Nowadays, the nutritional value of prawn crackers is an important consideration when buying for your family. People are more conscious of what goes into their diet. Young chefs and people in their 20s often talk about high-protein snacks and prawn cracker calories.
Mothers who not only make sure their kids eat healthy food but also make sure they do are more likely to care about these. We covered the FAQs here.
Crunchy, savory prawn crackers are a beloved appetizer at Chinese restaurants. But are these crispy snacks actually unhealthy? With their high calorie, fat, and sodium content, some claim prawn crackers are junk food you should avoid. In this article, we’ll dive into the nutrition facts and potential drawbacks to find out if prawn crackers are really that bad for you
What are Prawn Crackers?
Prawn crackers, also called shrimp chips or shrimp crackers, are a classic Chinese pre-dinner appetizer Flat, crispy crackers are served alongside teas and dips to nibble on before the meal
The main ingredients are typically prawn or shrimp, tapioca or rice flour, water, and seasonings. The batter is whipped to incorporate air, then steamed and sliced into rounds that are fried until puffed up and crispy.
Prawn crackers provide a satisfying crunch with a mild seafood flavor. Their light, airy texture makes them highly addictive. In fact, it’s easy to fill up on these moreish crackers before the main dishes even arrive!
Prawn Crackers’ High Calorie Content
One of the biggest health knocks against prawn crackers is their high calorie content. A 3.5 ounce (100 gram) serving contains a whopping 553 calories. And most appetizer portions contain far more than 100 grams.
It’s shockingly easy to consume 500-600 calories just from prawn crackers before your meal even starts. Add in high-cal dishes like kung pao chicken or beef with broccoli, and your total meal can end up with over 1500 calories.
For comparison, the same 100 gram serving of baby carrots only has 41 calories. So pound for pound, prawn crackers pack over 10 times as many calories as fresh veggies!
Mostly Empty Carbs and Fat
In addition to being calorie-dense, prawn crackers lack nutritional value. A serving contains:
- 53 grams of carbohydrates, almost entirely from refined flour.
- 34 grams of fat, including saturated and trans fats from frying.
- Only 3 grams of protein and no fiber.
So the calories are nearly all empty carbs and unhealthy fats. This combo promotes weight gain and negatively impacts cholesterol and heart health.
High Sodium Levels
Prawn crackers are also very high in sodium, with 637 milligrams in a 100 gram serving. That’s already over 25% of the recommended daily sodium intake.
Sodium draws water into the bloodstream and increases blood pressure. Excess sodium intake is linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney problems.
Potential MSG, Food Dyes, and Allergens
In addition to calories, fat, and sodium, commercial prawn crackers may contain other additives:
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MSG – Monosodium glutamate is a common flavor enhancer associated with adverse effects like headaches. Those sensitive to MSG may want to avoid prawn crackers.
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Food dyes – Ingredients like tartrazine and sunset yellow give prawn crackers their bright colors but have been linked to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions.
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Allergens – Prawn crackers contain shellfish/crustacean. Those with shellfish allergies must avoid them.
Healthier Ways to Enjoy Prawn Crackers
Prawn crackers aren’t necessarily unhealthy in moderation, but their low nutritional value means they should be an occasional treat. Here are some tips for healthier prawn cracker enjoyment:
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Limit portions to 1-2 ounces maximum per meal.
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Choose plain unseasoned crackers instead of flavored.
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Share a single appetizer portion instead of each person getting their own.
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Balance with healthier starters like steamed dumplings, edamame, or hot tea.
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Make them at home from scratch using less oil and sodium.
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Substitute vegetable-based crackers like lotus root or taro root chips.
While prawn crackers shouldn’t be a daily indulgence, they can be incorporated into an overall healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Be mindful of portions, balance with healthier options, and limit frequency to avoid overdoing these high-calorie appetizers.
The Bottom Line on Prawn Crackers
Prawn crackers are certainly delicious, but they are essentially just fried dough with seasonings. Their low nutritional value and high calorie, carb, fat, and sodium content mean they should be enjoyed in moderation. Limiting portions, avoiding fried versions, and balancing intake with healthier starters can help mitigate potential downsides. When consumed occasionally and mindfully, prawn crackers can be part of an balanced diet. But overdoing these indulgent appetizers on a regular basis is not recommended for optimal health. Moderation is key for enjoying prawn crackers without going overboard.
What do you eat with prawn crackers?
We’ve curated a menu of delicious Asian recipes on our website that pair perfectly with Besuto Prawn Crackers. These recipes are thoughtfully chosen to complement the taste and texture of the crackers, enhancing your culinary experience.
Are prawn crackers high in protein?
Yes, prawn crackers, especially Besuto Prawn Crackers, are a high-quality source of protein. Prawns are rich in essential amino acids, making them an excellent choice for supporting proper cellular function and muscle health. The real presence of shrimps in Besuto prawn crackers provides valuable protein (about 15 grams per 100 grams) setting them apart from traditional, less nutrient-dense, high-calorie snacks.
Is There Any Real Prawn in Prawn Crackers? | Food Unwrapped
FAQ
How many calories are in a prawn cracker?
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Description
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Serving Sizes
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kCal
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Calories in Chinese, Prawn Crackers
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Cracker
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23
|
|
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5 Crackers
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114
|
|
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1/2 Average takeaway bag
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200
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|
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100g
|
570
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Are prawn crackers more fattening than crisps?
Do Chinese people actually eat prawn crackers?
Are prawn crackers actually made of prawn?
Are prawn crackers healthy?
While they bring a delightful crunch to your dining experience, their health aspects cannot be ignored. In summary, prawn crackers offer a crunchy delight that can enhance your mealtime experience. However, their high calorie and fat content, along with potential artificial additives, make them a less-than-ideal choice for regular consumption.
Prawn vs Shrimp: Which is healthier?
There are no differences between the nutritional benefits between prawns and shrimp. They provide you a good source of protein, healthy fats and vitamins and minerals and yet low in calories. Prawns are good source of protein and provide some of most important nutrients that is vitamins and minerals that make up a healthy diet.
What are prawn crackers?
Let’s roll up our sleeves and delve into the world of prawn crackers. It’s like being a detective, sifting through the layers to uncover the truth. At first glance, the ingredient list seems fairly simple: prawns, tapioca flour, and spices. It sounds pretty straightforward, right? But wait, there’s more to it.
Are prawns bad for You?
Yet prawns aren’t perfect. Eating them may elevate your cholesterol levels, and prawns may be contaminated by environmental pollutants. Read more: Are Prawns Good for Weight Loss? Prawns have a healthy macronutrient profile. They’re high in protein, low in carbohydrates and contain very little fat.