Joybuy Insights

Buying Asian snacks and groceries: how to avoid an unnecessary bad buy

If you want to buy Asian snacks and groceries, you’ll soon find a huge range online, from Chinese snacks and lotus root slices to dried mango, fruit crisps, frozen vegetables and ready-to-eat snacks. The packaging can make a strong first impression, but it doesn’t always tell you what matters for your needs.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

  1. A large pack may look like good value, but contain little edible product. Always compare the net weight and the price per 100 g.
  2. “Fruit” or “vegetable” on the front doesn’t tell you everything. Fruit crisps, dried fruit and sweet potato snacks may also contain sugar, oil, salt or preservatives.
  3. Flavour descriptions can be vague. “Spicy”, “Thai flavour” or “Black duck flavour” give you an idea, but check the ingredients, salt content and allergens before choosing.

What information should you check?

1. Net weight and nutritional information

Snack portions are often smaller than the packaging suggests. So check:

  • Net weight, for example 70 g, 90 g or 108 g;
  • nutritional information per 100 g;
  • sugar, fat and salt;
  • how many portions you’ll actually get from the pack.

A product with a low energy content per 100 g isn’t automatically right for everyone. Flavour, ingredients and when you plan to eat it also matter. For example, according to the product information, Shimoxiaozhen’s seasoned lotus root slices contain 1.8 g of salt per 100 g. The Jiajianchengchu variety lists 4.4 g of salt per 100 g. That difference matters if you’re planning to combine several snacks.

2. Ingredients and allergens

When buying imported Asian groceries, always check the full ingredients list on the product. Look out for:

  • sulphites or sulphur dioxide;
  • nuts, peanuts, soya, milk and gluten;
  • sweeteners and added sugars;
  • colourings and flavour enhancers;
  • preservatives.

For example, Jiajianchengchu’s red sweet potato slices list sulphites. The Thai-style dried mango also contains sulphites. According to its description, B+ muesli contains cereals containing gluten, hazelnuts and almonds, and may contain traces of other nuts, peanuts, soya and milk.

Use online product information as a guide, but always check the packaging before eating. Ingredients and warnings can change.

3. Storage, delivery and use

A cool, dry, dark place is usually suitable for dry snacks. Seal an opened bag well to help keep the contents crisp. For frozen products, take care to maintain the cold chain:

  • keep frozen vegetables and frozen fruit frozen;
  • follow the temperature instructions on the packaging;
  • keep thawed products refrigerated;
  • don’t refreeze a product once it has thawed.

This applies to products such as frozen peas, berries, taro and purple yam. When your order arrives, it’s a good idea to check the packaging for damage straight away and store the products according to the label.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
MUSHAN BASE Mixed Fruit and Vegetable Crisps 90g

MUSHAN BASE Mixed Fruit and Vegetable Crisps 90g

Why it suits this profile: A 90 g bag is a manageable size if you’re trying fruit or vegetable crisps for the first time. The mix includes purple sweet potato, banana, taro, apple, carrot and green peas.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The ingredients list shows that palm oil, maltose and salt are used alongside vegetables and fruit. This makes it easier to compare the marketing copy with what’s actually in the product.

Main benefit & highlights

Ready to eat, 90 g net weight and a varied mix with a crunchy texture, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
B+ Muesli Nuts and Fruit - 450g

B+ Muesli Nuts and Fruit - 450g

Why it suits this profile: This muesli is a good choice if you want to stock up for breakfast or yoghurt, and prefer to check the ingredients rather than rely on the front of the pack.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product information lists the cereals, dried grapes, apricot, seeds, hazelnuts and almonds separately. This makes it easier to compare, especially if you have allergies.

Main benefit & highlights

450 g pack, 9 g of fibre per 100 g according to the stated nutritional information, and suitable for serving with milk or yoghurt or in a smoothie bowl.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
Mooijer Taro – 3 x 500 g

Mooijer Taro – 3 x 500 g

Why it suits this profile: This multi-pack is a good fit if you regularly cook Asian dishes and use taro as an ingredient, rather than ordering only ready-to-eat snacks.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product information states that the pack contains three 500 g portions and gives clear freezing instructions. This lets you check the quantity and storage requirements in advance.

Main benefit & highlights

1,500 g in total, delivered frozen according to the product description, with no allergens from the 14 main EU allergen groups listed.

Suitable for: Fans of bold Chinese snacks
Shimoxiaozhen Lotus Root Slices – Spicy Flavour 108g

Shimoxiaozhen Lotus Root Slices Spicy Flavor 108g

Why it suits this profile: This ready-to-eat snack is for anyone looking for a spicy, savoury flavour and a firm texture, without having to cook first.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product information states that it contains at least 80% lotus root, 2% chilli and 1.8 g of salt per 100 g. This helps you get a better idea of the heat and ingredients.

Main benefit & highlights

108 g net weight, individually packed and ready to serve as a snack or side dish. The label lists no allergens, but does include colour E110.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about Asian groceries online

What should I look for when ordering Asian snacks online?

Compare the net weight, ingredients, allergens, nutritional information and use-by date. Also check whether the product should be delivered dry, chilled or frozen. If you’re ordering several products, the delivery method can affect the overall cost and convenience.

How long do dried fruit and fruit crisps keep?

The unopened shelf life is shown on the packaging. Once opened, moisture, heat and air can all make a difference. Seal dried mango and fruit crisps well and store them in a cool, dry place. Use the product according to the instructions on the label.

Are frozen fruit and vegetables suitable for everyday use?

That depends on your meal plan and freezer space. Products such as frozen berries, peas, taro and purple yam are convenient when you remember to take them out of the freezer in good time. Keep them frozen until you’re ready to use them, thaw only the amount you need, and always follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.