Why Is Co To Dried Squid Expensive? Is It Worth Buying?

Co To dried squid has long been renowned as one of the premium seafood specialties of Northern Vietnam, thanks to its deep sweetness, thick meat, and distinctive aroma after grilling. However, many people still wonder why the price of Co To dried squid is consistently higher than the market average and whether that price is truly commensurate with the quality. In this article, let’s join Ola Squid to explore the latest price list of Co To dried squid, the factors affecting the cost, and how to identify authentic island squid to ensure you purchase the right, delicious product.

1. Why is Co To squid called “the best squid”?

It is not by chance that Co To dried squid is rated by many seafood connoisseurs as one of the best types of squid in the North. The Co To island area lies at the intersection of the East Sea and the Gulf of Tonkin, further offshore than many other areas of Quang Ninh, so the water source is very clear, less polluted, and rich in natural organisms.

Thanks to the clean marine environment and stable salinity, squid here has firm meat, a distinct subtle sweetness, and is less fishy than many types of near-shore caught squid. Notably, most are tube squid caught by hand offshore, which requires them to swim continuously, resulting in meat that is firmer and naturally chewier than squid caught by trawling nets.

Another reason why the price of Co To dried squid is always high is the limited production. The entire island district provides only a few hundred tons of squid each year, while market demand is very high, especially during the tourist season and the Tet holidays. In addition, Co To dried squid is also OCOP 3-star certified with a clear processing and quality inspection process, contributing to the “the best squid” reputation that many people trust and choose.

2. 2025 Co To dried squid price list by type

2.1. Classification by size

Co To dried squid prices are usually classified based on the size of the squid after being dried. The larger the squid, the thicker the body, and the fewer the number of squids per kg, the higher the price. Large sizes are often chosen as gifts or used on special occasions because they are sweet, shred beautifully, and have a richer flavor.

Below is a reference price list for Co To dried squid by common sizes on the market:

Note: The above prices may vary depending on the fishing season, squid quality, processing method, and supplier.

2.2. Why can’t the price be cheaper?

The high price of Co To dried squid comes not only from its reputation as a specialty but also because the actual production cost is quite high. On average, it takes about 4-4.5kg of fresh squid to make 1kg of finished dried squid, so the input raw material is very expensive.

In addition, the squid is still processed using traditional manual methods. After being cleaned, the squid must be sun-dried naturally for 2-3 days and then electric-dried for about 12 hours to reach the standard dryness. This process is labor-intensive and heavily dependent on the weather, so it cannot be mass-produced like industrial goods.

The supply is also quite limited because the whole district only has a few small-scale processing facilities. Meanwhile, the squid season is mainly concentrated around February-March and May-June. When it is out of season or the weather is bad, production drops sharply, causing the price of squid to rise even higher.

3. Comparison between Co To dried squid and Cat Ba dried squid

Co To dried squid and Cat Ba dried squid are both famous Northern specialties, highly appreciated for their natural sweetness and firm meat quality. However, each marine region creates its own distinct flavor and characteristics, suitable for different consumption needs.

4. Is high-priced Co To squid worth buying?

Compared to many dried squid lines on the market, Co To dried squid has a quite high price, especially Grade 1. However, this price mainly comes from scarce raw materials, manual processing, and superior squid meat quality.

If placed next to Cat Ba dried squid, Co To squid is usually about 20-30% more expensive in the same segment due to lower production and the long-standing specialty brand. Compared to Central region dried squid, Co To squid has thicker, firmer meat, is less fishy, and has the typical deep sweetness of the Northern sea. Therefore, if you need delicious squid for gifting, use in specialty drinking sessions, or want to experience the true flavor of premium dried squid, Grade 1 Co To squid is absolutely a worthwhile choice.

5. How to identify authentic Co To dried squid in a market full of fakes

To buy quality Co To dried squid, buyers need to pay attention to many features from color and shape to the natural aroma of the squid. Currently, there are quite a few types of squid from other places on the market labeled as Co To squid, so careful distinction before buying is very necessary.

• Color and powder coating: Good squid usually has a white belly, light pink back, with faint black dots on the skin. The white powder coating is thin and even all over the body. If the squid is too white, dark red, or the powder has an strange color, you should not buy it.
• Body shape: Standard squid is whole, straight body, thick meat, with the head and tentacles firmly attached to the body. Low-quality goods often have heads that come off easily, abnormally curled tentacles, or tails with signs of adhesive.
• Touch feeling: Real dried squid when held will be dry, not damp, not sticky to the hands, and have slight elasticity. If the surface is slimy or too soft, the squid has been poorly preserved.
• Characteristic smell: Quality squid has a light ocean scent, no pungent fishiness, or chemical odors. When grilled, it will have a clear aroma and naturally sweet meat.
• Prioritize reputable sellers: Choose squid with clear origin, vacuum-sealed packaging, and full preservation information and expiration date. Avoid buying at too cheap prices or without a specific business address as it is easy to encounter mixed goods.

See more: Easiest way to distinguish fake and real dried squid

6. Where to buy quality Co To dried squid

Currently, Co To dried squid is sold in many places; however, to buy the right delicious, authentic sea-flavored goods and avoid encountering chemical-infused or mixed goods, you should prioritize the reputable addresses below.

• Co To seafood market

If traveling directly to the island, you can visit local seafood markets to choose and buy dried squid. The advantage is that you get to choose it yourself, smell it, and compare the quality before buying. However, you need to ask carefully about the origin and check the price before buying to avoid purchasing mixed goods intended for tourists.

• Ola Squid

If you want to find a place selling dried squid with stable quality, clear origin, and convenient for nationwide online ordering, Ola Squid is a choice trusted by many customers. The brand specializes in selected dried squid lines from famous seas like Co To, Cat Ba, Phan Thiet,… with a criterion of no preservatives, no coloring, and maintaining the original natural flavor.

Squid at Ola Squid is carefully selected by size, thick body, natural white powder coating, firmly attached head, and cleanly vacuum-sealed. In addition, the unit also provides complete information about the origin, preservation methods, and processing instructions, helping buyers easily choose the right type suitable for gifting or family meals.

• Homefarm

Homefarm is a well-known imported food and specialty system in major cities. At some times, they sell pre-packaged premium dried squid, suitable for customers who prioritize convenience and modern preservation.

• Ba Kien Specialties (Dasavina)

Dasavina is a unit specializing in regional specialties with many dried seafood products, including Co To dried squid. The product is usually boxed, vacuum-sealed, and suitable for gifting.

• Vung Vinh Seafood

This is also an address chosen by many people when looking to buy dried seafood online. This unit has a variety of squid sizes and supports nationwide delivery; however, you should carefully check product information and exchange policies before ordering.

7. How to preserve Co To dried squid

To keep Co To dried squid delicious and naturally sweet for a long time, you should preserve it properly immediately after purchase:

• You should keep the squid in the freezer, especially after opening the bag, to limit mold and help the squid meat retain its characteristic chewiness.
• If only used for a short time, you can wrap the squid tightly with paper or a zip bag and place it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• You should not store the squid with fresh food as it is very easy to absorb odors, affecting the flavor when processed.
• When needing to process, you should only defrost naturally at room temperature so that the squid meat does not lose its chewiness and sweetness.
• During preservation, if you see the squid showing signs of mold, becoming unusually soft, or having a strange smell, you should not continue to use it to ensure health safety.

Above is detailed information about Co To dried squid prices as well as suggestions for reputable addresses to buy squid to avoid mixed or low-quality goods. If you are looking to buy authentic sea-flavored Co To dried squid, cleanly packaged, with clear origin and competitive prices, don’t forget to visit Ola Squid to learn more. Here there are many lines of dried squid selected by size, suitable for needs from family meals, weekend drinking to luxury gifting, while supporting fast and convenient nationwide delivery.