Anyone looking to buy Asian snacks online will quickly find products from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. The selection ranges from Asian sweets and Asian crisps to dried fruit, biscuits and protein-rich snacks. However, the price alone says little about whether a product is suitable for your needs.
Colourful packaging and unusual shapes can create the impression of exceptional quality. However, the most important details are the information on ingredients, allergens, net quantity, country of origin and best-before date. With imported products in particular, it is worth checking the German or European labelling.
Confectionery may contain gelatine, milk, soya or colourings. For example, Cokoc Peeling Soft Candies contain gelatine; depending on the variety, they may also contain traces of milk, soya or egg. If you are looking for vegetarian, halal-compliant or allergen-free products, check the specific packaging rather than relying solely on the product category.
Fruit sweets and marshmallow confectionery may contain fruit juice or juice concentrates, but they are still confectionery with a corresponding carbohydrate and sugar content. Cokoc Peeling Soft Candy Grape Flavor is stated to contain at least 50 per cent fruit juice based on the original juice content. Even so, the nutritional information lists 53.7 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
There are similar differences with dried fruit. According to the product information, Tuan Dat Dried Mango consists of 95 per cent mango and 5 per cent sugar, but it also contains sulphur dioxide as a preservative. This information is relevant for people with a corresponding intolerance.
A 1-kg bag of shrimp crackers is suitable for a party or regular use, but may be excessive for a single film night. In addition, dry krupuk are not eaten straight from the packet. They must be deep-fried in hot oil according to the instructions.
Portion size should also be considered with spicy snacks. Products containing chilli, pepper, fish or shrimp flavouring may not suit every taste when serving a mixed selection of snacks. For parties, a combination of mild, sweet and spicy products is therefore usually more practical.
Check the following before placing your order:
The information in the online shop should be checked against the product packaging, particularly when imported batches change.
Nutritional values are usually given per 100 grams. When shopping, net quantity and portion size are also important. A small 45- or 52-gram bag may be suitable for a lunchbox, while a 150-g packet of biscuits or 1-kg packet of shrimp crackers is more likely intended for sharing.
With savoury products, it is worth checking the salt content. Sa Giang Shrimp Crackers 200 g are listed as containing 7.5 grams of salt per 100 grams; according to the product description, the 1-kg product contains 2.8 grams. These values differ, so they should be checked directly on the relevant label.
For children, check age recommendations, choking risks and warning notices. Small, hard or chewy products should only be offered under supervision.
Why this product suits the profile: The 75-g pack offers an easy introduction to mochi and marshmallow sweets, featuring a 3D peach shape and fruit juice concentrates.
The pack size limits the risk of an unsuitable purchase. At the same time, gelatine, possible traces and the E129 colouring should be taken into account.
75 g net weight, peach flavour and at least 50 per cent fruit juice according to the product information.
Why this product suits the profile: This Japanese snack combines a crisp biscuit stem with a strawberry chocolate topping, making it a portion-sized sweet to enjoy with coffee or tea.
The product description provides information on origin, ingredients and allergens. Nevertheless, wheat, milk and soya should be taken into account before purchase.
Japanese origin, 3D mushroom shape and a combination of biscuit and strawberry chocolate.
Why this product suits the profile: The large pack is designed for parties, families and frequent preparation. The dry Vietnamese shrimp crackers only become crisp when deep-fried.
The preparation method and storage instructions after opening are clearly stated. Crustaceans as an allergen and the need for oil should be taken into account.
1 kg contents, 10 per cent shrimp according to the ingredients list and a short frying time of around 2 to 3 seconds.
Why this product suits the profile: According to the ingredients list, this Thai fish snack is ready to eat, savoury and made with 80 per cent fish meat, making it a hearty, protein-rich snack option.
The small 52-g pack reduces the risk of buying too much. Fish, soya, wheat, sulphites and lactose are listed as relevant ingredients.
Ready to eat, 52 g net weight and 23 g protein per 100 g according to the product information.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
For a party, a mixture of biscuits and crackers, sweet snacks and savoury products is a good choice. Small packs such as Nongshim Shrimp Cracker Hot 75 g or Balaji Crunchem Spicy Wafers 45 g allow you to offer a range of flavours. For larger groups, 1-kg shrimp crackers are suitable provided you have a deep fryer or a pan of hot oil available.
The best-before date is shown on the relevant packaging. Unopened products should be stored in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, crisps and other crunchy snacks must be sealed airtight. According to the product information, dried mango can be refrigerated after opening and consumed within ten days. The specific instructions on the packaging always take precedence.
Families should check age recommendations, choking warnings, sugar levels and allergens. Products containing colourings may require additional labelling notices. Children should be supervised when eating small, firm or chewy sweets. For a mixed family selection, mild biscuits, fruit sweets and small snack packs are often easier to portion than very spicy or heavily seasoned products.