little extra flavour with ‘Saucin’’, delivering a track that’s all about confidence and attitude. The title plays on the word ‘sauce’, with the group using the idea of adding their own special ingredient to represent their individuality and growing musical identity. It’s a fun addition to our ever-growing menu of K-POP songs, and another opportunity to introduce readers to one of the newer groups making their mark.
‘Strawberry Cake’ – Xdinary Heroes
Don’t let the sweet-sounding title fool you! Xdinary Heroes’ ‘Strawberry Cake’ serves up something considerably more biting, exploring themes of hypocrisy, manipulation, and rejecting the expectations others try to place upon you. The band uses the contrast between the sweetness of a childhood fairy tale and the harsher reality behind it to deliver a powerful message. With its energetic rock sound and explosive vocals, this is one strawberry cake that certainly comes with a kick!
‘Chocolate’ – SHINee
SHINee certainly knows how to make a sweet impression with ‘Chocolate.’ Released in 2015 on the repackage of their fourth studio album, Married to the Music, this upbeat, seductive R&B track uses chocolate as a delicious metaphor for irresistible attraction. It’s smooth, sensual, and just the right amount of indulgent. Honestly, we wouldn’t mind having this one on repeat!
‘Spaghetti’ – LE SSERAFIM ft j-hope
Things are getting a little messy in the kitchen! LE SSERAFIM teamed up with BTS’ j-hope for ‘SPAGHETTI’, a playful, attitude-filled release that uses food references and culinary wordplay to represent the group’s irresistible appeal. Full of catchy hooks and cheeky lyrics, the track is all about serving up something memorable. And if there’s one thing LE SSERAFIM know how to do, it’s leave an impression. Just remember to check your teeth afterwards!
‘Hot Potato’ – N.Flying
We couldn’t possibly put together a K-POP food playlist without inviting N.Flying to the table! ‘Hot Potato’ is a wonderfully playful addition to the band’s discography, bringing their signature band sound into a track with a title that’s guaranteed to stand out. The 2018 release showcases the group’s energetic approach to pop-rock and their knack for creating catchy, personality-filled releases. More importantly, it’s another excuse to remind everyone that K-Pop bands deserve just as much love as their idol group counterparts.
‘Milkshake’ – Red Velvet
Fancy something a little sweeter? Red Velvet has another delicious addition with ‘Milkshake’, a track that brings together their signature quirky production and playful vocals. It’s a fun example of the group’s ability to experiment with different sounds and concepts while maintaining their unmistakable musical identity. To be honest, at this point, Red Velvet could probably open their own dessert shop.
‘Candy (So Good)’ – The Rose
The Rose serve up a different kind of sweetness with ‘Candy (So Good.)’ Opening their first mini-album, Void, released in April 2018, the track uses melting candy as a metaphor for wanting to hold on to the happiest moments of being in love. With dreamy guitar work, captivating vocals, and a blend of British pop and arena pop influences, it’s a delicious showcase of the band’s sound. Sweet, a little dreamy, and definitely worth keeping on repeat!
‘Strawberry’ – TWICE
We’re adding a little more fruit to our TWICE selection with ‘Strawberry!’ Featured on the group’s seventh mini-album FANCY YOU in 2019, this B-side is a sweet, playful pop track that showcases the group’s softer side. It’s another example of how TWICE have incorporated food-inspired imagery into their music over the years, and honestly, we’re starting to think they could put together quite the picnic.
‘Lemon Drop’ – ATEEZ
ATEEZ brought a refreshing twist to their discography with ‘Lemon Drop’, the title track from their 12th mini-album GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3. The 2025 release blends R&B and hip-hop influences, using the sweet-and-sour flavours of a Lemon Drop cocktail to capture the excitement of attraction. It’s a summery, playful addition to the group’s discography, and we’re certainly raising a glass to this one!
‘MILK’ – f(x)
One thing about f(x): they were never afraid to experiment with their sound. ‘Milk,’ from their third studio album, Red Light, is a particularly interesting addition to our menu, blending electronic pop influences with the group’s distinctive approach to production. It’s a little quirky, a little unexpected, and exactly the sort of thing we’d expect from f(x). Who knew milk could have such an interesting personality?
‘SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA’ – BABYMONSTER
BABYMONSTER certainly weren’t interested in keeping things simple with this title! ‘SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA’ brings together a collection of sweet-sounding ingredients for a track that embraces the group’s confident, playful attitude. It’s a particularly fun addition to our list because it manages to squeeze several food and drink references into one title. Now that’s what we call getting your five-a-day!
Whether you’re a fan of something sweet, prefer a little spice, or are more of a savory snack person, there’s seemingly a K-POP song for every craving. From first-generation classics to the newest releases, it’s clear that food and drink have inspired artists across the industry for decades.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, all this talk about food has made us hungry. We’ll be over here building the ultimate K-POP playlist and trying not to order an entire takeout menu. Bon appétit!
Hungry for more? Check out our all-you-can-eat playlist with even more K-POP songs about food!
Which K-POP food song is your fave? Are you craving something sweet or spicy now? Let us know by tweeting us at @TheHoneyPOP or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
