Flaming fire flakes

Flaming Fire Flakes are common snack items in the Fire Nation. They are made of small flakes covered with special Fire Nation spices, and roasted at extremely high temperatures. Fire Flakes have been known to be infamously hot, though they may vary depending on the cook, and it is said that the Fire Flakes in the colonies are not as good as those in the Fire Nation archipelago. They are served at Fire Nation festivals, as seen in "The Deserter".

Sokka is seen eating Fire Flakes at a local Fire Nation festival in "The Deserter", and is seen asking for some in "The Ember Island Players". In "Return to Omashu", Mai can be seen eating Fire Flakes out of a large bowl, and is shown to be offering some to her distressed father. They are seen again being eaten by the boy's father at the circus in "Appa's Lost Days".

Connection
It is likely Flaming Fire Flakes can be compared to popcorn. The snack is readily available to people going to see theatrical plays performed by the Ember Island Players, similar to how movie theaters serve popcorn. They are also served at festivals, similar to how popcorn is served at carnivals. If such a connection is valid, then Flaming Fire Flakes must ultimately have little/no nutritional value.