Why these snacks matter to importers
Many Asian shoppers grew up with these snacks, and they are now sold far beyond China — in Asian supermarkets, convenience stores and online. Because their Chinese names are unfamiliar in other markets, importers often search for them under different names. Here is a simple guide.
Quick reference
| Name in China | English name | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Mailisu | Chocolate malt balls | Crunchy malted centre with a chocolate coating |
| Xingqiu Bei | Chocolate cups with crispy biscuit balls (“planet cup”) | Small sealed cup of chocolate with biscuit balls |
| Jinsha Qiu | Golden crispy chocolate balls | Gold-foil-wrapped round chocolate with a crisp wafer shell and crunchy coating |
| Jinbi Qiaokeli | Chocolate gold coins | Coin-shaped chocolate in gold foil |
| Zaoxing Qiaokeli | Shaped / novelty chocolate | Chocolate moulded into fun shapes |
Mailisu — chocolate malt balls
Light, crunchy balls with a malted centre and a chocolate coating. Chinese production of malt balls began in the 1980s, and they are still a classic snack. They are sold loose by weight, in bags, tubs and sharing packs, and work as an everyday snack rather than a seasonal one.
Xingqiu Bei — chocolate cups with biscuit balls
A small sealed cup of chocolate with crispy biscuit balls. Children eat the chocolate and the crunchy balls together. It is a low-price impulse item for convenience stores, school-area shops and kids’ aisles, often sold in multipacks.
Jinsha Qiu — golden crispy chocolate balls
Round chocolates with a crisp wafer shell and a crunchy coating, each wrapped in gold foil. The gold look makes them a popular gift item for festivals, weddings and celebrations. Compound chocolate versions give a similar presentation at a much lower price than premium gift chocolates.
Jinbi Qiaokeli — chocolate gold coins
Coin-shaped chocolate in gold foil, bought as a symbol of wealth and good luck — especially at Chinese New Year — and as party favours and gift fillers in many other cultures. See our gold coins buyer’s guide.
Real chocolate or compound chocolate?
Value versions of these snacks are usually made with compound chocolate, which replaces cocoa butter with vegetable fat. This keeps prices low and can help in warm climates. In many markets compound chocolate needs a different product name on the label — see What Is Compound Chocolate?.
About us
AOYUAN FOOD makes compound chocolate malt balls, chocolate cups with biscuit balls, golden crispy chocolate balls, gold coins and shaped chocolate in its factory in Jieshou, Anhui, China. Ask us for details.