The invention provides a method for preparing expanded snack particles, in which method pre-formed semi-finished starch-containing snack particles are contacted with superheated steam having a flow rate in the range of from 1 to 40 m/s, at a temperature in the range of from 150-300.degree. C., until the semi-finished snack particles have expanded, and wherein more than 75% of the surface of the semi-finished starch-containing snack particles is contacted with the superheated steam. The invention further provides expanded snack particles obtainable with said method.