Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been on a mission to find the absolute best shrimp cocktail platters you can buy. After trying countless options and doing tons of research, I’m excited to share everything I’ve discovered about where to get these party favorites.
Best Places to Buy Shrimp Cocktail Platters
1. Costco – The Unbeatable Champion
- Price: $15
- What you get:
- Over 1 pound of large, plump shrimp
- Generous portion of cocktail sauce
- Fresh lemon slices
- Fresh (not frozen) shrimp
- My take: Listen up folks, Costco’s shrimp cocktail is seriously the real deal. I’d give it a solid 10/10. The shrimp taste like you made them yourself – they’re that fresh!
2. Walmart’s Sam’s Choice – Budget-Friendly Option
- Price: Under $10
- What you get:
- 38 pieces of shrimp
- Plenty of tangy cocktail sauce
- Nice circular presentation
- Pro tip: Perfect if you don’t have a Costco membership or want something more budget-friendly.
3. Nino’s Premium Shrimp Platter
- Price: $5.99 per person (minimum 10 people)
- What you get:
- 6 jumbo shrimp per person (21-25 count per lb)
- Homemade cocktail sauce
- Garnished with leaf lettuce and lemons
- Perfect for: Larger gatherings and events
What Makes a Great Shrimp Cocktail Platter?
Quality Indicators
-
Shrimp Texture
- Should be firm, not mushy
- Must have a good bite to it
-
Taste Profile
- Fresh shrimp flavor (but not overpowering)
- No fishy aftertaste
-
Cocktail Sauce
- Zesty and tangy
- Good horseradish kick
- Balanced flavors
-
Presentation
- Attractive circular arrangement
- Fresh garnishes
- Clean, appetizing appearance
Tips for Buying Shrimp Cocktail Platters
When to Order
- Special occasions: Order 2-3 days in advance
- Holiday seasons: Book at least a week ahead
- Regular days: Same-day pickup often available
Serving Size Guidelines
- Casual gathering: 4-6 shrimp per person
- Dinner party: 6-8 shrimp per person
- Main course: 8-10 shrimp per person
Storage and Serving Tips
How to Store
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
- Use within 24 hours for best quality
- Don’t freeze prepared platters
Serving Suggestions
- Remove from fridge 10-15 minutes before serving
- Add extra lemon wedges
- Consider having backup cocktail sauce
My Personal Experience
Y’know what’s funny? I’ve probably tried every shrimp cocktail platter available in stores. Sometimes I’ll grab one just for dinner with a martini – no judgment here! The thing about store-bought shrimp cocktail is that even when it’s not perfect it’s still pretty good. But why settle for okay when you can have amazing?
Price Comparison Table
| Store | Price Range | Quality Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | $15 | 10/10 | Best overall quality |
| Walmart | Under $10 | 8/10 | Budget-friendly option |
| Nino’s | $5.99/person | 9/10 | Large events |
Final Thoughts
Look, if you’re gonna buy a shrimp cocktail platter, Costco is your best bet – hands down. But don’t stress if you can’t get to Costco. Walmart’s Sam’s Choice is a solid backup, and Nino’s is great for bigger events.
Here’s my hot take: The best platter is the one that’s convenient for you to get and fits your budget. Just make sure you’re getting fresh shrimp and plenty of that zingy cocktail sauce!
Quick Shopping Checklist
- Check store availability
- Confirm price and portion size
- Verify freshness date
- Ask about advance ordering requirements
- Plan for transportation (keep it cold!)
Would you like me to break down any specific part in more detail? I’ve tried all these options myself and can definitely share more insights!
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The Top 5 Best Shrimp Cocktail Dish in 2025 – Must Watch Before Buying!
FAQ
How much shrimp cocktail for 20 people?
For 20 people, you should plan to have about 5-10 pounds of cooked, peeled shrimp, depending on if you’re serving it as an appetizer or main course.
Is Costco shrimp platter good?
Costco’s shrimp platter is one of its official party trays. It’s been on the menu for ages and stood the test of time for good reason. People rave about this dish, claiming it’s better than the competition. One Reddit user shared their love for the shrimp platter: “I am completely obsessed with the cocktail shrimp.
Does Costco do shrimp platters?
Which Costco Party Platter Is Best? Costco’s shrimp platter constantly receives rave reviews. This simple seafood delight comes with a hefty portion of shrimp, three cocktail sauce dipping cups, and lemon wedges. It serves 20-24 people and costs $39.99.
How many shrimp are in a Costco platter?
Shrimp Cocktail Platter ($40)
For the price of $39.99, this 3.5-pound shrimp cocktail comes fully prepared for sharing, with cooked shrimp (30-40 pieces), cocktail sauce, and lemon wedges.