What foods are incompatible with dried shrimp?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

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.

Seafood shrimp (haimi) is nutritious, but attention should be paid to food pairing. It is generally not advisable to consume large amounts of haimi together with persimmons, strong tea, hawthorn, bitter melon, or licorice. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Persimmon: Persimmons contain a high amount of tannic acid, while haimi is rich in protein and calcium. Consuming large quantities of both together may cause 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 especially cautious.

2. Strong tea: Strong tea contains high levels of tannic acid. When consumed with haimi, the tannic acid can degrade the proteins and minerals in the shrimp, reducing its nutritional value and potentially increasing the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Long-term, frequent consumption of this combination may impair digestive function.

3. Hawthorn: Hawthorn is rich in fruit acids and tannic acid. When eaten with haimi, it may stimulate excessive gastric acid secretion, and the tannic acid can bind with nutrients in the shrimp. This may cause discomfort—such as acid reflux or bloating—in individuals with sensitive digestive systems. It is recommended to space consumption at least two hours apart.

4. Bitter melon: Bitter melon has a cold nature, and although haimi is nutritious, it also tends to be cooling in nature. Consuming large amounts of both together may intensify internal coldness, potentially leading to diarrhea or abdominal pain, especially in individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold. Intake quantity and frequency of such combinations should be controlled.

5. Licorice: In traditional dietary practices, consuming licorice with haimi may interfere with nutrient absorption. Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to constitutional differences. While there is no clear severe contraindication, it is advisable to avoid long-term or excessive consumption of this combination.

When consuming haimi, ensure the freshness of the ingredient; pairing it with milder foods can aid digestion. Avoid consuming large amounts alongside the above-mentioned foods simultaneously. If discomfort occurs after accidental consumption, discontinue intake immediately and monitor symptoms.

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

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.

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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.