If you're looking for NongShim Shrimp Crackers, you're probably after a savoury snack with a distinct prawn flavour, a crispy texture and authentic Korean origins. Yet many Korean prawn crackers look similar. A bigger bag doesn't always mean a better choice, and words like "authentic" don't tell you much if you haven't checked the ingredients and allergens.
This practical buying guide will show you what to look for before you buy Asian snacks for home, a party or to accompany an Asian meal.
A 150g or 1kg bag might look appealing for a party, but it's not always right for a small household. Once opened, crispy snacks quickly lose their texture if the packaging isn't sealed properly. So compare the price per 100g, the shelf life and how you plan to use the snack.
The NongShim Shrimp Cracker in 75g is ideal when you want a compact portion. For multiple people, there's also a pack of five 75g bags. That way you can keep unopened portions fresh and open them as you need.
Check the ingredients list and the stated percentage of prawns. According to the product information, the standard NongShim Shrimp Cracker contains 8.5% prawns. For comparison, Oishi Shrimp Crackers contain 5.6% prawns and the spicy version contains 5.5%.
A higher percentage doesn't guarantee everyone will prefer the taste, but it does give you a verifiable point of comparison when looking at different Asian crackers.
Prawn crackers are not suitable for anyone with a shellfish allergy. The NongShim variety also contains fish, soya and gluten from wheat. Always check the actual packaging, because the information on a product page may differ from the label. Don't buy any pack that is damaged.
Look beyond the prawn percentage and consider the other flavourings too. The standard NongShim Shrimp Cracker contains wheat flour, rice oil, corn starch, prawns, palm oil, seaweed, mushroom and fish sauce or fish-related ingredients. This makes it a good choice for anyone who enjoys a savoury, sea-inspired taste.
Prefer something with more kick? The NongShim Shrimp Cracker (Hot) contains 8.5% prawns and chilli powder, according to the product information. The flavour is described as spicy with a combination of sweet and sharp. This is a product description; the level of heat you experience may vary from person to person.
NongShim crackers are ready to eat straight from the bag. The product description mentions a fried shape with narrow grooves. This shape gives a light, crispy bite and makes the cracker a great snack alongside ramen, rice dishes or other Asian meals.
Note the difference from some Indonesian krupuk. Sa Giang Shrimp Crackers in 1kg bags need to be fried at home in oil. That can be handy for large quantities, but it requires extra time, oil and kitchen space.
Use nutritional values to compare products objectively, not as a judgement on what you should or shouldn't eat. The standard NongShim Shrimp Cracker states per 100g:
The 75g pack therefore contains less than these values per 100g. Check the label if you need to estimate a specific portion.
Why this fits the profile: A single 75g pack is straightforward if you're trying Korean prawn crackers for the first time or just want a small portion.
You don't buy a large pack before you know the taste. The ingredients list and prawn percentage can be checked in advance.
75g, ready to eat, made in Korea and a stated prawn content of 8.5%.
Why this fits the profile: Five individual packs are practical for a snack stash, a film night with friends or several Asian meals.
Unopened bags stay individually sealed. That means you don't have to open the whole quantity at once.
Five 75g portions, ready to eat and, according to the product information, originating from Korea.
Why this fits the profile: For fans of spicy prawn crackers who want multiple portions to keep for snacking or gatherings.
The variant is clearly labelled as "Hot". So you don't have to guess whether you're receiving the standard or spicy version.
Five 75g packs, 8.5% prawns according to the product information and chilli powder in the ingredients list.
Why this fits the profile: A smaller bag is handy when you want to compare different prawn snacks without buying several large packs straight away.
The smaller size limits waste when you're not yet sure which texture or flavour suits you.
40g, ready to eat and 5.6% prawns according to the product information.
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.
Store the pack in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Seal the bag well after opening and eat the crackers as soon as possible. Moisture is the main cause of a soft texture.
NongShim Shrimp Crackers can be eaten straight from the pack. Serve them alongside ramen, bibimbap, fried rice or a sharing platter with other Asian snacks. Always check the ingredients, allergens and best-before date on the packaging with every purchase.
The standard version is not described as hot in the product information. For a spicy flavour, choose the NongShim Shrimp Cracker (Hot) variant. This contains chilli powder. The level of heat is personal, so start with a small portion if you're unsure.
Unopened, you can follow the date on the pack. Once opened, the quality depends mainly on moisture and airtight storage. Seal the bag well and eat the crackers as soon as possible.
No, not for anyone with a shellfish allergy. The standard version contains prawns, fish, soya and gluten from wheat. Always read the current label before consuming the product, even if you've bought it before without any issues.