Joybuy Insights

Buying Asian products online: how to choose ingredients, snacks and frozen foods

Ordering Asian groceries online is convenient, but the range varies greatly from product to product. A packet might present itself as “authentic”, while the ingredients list is mostly salt, sugar or flavour enhancers. Portion size, allergens and storage instructions are also not always immediately clear.

If you want to buy Asian products online, it’s a good idea to start by looking at verifiable product information. This applies whether you’re shopping at an online Asian supermarket or a broad platform offering Japanese products, Korean products, Thai products and Indonesian sauces.

Three common pitfalls when buying online

1. A striking flavour claim doesn’t mean much

Words like “authentic”, “traditional” or “premium” are no substitute for an ingredients list. Instead, compare:

  • the main ingredient and its percentage;
  • the amount of salt, sugar and fat per 100 grams;
  • the country of production and the responsible party;
  • the preparation method and storage instructions.

With oyster sauce, for example, the proportion of oyster extract can be relevant. The Maekrua Oyster Sauce 600 ml states 30% oyster extract and also contains soy sauce, sugar and salt. That gives you more to go on than just the name on the front.

2. The portion size is easily underestimated

A 55 g packet of instant noodles is not the same as a family pack of udon noodles containing six 200 g portions. Always check the net weight, the number of servings and the nutritional values per 100 grams.

The nutritional information for Mama Instant Noodles Shrimp Creamy 55 g lists, among other things, 14.8 grams of salt per 100 grams. That’s a concrete fact to consider when you’re buying instant noodles as a snack or quick meal.

3. Frozen products require planning

Gyoza, onigiri, tteokbokki rice cakes and other frozen Asian products must stay frozen until use. Check:

  • whether the product needs to be stored at a specific maximum temperature;
  • whether you can prepare it without defrosting;
  • how long it keeps in the fridge after defrosting;
  • whether refreezing is prohibited.

A delivery time when you’re not at home can therefore have practical consequences for frozen products.

Which specifications should you check?

Ingredients and allergens

Don’t just read the allergens in bold text; also read the full ingredients list. Many Asian products contain wheat, soya, fish, shellfish, milk, egg, mustard, peanuts or sesame.

Khy Chicken Gyoza 500 g lists wheat and soya among its ingredients. The filling contains chicken, cabbage, onion, ginger and soy sauce. For anyone with an allergy, the official label is the definitive source, because product compositions can change.

Also look out for warnings such as “may contain traces”. The product page and packaging may contain additional information, so check the packaging when you receive it.

Preparation time and use

A product is only practical if the preparation method suits your kitchen and schedule. Examples:

  • Udon noodles: SUKI Udon Noodle 200 g x 6 are described as suitable for soup, stir-fries and hotpot. Rinsing them can reduce the slight acidity that may result from acidity regulators.
  • Tteokbokki rice cakes: HYHS Korecipe Rice Cake Topokki 500 g consists of 98.9% rice and is intended for dishes with a sauce.
  • Gyoza: Khy Chicken Gyoza can be prepared in a pan, deep fryer or steamer according to the instructions, without defrosting first.
  • Onigiri: the tuna-mayo, salmon-mayo and crispy chicken varieties are delivered frozen. After defrosting, they must be kept refrigerated and must not be refrozen.

Packaging, quantity and frequency of use

A large bottle of soy sauce or oyster sauce is good value per millilitre if you cook often, but less practical if you only make an Asian dish occasionally. Healthy Boy Thin Soy Sauce 700 ml is intended for stir-fries, soups, marinades and dipping sauces. The listed ingredients contain soya and wheat.

For a smaller household, portion packs or snacks may be more convenient. Think of Koh-Kae Coated Peanuts Coconut Cream 110 g, a resealable snack pack containing peanuts and wheat, or a single 100 g portion of onigiri.

Our product picks by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Mama Instant Noodles Shrimp Creamy 55 g

Mama Instant Noodles Shrimp Creamy - 55 g

Why this fits the profile: A single portion with a short preparation time is ideal for trying a new Thai flavour without building up a large stock.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states a 55 g portion and a preparation time of around 3 to 4 minutes with hot water. So the quantity is clear from the start.

Key benefit & highlights

55 g per pack, quick preparation and clear allergen labelling for wheat, soya, milk and shellfish.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Maekrua Oyster Sauce 600 ml

Maekrua Oyster Sauce 600 ml

Why this fits the profile: For home cooks who regularly make stir-fries, marinades or sauces and want to check the composition beforehand.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states 30% oyster extract, plus the allergens soya and wheat. So you can compare the flavour base on ingredients rather than marketing language.

Key benefit & highlights

600 ml content, suitable for multiple uses and a verifiable ingredients list with oyster extract.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
SUKI Udon noodle 200 g x 6

SUKI Udon noodle 200g x 6

Why this fits the profile: A stock of six packs suits households that regularly make noodle soup, stir-fries or hotpot.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack size and preparation options are clearly stated. According to the product description, rinsing before cooking helps with the recommended preparation.

Key benefit & highlights

Six packs of 200 g, suitable for three types of dishes and with clear wheat allergen labelling.

Suitable for: Korean snack lovers
Yopokki Cheese Tteokbokki Pack 120 g

Yopokki Cheese Tteokbokki Pack 120g

Why this fits the profile: A compact pack is ideal for a quick snack or a small meal featuring Korean rice cakes with a cheese flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The net weight of 120 g and the separate ingredients for the rice cakes and seasoning mix are listed, so you can assess the product with confidence.

Key benefit & highlights

120 g per pack, rice cakes with a soft, chewy texture and a cheese-seasoned mix.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about buying Asian products online

Is buying online cheaper than an Asian supermarket?

That depends on the product price, delivery costs and pack size. Compare the price per 100 grams or per litre, and for frozen products, check any minimum order quantities. A multi-pack of udon can be good value if you use it regularly, while a single snack pack may be more suitable if you just want to try something.

How long do Asian products keep?

Shelf-stable sauces, snacks and instant noodles generally have a longer shelf life, but the exact date is on the packaging. Opened sauces should be sealed and stored according to the instructions. Frozen products stay frozen until use; after defrosting, they must be kept refrigerated and usually cannot be refrozen.

What should I look out for with allergens in Japanese and Korean products?

Always check the full ingredients list and the allergen declaration. Pay particular attention to soya, wheat, fish, shellfish, milk, egg, mustard, peanuts and sesame. If in doubt, the label on the packaging you receive is the definitive source.