Top Shrimp Chip Brands for Irresistible Crunch

Shrimp chips, also known as prawn crackers, are a popular snack enjoyed by many across the globe for their light and crispy texture and savory taste. With so many brands available, choosing the best ones can be a delightful culinary adventure. In this article, we will explore some of the top brands known for their delicious shrimp chips, considering flavor, texture, and authenticity. Stay tuned as we dive into the world of shrimp chips and discover which brands stand out among the rest.

Illustration of shrimp chips

Best brands of shrimp chips in 2025

Calbee

Calbee is renowned as one of the best producers of shrimp chips, with a legacy dating back to 1964 when it introduced its iconic Kappa Ebisen shrimp chips. These wheat-based snacks, made with shrimp and other standard snack ingredients, have gained a cult following globally. In Japan, Calbee is as recognizable as Lay's is to Americans, and its shrimp chips are a staple in many households. In the US, Calbee America has seen significant growth, with Americans consuming 6.7 million bags of Calbee Shrimp Chips in 2020, up from 4.4 million bags in 2014. Calbee's global sales reach about $2.5 billion annually, with 75% of revenue coming from Japan. To explore more about how Calbee's shrimp chips have gained a cult following, read the full story on LA Times.

Oishi

Oishi, a brand originating from Liwayway Marketing in the Philippines, has been a prominent producer of shrimp chips, particularly its iconic Prawn Crackers, which have been a favorite since their introduction in 1974. In China, Oishi Shanghaojia holds over 25% of the market share for similar snack foods. Despite recent challenges, Oishi was the largest producer of crispy snack foods in China from 2016 to 2018, according to Frost & Sullivan. The brand's products, such as Prawn Crackers and Shrimp Flakes, have maintained popularity, although the company has faced declining revenues in recent years. Oishi's extensive product range includes 72 kinds of crispy snack foods, but its failure to innovate and adapt to e-commerce and health trends has impacted its market position. You can find more information about their offerings on the Oishi official website.

Nongshim

Nongshim, a leading South Korean food and beverage company, has established itself as a premier producer of shrimp chips, particularly with its iconic Saeukkang brand, which has been a market staple since 1971. Nongshim's Saeukkang has achieved remarkable success, with sales exceeding 7.5 billion packages as of 2013 and a global presence in 76 countries. The company holds a significant market share, with Nongshim's snack products accounting for about 32.3% of the South Korean snack market in 2022. The brand's innovative flavors, such as Hot & Spicy Shrimp Chips, have further solidified its position. Nongshim's commitment to quality and innovation has made Saeukkang a beloved snack worldwide.

Hanami

Hanami is a notable brand in the production of shrimp chips, recognized for its high-quality products that are widely distributed across various regions. The Hanami Toasted Prawn Crackers, for instance, are available in multiple sizes and weights, and have been sold in Asian grocery stores across several Australian states and territories. However, it is important to note that there have been recalls due to incorrect allergen labeling, which affects consumers with molluscs, milk, and/or soy allergies. Despite this, Hanami remains a significant player in the market, contributing to the global demand for shrimp-based snacks. The global shrimp market, which includes such products, was estimated at USD 68.40 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2023 to 2030. For detailed recall information, visit the Food Standards website.

Want Want

Want Want, a prominent brand in the snack food industry, is renowned for its high-quality shrimp chips, which have garnered significant consumer preference due to their flavorful and crispy texture. The brand's success can be attributed to its commitment to using premium ingredients and innovative manufacturing processes. In the Asia-Pacific savory snacks market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 5% from 2021 to 2026, Want Want's shrimp chips remain a popular choice among consumers. The brand's focus on consumer health consciousness, such as offering snacks with clean and natural ingredients, aligns with the growing demand for healthier snack options. As the global snack market continues to evolve, Want Want's shrimp chips are poised to maintain their market presence.

Bin Bin

Bin Bin, although not specifically highlighted for shrimp chips, is a notable brand in the cracker industry, particularly known for its rice crackers. However, for shrimp chips, other brands like Calbee stand out for their quality and popularity. Calbee's shrimp chips, for instance, are highly praised for their crunchy, light, salty, and slightly sweet flavor profile, earning them the top spot in taste tests. Calbee has been manufacturing these chips since 1964 and produces them in both Japan and the US for the North American market. The ingredients include wheat flour, shrimp, sugar, and salt, contributing to their balanced flavor. You can explore more about cracker exports from Thailand here.

Glico

Glico, a renowned Japanese confectionery company, is celebrated for its innovative and popular snack products, particularly its shrimp chips known as Kappa-Ebisen. Established in 1929 by Richi Ezaki, Glico has a long history of producing high-quality snacks. Kappa-Ebisen, one of its first hit products, has gained significant popularity not only in Japan but also in Asia and the USA. The company's success is further highlighted by its diverse product range, including Pocky, Bisuko, and Almond Glico, contributing to its strong market presence. Glico's innovative approach, such as the "Office Glico" mini vending machines, has also driven its growth, with sales exceeding five billion yen in 2016. For a more detailed insight into Glico's market influence, explore this report on confectionery market share.

Kurkure

Kurkure, a flagship brand of PepsiCo India, is not specifically known for producing shrimp chips, but it is a leading brand in the Indian snack market, particularly in the puffed snacks category. As of financial year 2023, Kurkure held over 10% market share in the puffed snacks segment in India. The brand has been expanding its product line to include various local flavors and traditional Indian snacks like namkeen, peanuts, and fried moong dal. In 2015, Kurkure had a 14.3% market share by value in the Indian snacks market. Despite facing competition from regional brands, Kurkure remains one of the most trusted and loved snack brands in India. For further information, visit Kurkure's official website.

MTR Foods

MTR Foods is a leading brand in the Indian food industry, particularly renowned for its dominance in the ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook segments, but it is not specifically highlighted as a producer of shrimp chips. However, MTR Foods holds a significant market share of 51% in the ready-to-eat segment and 35% in the ready-to-cook segment, demonstrating its strong presence in various food categories. The brand's products are widely accepted and popular, with a presence in over 42 countries and a revenue of Rs 980 crore in FY22. MTR Foods' success is attributed to its ability to cater to consumer needs and preferences, especially in metro cities and through modern retail and e-commerce channels. Despite its broad product range, specific data on shrimp chips is not provided.

Prawn Crackers Original

Prawn Crackers by Oishi, a renowned brand, are a staple in the snack food industry, particularly known for their Original and Spicy flavors. Introduced in 1974, Oishi's Prawn Crackers have been a family favorite in the Philippines and globally, with the company holding over 25% of the market share in China since their international expansion began in 1993. These crackers are made with real shrimp, wheat, tapioca starch, and corn starch, ensuring a crunchy and flavorful snack. They are certified halal and have gained significant popularity, including a social media trend with the #HOTtawChallenge in 2020. Oishi's commitment to quality and innovative marketing has solidified their position as one of the best producers of shrimp chips.