Snack ProductsNew Snack and Bakery ProductsFrozen Snacks/Appetizers

Laoban expands frozen line with takeout-inspired dishes

The new snacks include Scallion Pancakes, Crab Rangoon, and Popcorn Chicken.

Laoban, the Asian frozen food brand, has introduced a new collection of items called Crunchy Bites, inspired by classic Asian takeout favorites. The lineup includes Crab Rangoon and Scallion Pancakes—rolling out in select Whole Foods Market stores nationwide starting in June—with Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken to follow in August.

This new range brings takeout staples to freezer aisles nationwide. Like all Laoban products, they’re made with premium, wholesome ingredients, including antibiotic-free chicken, and contain no preservatives.

“These items are a love letter to the dishes I grew up eating in my family’s restaurants,” says Chef Tim Ma, Laoban’s co-founder and culinary director. “We set out to capture the joy of Asian takeout classics, while making them easy to enjoy anytime at home. Every bite is packed with intention, and we never compromise on quality.”

The new lineup includes:

Scallion Pancakes — $6.99: Crispy, golden-brown, and flaky, the pancakes include fresh scallions, and are ready in under 8 minutes.
Crab Rangoon — $7.99: A freezer-friendly take on the appetizer, with a crisp exterior and filling that delivers a salty-sweet crunch.
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken —$8.99 (Available in August): Bite-sized pieces of marinated chicken, fried, and served with a soy garlic sauce for dipping or tossing.

“We chose these items because they got us the most excited. When you think of the dishes you always have to order anytime you’re at a restaurant or getting takeout or delivery, you’re always getting an order of scallion pancakes and crab rangoon," says Patrick Coyne, co-founder and CEO of Laoban. “We haven’t seen these dishes widely available in grocery stores, and we’re thrilled to be able to make them accessible to everyone everywhere and easy enough to prepare at home in a few minutes.”

This launch marks the next milestone in Laoban’s continued collaboration with Whole Foods Market, a key early supporter of the brand’s frozen line. Over the past year, Laoban has seen nearly 300% growth at Whole Foods Market and is now one of the retailer’s top frozen food brands.

In 2024, Laoban introduced its first product outside of dumplings: Bao Buns, which sold nearly half a million units in just the first three months, frequently selling out nationwide. That momentum earned Laoban a 2024 Supplier All-Star Award from Whole Foods Market—an honor reserved for brands making an outsized impact in the store.

“Laoban keeps raising the bar with frozen favorites that punch way above their weight when it comes to flavor, texture, and quality,” says Christopher Manca, principal category merchant at Whole Foods Market. “This new lineup brings something different to the category—not just improvements to familiar dishes, but fun, chef-driven takes that make these products feel totally fresh. Our shoppers are always on the lookout for what’s next, and Laoban delivers every time.”

Laoban began as a dumpling shop in Washington, D.C., in 2017. In 2021, co-founders Patrick Coyne (CEO) and Chef Tim Ma (Culinary Director) brought their dumplings to home kitchens nationwide. Chef Ma—a Michelin-recognized chef with roots in Chinese-American restaurants—develops all of Laoban’s recipes.