The seafood market constantly fluctuates, leading many homemakers to wonder how much fresh squid costs per kg or what the most reasonable price is at the present time. To help you manage your budget and easily choose quality products, Ola Squid sends you the latest updated fresh squid price list, detailed by each classification, size, and region right below.

Fresh squid price list by type

The seafood market is very diverse with many different squid lines. Each type of squid has its own flesh characteristics and flavor, so the current fresh squid price also has a clear difference.

Fresh arrow squid price by size

Arrow squid is a popular seafood, favored for steamed, stir-fried, or stuffed dishes. The larger the squid size, the thicker, crunchier, and more valuable the flesh:

  • Super large size (1 – 3 pieces/kg): 350,000VND – 400,000VND/kg (Suitable as gifts or luxury parties)
  • Medium large size (4 – 7 pieces/kg): 280,000VND – 350,000VND/kg
  • Medium size (8 – 12 pieces/kg): 230,000VND – 280,000VND/kg
  • Small size (15 – 20 pieces/kg or more): 200,000VND – 230,000VND/kg.
Mực ống được ưa chuộng cho các món hấp, xào hay nhồi thịt
Arrow squid is favored for steamed, stir-fried, or stuffed dishes

Fresh bigfin reef squid price

Dubbed the “king of squids” for its thickness and sweet flesh, bigfin reef squid is the top choice for grilled dishes or sashimi.

  • Small size (3 – 4 pieces/kg): 350,000 VND – 380,000 VND/kg
  • Medium size (500g – 1kg/piece): 380,000 VND – 420,000 VND/kg
  • Large size / Special hand-caught squid (over 1kg/piece): 450,000 VND – 520,000 VND/kg.
Mực lá tươi là lựa chọn hàng đầu cho các món nướng hoặc sashimi
Fresh bigfin reef squid is the top choice for grilled dishes or sashimi

Fresh cuttlefish price

Cuttlefish has thick, crisp flesh, suitable for hot pot dishes, satay stir-fries, or making squid cakes.

  • Small cuttlefish / Baby squid (cleaned): About 140,000 – 175,000 VND/kg
  • Medium cuttlefish (size from several pieces to 500g/piece): About 180,000 – 220,000 VND/kg
  • Large cuttlefish (size from 1kg/piece or more, fresh and delicious): About 250,000 – 300,000 VND/kg.
Mực nang có phần thịt dày, giòn sần sật
Cuttlefish has thick, crisp flesh

Price of roe squid and fresh sim squid

If you love the characteristic rich flavor of squid roe or the compactness and rich taste of sim squid, you cannot ignore this segment:

  • Fresh roe squid price: 230,000 – 380,000 VND/kg (Price fluctuates depending on the roe content of the squid)
  • Fresh sim squid (small milk squid): About 150,000 – 180,000 VND/kg (Depending on size and roe ratio).
Giá mực sim tươi (mực sữa nhỏ) khoảng 150.000 - 180.000 VNĐ/kg
Fresh sim squid (small milk squid) price is about 150,000 – 180,000 VND/kg

Note: The above fresh squid prices are for reference at the present time. Actual prices may fluctuate slightly day by day, weather conditions, and supply from coastal areas.

See more:

Fresh squid price by region?

Transportation, preservation costs, and consumption demand in each region are different. Therefore, the current fresh squid price also varies depending on geography.

  • Fresh squid price in Hanoi: Ranges from 220,000 to 450,000 VND/kg. Due to transportation from the Central or Northern provinces (Quang Ninh, Hai Phong), preservation costs are higher so prices are slightly higher than the general average.
  • Fresh squid price in HCMC: Ranges from 180,000đ to 550,000đ/kg. Thanks to the abundant seafood source from Vung Tau, Phan Thiet, Kien Giang… the price segment in HCMC is very diverse from popular to high-end.
  • Fresh squid price in the Central region: Ranges from 180,000 to 450,000 VND/kg. This place has the advantage of being close to the sea, seafood docks continuously so people can buy fresh and delicious squid at reasonable original prices.
Giá mực tươi hiện nay cũng có sự chênh lệch tùy theo địa lý
Current fresh squid prices also vary depending on geography

Factors affecting fresh squid prices

Fresh squid prices on the market do not simply depend on output but are also influenced by various factors: from the type of squid, origin, method to fishing time and distribution place. Clearly understanding these factors will help you easily choose the right type of squid for your consumption or business needs and avoid buying goods that do not match the price.

Type of squid and size

The type of squid and the size of the squid are decisive factors for the fresh squid price.

  • Preservation status: Live swimming squid in tanks has a high price due to strict preservation, care, and transportation processes. Meanwhile, frozen squid has a “soft” price if IQF standard frozen right on the ship.
  • Size: Large-sized squid has thicker, crunchier, and sweeter flesh, so it has a higher price. Medium size is preferred because it is easy to process and has a reasonable price. Small size (mixed small squid) has the cheapest price, suitable for daily family stir-fried dishes.

Origin and fishing method

Origin and fishing method also directly affect the freshness and deliciousness of squid.

  • Method: Hand-jigged squid is caught individually by fishermen so the squid body is intact, skin is shiny, meat quality is perfect so the price is always at a high threshold. Trawled/net-caught squid is caught in large quantities by nets, easily bruised and crushed so the cost will be cheaper.
  • Origin: Squid from famous domestic sea areas (Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet…) is rated higher for sweet flesh and has a slightly higher price than imported seafood of the same type.
Giá mực câu sẽ nhỉnh hơn các loại đánh bắt bằng phương thức khác
Hand-jigged squid prices will be slightly higher than those caught by other methods

Season and weather

Fresh squid prices change quite clearly according to seasons and weather.

  • Peak squid season (April – June): Abundant seafood supply, favorable weather for boats to go to sea helps fresh squid prices to be more stable.
  • Stormy season (September – December): Rough seas, boats restricting departure make supply scarce, pushing seafood prices higher than normal.

Purchase location – market, port, supermarket, online

The place of purchase is also a factor determining the fresh squid price.

  • Fishing port: Provides original prices, seafood just docked but you must buy in large quantities to get the original price.
  • Traditional market: Affordable price, however, buyers need experience in inspection to avoid buying squid soaked in water or preservatives.
  • Supermarket / Reputable seafood store: Higher price than the market but with clear origin, commitment to food safety and hygiene and convenient service.
  • Online shopping: Convenient, fast home delivery. However, you should choose reputable specialized seafood brands to ensure receiving standard fresh squid and correct weight.

How to choose fresh and delicious squid without being overcharged

To buy fresh and delicious squid at a reasonable price, besides referring to the fresh squid price list, you should also know how to recognize the actual quality of the squid. Quite a few people have bought poor quality squid or paid higher than the real value. Just by carefully observing a few characteristics below, you will avoid buying stale squid, squid soaked in chemicals, or “padded” with ice to increase weight.

  • Squid body: Prioritize choosing ones with firm bodies, good elasticity (when pressing fingers into the flesh, it quickly returns to its original state). Shiny squid skin, clearly described spots, white parts with a natural pale pink hue.
  • Eyes and tentacles: Squid eyes must be transparent, pupils clearly visible, not blurred or opaque. Squid tentacles and feelers firmly attached to the head; ink sacs inside intact, not broken or crushed.
  • Scent: Standard fresh squid will carry a natural mild salty smell of the ocean. Absolutely avoid ones with a foul smell, stale smell, or strange chemical cleaning smell.

Read now: How to choose fresh and delicious squid that not everyone knows

Ưu tiên chọn những con có thân săn chắc, mắt trong, rõ con ngươi
Prioritize choosing ones with firm bodies, clear eyes, and visible pupils

How to preserve fresh squid after purchase

After buying delicious squid, proper preservation will help retain all the nutrients and natural sweet flavor of the seafood:

  • Preserve in the refrigerator compartment (0-4°C): Suitable when you plan to cook immediately within 1-2 days. You should wash the squid, process the intestines, drain the water, and put it in a tightly covered box to avoid spreading the smell to other foods.
  • Preserve in the freezer compartment (-18°C): Helps keep squid fresh for about 3-6 months. You should wash the squid, divide it into bite-sized portions, pat dry, and seal it in vacuum bags or specialized plastic containers. However, you should use it soon because the meat quality will gradually decrease over time.
  • In case of no refrigerator: You can arrange the squid in a foam box, cover the surface and bottom of the box with a thick layer of shaved ice. This method helps keep the squid fresh for about 2-3 days if you need to transport it far.
Bảo quản mực bằng cách cấp đông trong ngăn đông tủ lạnh
Preserve squid by freezing in the refrigerator freezer

Hopefully, the above detailed fresh squid price list update article has helped you grasp the general market price as well as know how to choose the best seafood. Thank you for following and don’t forget to visit the Blog page of Ola Squid to update more useful information!

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