‘XO, Kitty’ Star Anna Cathcart Taste-Tests Korean Foods — Here’s What She Loves

Why It Matters

Cathcart’s endorsement spotlights Korean snack trends and reinforces H‑Mart’s position as a go‑to source for authentic Asian foods among U.S. consumers. Celebrity preferences can drive cross‑cultural food adoption and boost retail sales.

Key Takeaways

• Cathcart prefers Buldak ramyun over Shin Ramyun
• Fresh H‑Mart kimbap is her go‑to snack
• Churro‑flavored turtle chips are her favorite
• Ready‑to‑eat H‑Mart tteokbokki balances sweet and spice

Pulse Analysis

K‑culture’s culinary wave continues to surge in the United States, and Anna Cathcart’s recent tasting video underscores how celebrity influence can accelerate that momentum. By spotlighting specific products—Buldak ramyun’s spicy‑cheese blend, fresh H‑Mart kimbap, and the novelty churro‑flavored turtle chips—Cathcart taps into a growing appetite for authentic yet convenient Korean snacks. This aligns with market data showing U.S. snack sales for Asian‑inspired items rising double‑digit percentages year over year, as consumers seek bold flavors and convenient formats.

The video also reinforces H‑Mart’s strategic role as a bridge between Korean producers and American shoppers. Cathcart’s preference for H‑Mart’s ready‑to‑eat tteokbokki and fresh kimbap highlights the retailer’s ability to source quality products that meet both authenticity and convenience criteria. For retailers, this endorsement serves as a case study in leveraging influencer partnerships to drive foot traffic and online sales, especially as grocery e‑commerce platforms expand their Asian food assortments.

Beyond retail, Cathcart’s commentary reflects broader trends in food media where streaming stars become informal tastemakers. Her candid reactions—favoring sweet churro chips over traditional flavors—illustrate how hybrid cultural experiences can reshape product development, prompting manufacturers to experiment with fusion flavors that appeal to both Korean and Western palates. Brands that adapt quickly to these cross‑cultural cues stand to capture a larger share of the fast‑growing global snack market.