Squid and Cuttlefish: Do You Really Know the Difference?
Squid and cuttlefish (totano) are often used interchangeably in professional kitchens. That’s a mistake — and it shows on the plate. Understanding the difference is the first step toward consistently better seafood dishes.
As a B2B food wholesaler in Switzerland with over 2,000 references, we supply restaurants, caterers and food professionals every day. Here’s what you need to know.
The Key Differences
Squid (Loligo vulgaris) has a long, cylindrical body with white, tender flesh. Its tentacle suckers are lined with small teeth — a reliable distinguishing feature for professionals. It can reach 40–50 cm in length and is widely considered the premium product.
Cuttlefish (totano) (Todarodes sagittatus) is stockier and shorter, with firmer, more fibrous flesh and a milder, slightly sweet flavor. Its suckers are smooth. Abundantly fished in the Adriatic and Mediterranean, it is generally more affordable.
In the kitchen: squid is tender, takes marinades well, and excels at fast cooking methods — fried, grilled, or stuffed. Cuttlefish performs best in slow-cooked stews, hearty fish soups and robust seafood sauces.
Why Professional Chefs Choose Squid
Squid flesh is silky and buttery, with a clean, intense sea flavor. It lends itself to refined preparations: stuffed squid, classic fritto misto, black ink risotto. Versatile, visually appealing and consistent across service.
Nutritionally, both are excellent: high-quality protein, very low fat, rich in iron, selenium and zinc. A healthy, high-value addition to any professional menu.
Quality Starts at the Source
Not all squid is created equal. Fishing area, season and processing determine whether you get a mediocre product or an exceptional one. At LAPA, we carefully select every batch — exclusively from verified suppliers, with full traceability, ensuring consistent quality year-round.
We carry squid and cuttlefish in multiple sizes and formats: fresh, frozen, cleaned or whole — ready for your professional kitchen.
Need help choosing the right product for your menu? Call us at +41 76 361 70 21 — we’ll find the right reference for you.