Which has better nutrition, dried small shrimp (xiāmǐ) or shrimp flakes (xiāpí)?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

Generally, both dried shrimp and shrimp skins are highly nutritious, but their nutritional components differ. Therefore, which one is more nutritious depends on an individual's specific nutritional needs. Shrimp skins and dried shrimp may contain added salt and other seasonings during processing, so they should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake. Additionally, individuals with allergic constitutions should be cautious.

Generally, both dried small shrimp and shrimp skins are highly nutritious, but their nutritional components differ. Therefore, which one is more nutritious depends on individual nutritional needs. The specific analysis is as follows:

When seeking high-quality protein and balanced nutrition, dried small shrimp is the better choice. Dried shrimp retains relatively intact meat, rich not only in protein but also in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. With its tender and flavorful texture, it is suitable for direct cooking or as a filling, providing comprehensive nutritional support—especially beneficial for individuals needing extra protein.

For those requiring enhanced calcium intake but needing to control sodium consumption, shrimp skin should be used cautiously. Shrimp skin has an extremely high calcium content, making it ideal for people with high calcium demands. However, its sodium level is also relatively high, so individuals with hypertension or kidney disease should avoid excessive consumption. People allergic to seafood should avoid both dried shrimp and shrimp skin to prevent allergic reactions such as rashes or diarrhea.

During processing, salt and other seasonings may be added to both shrimp skin and dried shrimp. Therefore, they should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake. Additionally, individuals with allergic tendencies should exercise caution when consuming shrimp skin or dried shrimp to prevent possible allergic reactions.

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What foods are incompatible with dried shrimp?

Shrimp is nutritious, but attention should be paid to food combinations when consuming it. It is generally not advisable to eat large amounts of shrimp together with persimmons, strong tea, hawthorn, bitter gourd, or similar foods. Persimmons contain a high amount of tannic acid, while shrimp is rich in protein and calcium. Consuming large quantities of both together may cause the tannic acid to bind with protein and calcium, forming indigestible precipitates that could lead to bloating, abdominal pain, or impaired nutrient absorption. Individuals with weak gastrointestinal function should be particularly cautious.

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Is shrimp paste easy to digest?

In general, whether dried shrimp is easy to digest depends on the cooking method and individual digestive capacity: it is easily digested when properly prepared and consumed by individuals with normal digestion, but may be hard to digest if improperly cooked or eaten by those with weak digestion. When consuming dried shrimp regularly, it is recommended to soak them in water for 1–2 hours beforehand to remove impurities and excess salt, and to chop them finely before cooking.