Joybuy Insights

Buying Asian snacks: how to avoid a disappointing purchase

Asian snacks come in many varieties, from Korean and Chinese snacks to Asian crisps, instant noodles and savoury snacks to share. The range includes everything from ready-to-eat onion rings to frozen dumplings that need cooking. That can make it tricky to compare your options.

Eye-catching packaging doesn’t always tell you much about what’s inside, either. So focus on the ingredients, portion size, preparation method and storage instructions. That way, you can avoid choosing a snack that isn’t quite right for your film night, lunch or Asian-inspired meal.

Three common pitfalls when buying Asian snacks

1. Mistaking a snack for a full meal

A bag of prawn crackers or onion rings is meant as a snack. Instant noodles can be more filling, but a 76-gram pack is generally a single serving. So check the net weight and the nutritional information per 100 grams and per pack.

2. Taking flavour claims at face value

Words such as “shrimp”, “onion” or “spicy” give you an idea of the flavour, but they don’t always tell you how much of the named ingredient is actually in the product. For example, the ingredients list for NongShim Shrimp Cracker states that it contains 8.5% prawns. In other products, the flavour mainly comes from seasoning, onion powder, soy sauce or flavourings.

According to the brands’ own information, flavours and product features can vary from one product to another. Use the ingredients list to check what’s inside rather than relying on the front of the pack.

3. Overlooking allergens and storage instructions

Many Asian snacks contain wheat, soya, peanuts, milk, fish or crustaceans. If you have a crustacean allergy, it’s particularly important to check the ingredients in prawn crackers. Frozen products also need extra care: Synear dumplings and Sanquan fried dough sticks must be kept frozen and cooked straight from the freezer.

Always check the current packaging. Product information online can change, and the pack may include additional warnings.

Important details to check

Ingredients and allergens

Start by checking the allergens highlighted on the packaging. The Synear Crispy Fried Dumpling, for example, contains wheat, peanuts and soya. NongShim Shrimp Cracker contains wheat, prawns, fish and soya. Oishi Onion Rings contain gluten from wheat and soya.

A vegetarian label doesn’t automatically mean a product is free from milk, soya or other allergens. Check the full ingredients list before you order.

Weight and when to enjoy it

Packs of 40 to 90 grams are handy for a snack on the go or a quick bite. Options include Oishi Onion Rings at 40 grams, NongShim Onion Ring Snack at 50 grams and NongShim Shrimp Cracker at 75 grams.

Larger packs are more convenient for sharing at a get-together. Huang Lao Wu Mini Fried Dough Twists come in a 408-gram pack, while Sanquan Scallion Flavored Fried Dough Sticks come in a 500-gram pack. With larger bags, check the storage instructions and seal the pack carefully after opening.

Preparation and storage

Ready-to-eat snacks such as onion rings and prawn crackers are ideal for a quick bite. Instant noodles take just a few minutes to prepare. To make ACECOOK HAO HAO Mie Goreng Shrimp & Onion, boil the noodles for 2 to 3 minutes, drain them, then add the sauce, oil and seasoning.

Preparation matters more with frozen products. According to the product information, Synear dumplings should go straight from the freezer into the pan and be heated through completely. Don’t defrost them or eat them raw. Before ordering a larger pack, make sure you have enough freezer space, too.

Our recommendations for different shoppers

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Oishi Onion Rings Original Flavour 40g

Oishi Onion Rings Original Flavour 40g

Why it suits this shopper: A small, ready-to-eat pack that lets you try a new flavour without buying a large quantity straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The net weight and preparation method are clear: 40 grams, ready to eat straight from the pack.

Key benefit & highlights

Crunchy ring shape, onion and soy sauce flavour, no preparation needed and a compact pack.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
NongShim Shrimp Cracker 75g x 5

NongShim Shrimp Cracker 75g x 5

Why it suits this shopper: A good choice if you’re after a Korean snack with clear product information and a multipack to keep in stock.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it contains 8.5% prawns and lists allergens including crustaceans, fish, soya and gluten.

Key benefit & highlights

Five 75-gram packs, a crunchy texture and a pronounced prawn flavour.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent snackers
ACECOOK HAO HAO Instant Noodles Mi Goreng Shrimp & Onion Flavor 76g

ACECOOK HAO HAO Instant Noodles Mi Goreng Shrimp & Onion Flavor 76g x 30

Why it suits this shopper: A practical option if you regularly enjoy instant noodles, mie goreng or a quick evening meal.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The preparation instructions and portion size are clear: 76 grams per pack. Boil the noodles, drain them and mix in the seasonings.

Key benefit & highlights

A box of 30 servings, combining prawn and fried onion flavours, ready in just a few minutes.

Suitable for: Fans of hot Chinese snacks
Synear Crispy Fried Dumpling Plant Protein Scallion Flavor 348g

Synear Crispy Fried Dumpling Plant Protein Scallion Flavor 348g

Why it suits this shopper: For serving scallion snacks or fried dumplings as a hot snack, side dish or light meal.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that it must be kept frozen and can go straight from the freezer into the pan.

Key benefit & highlights

348 grams, a crispy base, a plant-based filling and a distinctive scallion flavour.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about Asian snacks

What are some popular Asian snacks for a film night?

Choose a mix of ready-to-eat snacks, such as Asian crisps, onion rings and prawn crackers. Small packs are handy if you want to try a few different flavours. For a larger group, you could pair sharing bags of fried dough twists with a selection of Korean snacks.

How should you store Asian snacks after opening?

Keep dry snacks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the pack tightly to help keep moisture out and preserve their crunch. Frozen products should be stored below -18 °C and must not be refrozen after defrosting. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

Are instant noodles the same as mie goreng?

Not quite. Instant noodles can be prepared as a soup, while mie goreng is usually served without broth. For ACECOOK HAO HAO, you drain the cooking water, then mix the sauce, oil and seasoning into the noodles. Check the preparation instructions for each product, as they determine the final result.