When it comes to the world of seafood, squid plays a major role across continents and cuisines. From Mediterranean calamari rings to Japanese ika sashimi, squid has earned a permanent place on menus worldwide. But here’s something most people don’t realize—not all squid is the same. In fact, the types of squid used in the seafood industry come in different cuts, forms, and even species, each tailored for specific culinary or commercial needs.

For restaurant owners, food processors, or seafood importers, understanding the different types of squid is crucial. Whether you’re sourcing squid for frying, grilling, or gourmet delicacies, knowing the right form—be it whole round, cleaned tube, or squid ring—can impact everything from flavor to yield. And if you’re looking for a reliable supplier, CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa stands out as a trusted spices supplier, fishery supplier, and coconut supplier from Indonesia.

Whole Round Squid: The Starting Point of It All

The most basic and unprocessed form in the market is whole round squid. This refers to squid that is freshly caught and simply cleaned of external dirt but not gutted or processed internally. It includes all parts—head, mantle (tube), tentacles, beak, pen (cartilage), and ink sac.

This form is often used in bulk trading or by traditional seafood markets where chefs or processors prefer to do the cleaning themselves. Whole round squid is prized for its freshness and is often used for dishes that incorporate squid ink or require the tentacles for presentation. However, it requires skill and time to prepare, making it less common in modern foodservice operations.

Cleaned Tubes: Convenience Meets Versatility

When speed and hygiene are priorities, cleaned squid tubes offer a perfect solution. This type involves removing the head, innards, cartilage, and skin—leaving only the hollow body (mantle). These tubes are often used for making calamari rings, stuffed squid, or grilled recipes.

Cleaned tubes are highly favored by hotels, restaurants, and ready-to-cook seafood brands. Since they are already processed, chefs save time and reduce waste in the kitchen. Many suppliers also offer frozen cleaned tubes, making distribution and storage easier, especially for export markets.

Squid Rings: The Calamari King

One of the most recognizable forms of squid is squid rings. These are sliced horizontally from cleaned tubes and are the go-to shape for deep-fried calamari. Because of their uniform size and thickness, they cook evenly and offer a consistent texture and bite.

These rings are a staple in global fast-food and casual dining industries. From bar snacks to fine-dining appetizers, squid rings can be found everywhere. They’re also available pre-breaded or seasoned, offering even more convenience. It’s no wonder squid rings are among the best-selling processed squid formats worldwide.

Squid Tentacles: Texture Lovers’ Delight

Often overlooked but equally delicious, squid tentacles are a favorite among chefs and seafood lovers who enjoy varied textures. Once separated from the head and beak, tentacles can be grilled, sautéed, or deep-fried. They have a slightly firmer bite compared to the body and absorb marinades beautifully.

Tentacles are popular in Asian cuisines—especially in Korean and Japanese dishes. They’re also used in Mediterranean tapas or added to seafood pasta. Some suppliers offer tentacles separately, while others package them alongside cleaned tubes for complete utilization of the squid.

Semi-Cleaned or Filleted Squid: A Middle Ground

For those who want more than just a tube but less than a whole round, semi-cleaned squid is an ideal compromise. This type typically has the head removed but retains the skin or internal organs. It allows chefs to perform final cleaning adjustments depending on their culinary needs.

This form is often used in markets that demand specific freshness or texture qualities—like in Spain or Italy where chefs prefer to handle part of the cleaning to ensure quality control. It’s also more affordable compared to fully cleaned options, making it a cost-effective choice for bulk buyers.

Value-Added Squid Products: Marinated, Breaded, or Stuffed

Beyond fresh and frozen cuts, the seafood industry has moved toward value-added squid products. These include marinated squid in herbs or chili, breaded squid rings ready for frying, or even pre-stuffed tubes filled with seafood stuffing or rice.

These products are ideal for retail, airline catering, and frozen food brands looking for ready-to-cook or ready-to-eat squid options. Value-added squid saves time for consumers while providing consistent quality. The demand for these innovations continues to grow in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

Common Species Used in the Seafood Industry

Let’s not forget that “squid” is a general term—there are over 300 species, but only a handful dominate the seafood market. Among them:

• Loligo Squid (Loligo spp.): Known for its tender texture and mild flavor, commonly sourced from the Indian Ocean and Atlantic.
• Illex Squid (Illex illecebrosus): A bit firmer and more suitable for frying, often harvested in colder North Atlantic waters.
• Todarodes Squid (Todarodes pacificus): Found mostly in East Asia, this is popular in Japanese cuisine.
• Uroteuthis Squid (formerly Loligo duvaucelii): Highly valued in Southeast Asia and often exported in cleaned or frozen formats.

Each species has its own unique flavor, texture, and cooking applications, which affect which type is chosen by buyers.

Squid Grades and Export Standards: What Buyers Should Know

When purchasing squid for industrial use or resale, quality matters. Grades of squid are typically based on size, freshness, processing accuracy, and presentation. Common grading labels include “IQF” (Individually Quick Frozen), “Block Frozen,” and “Fresh Chilled.” Some suppliers even offer sashimi-grade squid, which meets extremely high food safety standards.

Export markets also require compliance with specific food safety certifications such as HACCP, BRC, and FDA. It’s important to work with a supplier that maintains full traceability and adheres to international seafood processing protocols.

Meet CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa: Trusted Global Supplier

If you’re in search of a reliable partner for squid products and other Indonesian seafood, CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa should be on your radar. As a trusted fishery supplier, the company provides high-quality squid—including whole round, cleaned tubes, and value-added formats—to international buyers.

But they don’t stop at seafood. CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa is also a dependable spices supplier and coconut supplier, offering everything from nutmeg and clove to coconut cream and sugar. With deep-rooted relationships with farmers and processors across Indonesia, the company ensures transparency, quality, and consistency in every shipment.

Whether you’re a restaurant chain, a frozen food brand, or a gourmet importer, partnering with a seasoned exporter like CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa means better quality control and peace of mind.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Squid Type for Your Business

Understanding the types of squid used in the seafood industry helps buyers make informed choices. From whole round to value-added products, each form serves different culinary and commercial needs. Depending on your target market, food application, and processing capacity, selecting the right squid format can enhance both flavor and profitability.

As global demand for convenient, high-quality seafood rises, so does the importance of sourcing from a trusted supplier. CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa continues to support businesses across continents with premium squid products and a strong commitment to quality and sustainability. Contact CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa how we can provide the best solutions for you. WhatsApp: +62 8213 4505 737, Email: info@bonafideanugerahsentosa.com / bas.mdir@gmail.com.