Hey there fellow Costco shoppers! I’ve been buying those delicious Kirkland Signature shrimp for years, and I know many of you probably wonder where these tasty crustaceans actually come from. Well I did some digging, and I’m excited to share what I discovered about the source of Costco’s popular shrimp products.
The Big Reveal: Kader Exports is Behind Your Costco Shrimp
Let me spill the tea right away – Costco’s Kirkland Signature tail-on shrimp comes from Kader Exports, an Indian seafood processing company. But there’s way more to this story than just that simple fact. Let’s dive deeper into everything you need to know about your favorite frozen shrimp!
Quick Facts About Costco’s Shrimp:
- Farm-raised in Vietnam
- Processed by Kader Exports (based in Mumbai)
- Sold under Kirkland Signature brand
- Pre-cooked and tail-on variety
- Approximately 31-40 shrimp per pound
- Comes in 2-pound bags
- Ready-to-eat after thawing
The Journey from Farm to Freezer
Where It All Begins
Your Costco shrimp starts its journey in Vietnamese farming operations These aren’t just random farms – they’re part of a carefully selected network of suppliers that meet Costco’s strict standards
The Processing Journey
After harvesting, here’s what happens to your shrimp:
- Transportation to processing facilities
- Cleaning and deveining
- Cooking process
- Quick-freezing
- Packaging
- Quality control checks
- Shipping to Costco locations
Quality Control and Safety Concerns
Okay, let’s be real for a minute – there have been some bumps along the road. Kader Exports hasn’t had a perfect record, and I think it’s important to share both the good and not-so-good stuff:
Past Issues:
- 2020 Recall due to potential salmonella concerns
- FDA citations for various issues
- Import alerts related to antibiotic contamination
But Don’t Panic! Here’s Why:
- Costco maintains super strict quality control
- Regular inspections and testing
- Immediate action on any safety concerns
- Transparent recall processes when needed
How to Make the Most of Your Costco Shrimp
Since we’re all here, lemme share some tips on how to get the most bang for your buck with these shrimp:
Best Uses for Costco Shrimp:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Party appetizers
- Salad toppers
- Pasta dishes
- Stir-fries
- Cold shrimp cocktails
Storage Tips:
- Keep frozen until ready to use
- Thaw in refrigerator overnight
- Use within 24 hours once thawed
- Don’t refreeze after thawing
Value for Money
Let’s talk about what you’re getting for your money:
- 2-pound bags offer great value
- Consistent size and quality
- Pre-cooked convenience
- Restaurant-quality at wholesale prices
The Competition: How Does Costco Compare?
Kader Exports actually supplies shrimp to several other brands too:
- Aqua Star Reserve
- Censea
- Unistar
- Tops
- Fresh Market
- Wellsley Farms
But here’s the thing – Costco’s Kirkland version often offers better value for essentially the same product. #WinningAtShopping
Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
We gotta talk about the elephant in the room – farm-raised shrimp has gotten some bad press. But here’s what you should know:
Pros:
- Controlled farming conditions
- Reduced pressure on wild populations
- Consistent supply chain
- More affordable prices
Cons:
- Environmental impacts of farming
- Antibiotic use concerns
- Habitat modification issues
Pro Tips for Buying and Using Costco Shrimp
After years of buying these shrimp, here are my personal pro tips:
-
Best Time to Buy:
- Watch for sales during holiday seasons
- Stock up during seafood promotions
- Check for markdowns near expiration dates
-
Quality Check:
- Look for intact packaging
- Check for ice crystals (could indicate thawing/refreezing)
- Verify the expiration date
-
Usage Ideas:
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great for bulk cooking
- Excellent party food option
Final Thoughts
Listen, I’ve been buying Costco shrimp for years, and despite some hiccups with the supplier, I still think it’s one of the best values in the frozen seafood section. The combination of quality, convenience, and price is pretty hard to beat.
Quick Decision Guide:
Buy Costco shrimp if you:
- Want convenient, ready-to-eat seafood
- Cook in bulk
- Need reliable quality
- Love a good deal
Maybe skip if you:
- Prefer wild-caught only
- Need super-fresh seafood
- Want smaller quantities
Remember, while Kader Exports has had some issues in the past, Costco’s commitment to quality means they’re constantly monitoring and improving their products. I still feel confident buying and serving these shrimp to my family.
Would you like me to break down any specific aspect of this information further? Drop a comment below with your questions or share your favorite way to prepare Costco shrimp!
Note: Information accurate as of August 2025. Prices and availability may vary by location.
Trident Seafoods Fish Sticks
While your kid may beg you to buy fish sticks while shopping at Costco, these frozen fish sticks are covered in a thick, Panko breading that overwhelm the scant and bland fish inside, customers say. As one Redditor points out, “[There was] a lot of breading for the little chunk of fish inside.”
Nutritionally, three sticks offer 12 grams of protein, which isnt great, and they also contain a significant amount of sodium.
Kirkland Signature Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi is a popular choice for seafood lovers due to its fleshy, neutral-tasting meat that can be incorporated into many different dishes. But when it comes to Costcos brand of mahi mahi, Redditors say it does not live up to expectations. “Ive never been a fan of their mahi,” writes one user, adding, “It was always kind of tough and fishy in my opinion. I quit buying it a few years ago.”
In fact, “[Costcos] bagged frozen fish in general isnt good,” one user points out. When it comes to fish, sometimes buying fresh, non-frozen varieties is the better choice.
Costco Meat & Seafood Review with @Drberg
FAQ
Is Costco shrimp ethically sourced?
As with wild species, we support leading organizations that set standards for responsible practices. One key organization is the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC; asc-aqua.org). Our goal is to purchase shrimp, salmon, tilapia and other seafood from ASC-certified farms.
Is Kirkland Wild Argentine shrimp wild-caught?
Quick Facts
Discover the exquisite taste of Costco Kirkland Signature Wild Argentine Raw Shrimp. This 2-pound pack features high-quality, wild-caught shrimp, known for their sweet flavor and firm texture.
Is shrimp at Costco good?
Costco’s store brand Kirkland Signature offers a variety of raw and cooked peeled and deveined shrimp, prepared shrimp products, and wild-caught red Argentine shrimp. These jumbo, tail-off, peeled, and deveined red shrimp from Argentina are a must-buy seafood from Costco, as they are sweet, plump, meaty, and tender.