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.
Prawn crackers are a popular snack in many parts of the world. Their crispy texture and tasty flavor make them hard to resist! However some people have concerns that prawn crackers may cause illness if consumed. So can eating prawn crackers actually make you ill? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Prawn Crackers?
Prawn crackers also known as shrimp crackers or prawn chips, are made from starch prawn powder, and other seasonings. The starch base is usually tapioca or potato flour. Prawn crackers originate from China but are now enjoyed globally.
They are made by combining the ingredients into a dough, which is then steamed and sliced. The slices are sun-dried, fried, and puffed up, creating the light crispy crackers we know and love.
Why Might Prawn Crackers Cause Illness?
There are a couple reasons why prawn crackers could theoretically cause foodborne illness:
-
Bacteria: Prawn crackers can harbor bacteria like salmonella and listeria. This is more likely if the prawn powder or other ingredients were contaminated. Frying may not kill off all bacteria.
-
Allergies: Some people are allergic to prawns/shrimp. Prawn crackers clearly contain prawns, so allergies are a concern.
-
High sodium: Prawn crackers are often high in sodium. Eating too many may increase blood pressure and heart disease risk.
-
Fat content: The frying process adds a lot of fat. High fat foods in excess are linked to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
So in theory, the ingredients, allergens, and nutritional content of prawn crackers make illness a possibility with overconsumption. But how often does this actually happen?
How Common Is Illness from Prawn Crackers?
The good news is prawn cracker-related illnesses are very rare. Most people enjoy them in moderation without any issues. Here are some key points:
-
Salmonella risk is low: Proper handling and cooking of prawn powder during manufacturing reduces bacteria. Salmonella outbreaks related to prawn crackers are extremely uncommon.
-
Allergic reactions are avoidable: Those with prawn allergies are aware of the risk and avoid prawn crackers. Accidental exposure leading to anaphylaxis is unlikely.
-
Sodium/fat concerns resolved by moderation: Potential effects of sodium and fat can be minimized by enjoying prawn crackers occasionally as a treat. The crackers are often split among many people celebrating.
-
No toxicity: Unlike some fish and seafood, prawns themselves are not toxic. Prawn crackers contain very minimal actual prawn meat anyway.
So while prawn crackers aren’t the healthiest snack choice, they aren’t loaded with major health hazards either. Illness is improbable with responsible consumption.
Tips to Prevent Illness from Prawn Crackers
You can take a few simple precautions to minimize any risk when eating prawn crackers:
-
Check for allergies: Make sure no one eating them has a prawn/shellfish allergy. Even small exposure could trigger a reaction.
-
Read the label: Look at the sodium and fat content. Pick a lower sodium variety if possible.
-
Portion control: Don’t overindulge. Stick to a reasonable serving size, not the whole bag.
-
Explore other snacks: Pair prawn crackers with healthier options like vegetables and fruits instead of only eating crackers.
-
Avoid spoiled products: Check best by dates and discard any expired, moldy, or foul smelling packages.
Following basic food safety practices helps too. Wash hands before handling, don’t use cracked or dirty packages, and store properly after opening.
The Verdict on Prawn Crackers and Illness
At the end of the day, prawn crackers are not a major public health threat. While they aren’t the most nutritious snack around, they can be enjoyed in moderation by most people without concern.
Those with prawn allergies or who are monitoring sodium for medical reasons may want to avoid them or choose low-sodium varieties. But for the general public, prawn crackers are a tasty indulgence that don’t come with a big side of health risks.
So go ahead and enjoy some crispy prawn crackers next time you come across them! Just be mindful of portions and potential allergies. With some common sense, prawn crackers can be a fun snack that is very unlikely to make you ill.
Are there prawns in prawn crackers?
Yes, you can trust that there’s real shrimp in every Besuto Prawn Cracker. Prawns, commonly known as shrimps, are aquatic crustaceans, and they are a key component of prawn cracker Besuto.
That’s why you enjoy the genuine taste of shrimp in every bite — it’s not just flavoring. It’s real shrimp! It’s the presence of these real prawns that give every Besuto cracker its distinct taste and flavor.
Are prawn crackers fattening?
Prawn crackers can be fattening if eaten in excess. They are high in calories and carbohydrates due to the starch found in the cassava and the amount of oil used in deep frying. Moreover, they can contribute to weight gain if eaten regularly.
Nonetheless, prawn crackers are a good source of protein and Omega-3. If you eat them in moderation and combined in a dish, they can be part of a healthy diet.
While Besuto prawn crackers may contain some saturated fat due to cooking oil and carbohydrates from starch content, they are best enjoyed in moderation as occasional treats rather than a main source of nutrition.
Is There Any Real Prawn in Prawn Crackers? | Food Unwrapped
FAQ
Can prawn crackers go bad?
Are prawn crackers bad for you?
Do prawn crackers actually have prawn in?
Can prawn crackers cause allergic reactions?
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.
Are Graham crackers healthy to eat?
Native graham crackers are made with whole grain flour, ground coarsely. Marshmallows, chocolate, milk are added to make new varieties. These are invented to reduce the consumption of animal fat. They are healthy as they are rich in B complex vitamins, protein, calcium, iron and fiber but consume occasionally as they also contain baking soda which will reduce B Complex vitamin absorption in the body.
Do prawn crackers need a food processor?
The first time I made prawn crackers, I sliced my crackers in a food processor. It worked really well to get thin and even slices. There is a problem with using a food processor, though. While it made the best prawn crackers, it is also very easy to break your food processor with the hard, rubbery dough.
Are prawn crackers gluten-free?
Prawn crackers are usually made with tapioca flour, and because they aren’t traditionally made with any wheat flour, they are gluten-free. But gluten aside, restaurant prawn crackers aren’t exactly all they’re cracked up to be. Coming in the shape of flat discs, prawn crackers need to be deep fried to be enjoyed.