K-Sweet Potato Trend Warms New Yorkers as Affordable, Nutritious Meal
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
As winter arrives, Korea’s roasted sweet potato (gun-goguma) is gaining international attention for its sweet, creamy flavor and health benefits. Long a staple in Korea during hard times, sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense—providing balanced carbs, protein, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals—and offer slow-release energy (lower GI than rice or potatoes), skin and immune benefits from antioxidants like carotenoids and anthocyanins. Calorie counts vary by preparation (raw ~111 kcal/100g, steamed ~114 kcal, roasted ~141 kcal). The seasonal-food trend (“Seasonal Core”) has driven cafes and brands in Korea to launch sweet-potato lattes, breads and desserts. In New York, street vendors and Midtown office workers are embracing K-goguma as a cheap, filling lunch (about $3–5 each) amid high fast-food prices. Social media and influencer posts—such as a viral TikTok of an influencer stuffing cheese into a roasted sweet potato—have helped popularize the snack abroad.
