Shrimp chips or prawn crackers are a delicious gluten-free snack that is loved by many due to their crispy texture and natural seafood sweetness. Prawn crackers are made of a mixture of dried shrimp and tapioca flour. The mixture is ground to a fine powder, then mixed with water to create dough. Next, it is pressed into thin sheets, cut into individual crackers, and then dried. These dried crackers are packaged and sold, to be deep-fried by the individual consumers.
Most brands of shrimp chips also contain seasonings such as MSG and black and white pepper. They are also often dyed in various exotic colours, such as purple and hot pink. This is in order to appear more attractive to consumers. The most usual times to consume them are as a teatime snack in the evening and late morning.
With the commercialization of many traditional Asian snacks, shrimp chips are more widely available. Consumers can enjoy this snack as it is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than potato chips. Additionally, the distinctly Asian flavour profile provides an element of novelty to the usual banality of packaged snacks. This repackaging of old favourite dishes has also been a huge part of the culinary renaissance of Asia, boosting the popularity of this cuisine worldwide.