Joybuy Insights

Buying international food online: A guide to choosing snacks, spices and specialities

Anyone looking to buy international food online will quickly find a wide selection: Asian spices, Japanese sausages, salami snacks, pickled pepperoni, döner meat, minced meat and pet treats. The variety is convenient, but it can make comparisons more difficult. Product images and terms such as “authentic”, “mild” or “premium” alone reveal little about ingredients, storage requirements and portion size.

Check these three common buying pitfalls before placing your order:

  1. Unclear heat ratings: The intensity of dried chillies is not always described consistently. A small pack of Chaotian chillies can be significantly hotter than mild pepperoni in a jar.
  2. Overlooked chilled and frozen storage requirements: Depending on the product, meat products such as minced meat, döner meat or Japanese sausages may need to be stored at 0 to 4 °C or below –18 °C. A low product price is of little benefit if the delivery does not fit in with your shopping plans.
  3. Portion and nutritional-value trap: Individual portions are convenient when you are out and about, but can contain a lot of fat or salt per 100 g. So, even when buying snacks online, it is worth checking the pack size, ingredients list and nutrition table.

The most important selection criteria when shopping online

1. Compare ingredients and allergens first

The ingredients list shows whether a product is suitable for your household. Processed meat products may contain milk, mustard, celery, soya, fish or gluten, among other ingredients. This also applies when the product name initially suggests that it contains only meat or spices.

For example, Hoa Nam Pork Pate lists fish sauce with anchovies. The product is therefore not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy. Meica Poultry Sausages may contain traces of milk, celery and mustard. Panpan Chicken Flavour Bites list wheat, soya and egg, among other ingredients.

There are separate rules for feeding pets: dog food and cat treats should be labelled as complementary pet food if they are not intended to replace a complete meal. JosiCat Meat Sticks, for example, specify a daily feeding quantity based on body weight. According to the product information, MeatyWay Chicken Tenders consist of 100% chicken and are intended as complementary food for dogs.

2. Match storage requirements and shelf life to your needs

Dry products such as Yueyuehong Dried Chili Peppers 50g are easy to store in a cool, dry and dark place. An airtight container helps protect them from moisture and loss of flavour. The whole dried Chaotian chillies are suitable for adding to stews, making chilli oil or grinding.

Opened products in jars should be handled according to the packaging instructions. Alnatura Organic Pickled Pepperoni 350 g must be refrigerated after opening and consumed within ten days; the peppers should remain covered in the brine. Kühne Mild Spiced Pickled Pepperoni 370 ml should also be stored in a cool place after opening.

Delivery planning is particularly important for frozen products. NH Foods Arabiki Pork Sausage with Cheese 185 g and NH Foods Arabiki Japanese Sausage 200 g Original should be stored below –18 °C and must not be refrozen after thawing. Raw pork mince should be kept in the refrigerator at 0 to 4 °C and cooked thoroughly.

3. Check preparation, quantity and intended use

Buying international food online is especially convenient when the preparation method fits into your everyday routine. Mr. Chicken Kebab 250 g is pre-cooked, sliced and frozen. According to the product information, it can be heated in a frying pan, oven or microwave. This makes the döner meat ideal for wraps, salads or quick hot meals.

For barbecue and BBQ fans, pre-cut products such as The Meatlovers Beef Tenderloin Skewers 200 g are an appealing choice. The skewers are delivered chilled and should be consumed within 24 hours of opening. Depending on your preferred level of doneness, the stated cooking instructions call for a few minutes per side. When cooking raw meat, a food thermometer can provide useful guidance; however, the specific safety instructions on the packaging remain decisive.

Our selection by shopping profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Alnatura Organic Pickled Pepperoni 350 g

Alnatura Organic Pickled Pepperoni 350 g

Why this product suits the profile: The 350-g quantity is suitable for salads, sandwiches, antipasti or several meals, and is ready to eat straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list specifies 75% green peppers, along with water, sea salt, wine vinegar and citric acid. The stated organic status and origin in Greece are clearly documented.

Main benefit & strengths

Vegan, lactose-free and with no declared allergens; refrigerate after opening and consume within ten days.

Suitable for: Shoppers with high quality expectations
NH Foods Arabiki Pork Sausage with Truffle 200g

NH Foods Arabiki Pork Sausage with Truffle 200g

Why this product suits the profile: This Japanese-style sausage combines pork with truffle paste and can be fried, grilled or served with pasta and rice.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Storage at 0 to 4 °C or frozen at –18 °C is clearly specified. Celery is also listed, along with possible traces of mustard, milk and soya.

Main benefit & strengths

200-g pack, 20 g of fat and 14 g of protein per 100 g according to the product information; prepare in a frying pan over a medium heat.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent shoppers
Yueyuehong Dried Chili Peppers 50g

Yueyuehong Dried Chili Peppers 50g

Why this product suits the profile: Whole dried chillies are a versatile choice for fans of Asian cuisine: use them in chilli oil, as chilli flakes or in a stew.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack contains 50 g and the ingredient is specifically named as “dried Chaotian chilli”. Use the chillies sparingly at first, as there is no standardised Scoville rating.

Main benefit & strengths

No declared allergens; dry, dark and airtight storage supports convenient stocking up.

Suitable for: Families and quick meals
Mr. Chicken Kebab 250 g

Mr. Chicken Kebab 250 g

Why this product suits the profile: Pre-cooked, sliced chicken can be prepared in just a few minutes for wraps, salads or a hot side dish.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Preparation methods and timings are provided for a frying pan, oven and microwave. The product remains frozen and must not be refrozen after thawing.

Main benefit & strengths

250-g portion, 94% chicken thigh meat according to the ingredients information and a declared soya allergen warning.

Looking for more options?

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.

FAQ: Ordering international food online

Which international foods are well suited to buying online?

Dry spices, long-life salami snacks, tinned foods, pickled pepperoni and packaged snacks are usually easy to store. Chilled and frozen products such as minced meat, Japanese sausages or döner meat should only be ordered if delivery can be accepted and the products can then be stored correctly.

What should I look out for when buying Asian food?

When buying Asian food online, ingredients, heat level, allergens and preparation method are particularly important. Dried chillies should be stored in a dry place and used sparingly at first. For ready meals and sausages, it is also worth checking the salt content, additives and stated preparation time.

How can I find suitable snacks for dogs and cats?

First, check whether the product is complementary pet food or complete pet food. For dog food and cat treats, the animal species, age, feeding recommendation and composition are key. Treats should not increase your pet’s daily food intake excessively and should always be portioned according to the product instructions.