How many calories are in Vietnamese shrimp crackers?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, pre-fried Vietnamese shrimp crackers can contain around 328 to 330 calories per 100 grams, but this number changes dramatically once fried. This guide explores how many calories are in Vietnamese shrimp crackers and what factors influence their final nutritional value.

Quick Summary

An analysis of the caloric content of Vietnamese shrimp crackers, detailing how the method of preparation impacts nutrition. It covers the difference between dried and fried crackers, explores macronutrient composition, and provides tips for managing intake.

Key Points

Deep-Frying Adds Significant Calories: The process of deep-frying transforms the calorie count, adding substantial fat compared to the dried pellet form.
Calories per 100g: Fried shrimp crackers can contain over 400 calories per 100-gram serving, with some estimations reaching up to 570 kcal, influenced by the oil used.
Carbohydrates are the Main Component: The tapioca starch base means carbohydrates make up the largest portion of the crackers' macronutrient profile.
Home Cooking Reduces Calories: Air-frying or baking the dried crackers at home is a much healthier alternative to deep-frying, reducing fat and total calories.
Check Brand Nutrition Facts: Different brands and recipes will have varying ingredient lists and nutritional values, so always check the specific product's label.
Serving Size Matters: A standard serving is often small (around 28g), and it's easy to overconsume this light, airy snack.
Sodium Content can be High: Beyond calories, be mindful of the sodium content, which can be high depending on the brand and seasonings.

Understanding Vietnamese Shrimp Cracker Calories

The caloric value of Vietnamese shrimp crackers, also known as bánh phồng tôm, is not a fixed number. It varies significantly depending on whether the crackers are in their dried, uncooked state or deep-fried and ready to eat. The primary ingredients are typically tapioca starch, water, and shrimp paste, which provide the base calories before cooking. However, the deep-frying process, which is essential for achieving their iconic airy, puffed texture, adds a substantial amount of fat and, consequently, calories.

Dried vs. Fried: A Nutritional Comparison

When evaluating the energy content, it's critical to distinguish between the two forms. Dried shrimp cracker pellets are dense and relatively low in fat, but their nutritional profile is transformed once they are submerged in hot oil. The final calorie count is heavily influenced by the type and amount of oil used for frying, as the crackers absorb a considerable amount during this process.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several elements can alter the final calorie and nutritional information:

Method of Cooking: Deep-frying in oil is the most common preparation method and adds the most calories. Air-frying or baking offers a healthier alternative with significantly less fat absorption.
Oil Type: The type of cooking oil affects both the calorie count and the nutritional quality. Using oils high in saturated fats will be less healthy than using healthier oils like rice bran oil.
Brand and Ingredients: Different brands use varying recipes. Some may include additional sugars, seasonings, or different types of starch, which can alter the overall caloric and carbohydrate content.
Serving Size: Since the crackers puff up considerably, a small piece of the dried cracker transforms into a large, lightweight, fried snack. Standard serving sizes are often measured in grams (e.g., 28g or 1 ounce), and awareness of this is key to accurate calorie counting.

Macronutrient Profile of Shrimp Crackers

The typical nutritional breakdown for 100g of fried shrimp crackers shows a high percentage of carbohydrates and fats, with a smaller contribution from protein.


Nutrient	Per 100g (Approx.)	Contribution to Total Calories (Approx.)
Calories	426 kcal	100%
Carbohydrates	59g	~56%
Fats	18g	~38%
Protein	7g	~7%

As the table shows, carbohydrates from the tapioca starch form the bulk of the cracker, while the frying process adds the majority of the fat. The small amount of protein comes from the shrimp paste.

Healthier Alternatives and Cooking Methods

For those watching their calorie intake, there are ways to enjoy the flavor of shrimp crackers without the added fat from deep-frying. Home preparation allows for much greater control over the final nutritional profile. Some options include:

Air-Frying: Cooking the crackers in an air-fryer can yield a similar texture with only a fraction of the oil. This method drastically cuts down on fat and calories.
Baking: Baking the crackers in a very hot oven can also make them puff up, resulting in a crispy, low-fat alternative. It may require a light coating of oil spray.
Microwaving: Although less common, some crackers can be cooked in the microwave. The result is often a slightly different texture, but it is an oil-free option.

Comparing Cooking Methods


Method	Calories (per 100g)	Fat Content	Texture	Ease of Preparation
Deep-Frying	~400-570 kcal	High	Airy, very crispy	Simple but messy
Air-Frying	~200-300 kcal (est.)	Low	Crispy, but potentially denser	Easy, less mess
Baking	~250-350 kcal (est.)	Very Low	Crispy, can be slightly chewier	Requires careful monitoring
Microwaving	Low (est.)	No added fat	Varies, can be more brittle	Very quick, variable results

It is important to remember that estimates for air-fried and baked options depend heavily on the oil amount, if any, and the specific cracker brand.

Conclusion: Enjoying Shrimp Crackers Mindfully

While delicious, Vietnamese shrimp crackers are a calorie-dense snack, especially when traditionally deep-fried. A 100-gram serving can contain over 400 calories due to the oil absorption during cooking. The key to enjoying them in a healthy, balanced diet lies in mindful consumption and choosing alternative preparation methods like air-frying or baking. By being aware of the nutritional implications, you can still indulge in this popular snack without derailing your health goals. Remember to check the specific brand's nutrition facts for the most accurate data, as ingredients can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vietnamese shrimp crackers are best enjoyed in moderation. While the crackers themselves contain some protein from the shrimp, the traditional deep-frying process makes them high in fat and calories. Healthier versions can be made by air-frying or baking instead.

Air-fried shrimp crackers have a significantly lower fat and calorie content than their deep-fried counterparts because they require little to no oil. The texture can be slightly different, but they provide a much healthier alternative.

The primary ingredients are tapioca starch, water, and shrimp paste. Other seasonings like salt and sugar may also be added depending on the brand and recipe.

While both are made from similar base ingredients, there can be differences in seasoning and preparation. Some brands of Chinese prawn crackers can have a different caloric and fat breakdown compared to Vietnamese ones.

To reduce calories in homemade shrimp crackers, you can use healthier cooking methods like air-frying, baking, or even microwaving instead of deep-frying. Using less oil or a healthier oil option also helps.

The number of calories in a handful can vary widely, but a standard serving size of about 28g (approximately one cup) of fried shrimp crackers can contain around 140 calories. A smaller handful would be less, but it's important to be mindful of portion sizes.

Yes, because the crackers are made primarily from tapioca starch, they are high in carbohydrates. For example, 100g of fried shrimp crackers can contain almost 60g of carbs.