Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! Ever stood at the seafood counter wondering why shrimp prices seem to be all over the place? Well, I’ve done some serious digging to bring you the most up-to-date guide on shrimp prices per pound. Let’s dive right in!
Quick Answer
Shrimp prices typically range from $2 to $15 per pound depending on size and type. The larger the shrimp, the higher the price. Medium shrimp (36-42 count) usually costs $5-$8 per pound while Colossal shrimp (under 15 count) can cost $12-$15 per pound.
Shrimp Size and Price Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay for different sizes of shrimp
| Size Category | Count per Pound | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Colossal | Under 15 | $12-$15 |
| Extra Jumbo | 16-20 | $9-$12 |
| Jumbo | 21-25 | $8-$11 |
| Extra Large | 26-30 | $7-$10 |
| Large | 31-35 | $6-$9 |
| Medium | 36-42 | $5-$8 |
| Small | 43-50 | $3-$6 |
| Extra Small | 51-60 | $2-$5 |
Why Do Shrimp Prices Vary So Much?
Several factors affect shrimp prices
- Size: Bigger shrimp = higher prices (duh!)
- Type: Wild-caught vs. farm-raised
- Season: Prices fluctuate based on availability
- Location: Coastal areas often have better prices
- Processing: Raw vs. cooked, peeled vs. shell-on
Cost Per Ounce Breakdown
For those who like to get super specific (like me!), here’s the cost per ounce:
- Colossal: $0.75-$0.95/oz
- Jumbo: $0.55-$0.75/oz
- Extra Large: $0.45-$0.65/oz
- Large: $0.35-$0.55/oz
- Medium: $0.30-$0.50/oz
- Small: $0.20-$0.35/oz
- Extra Small: $0.15-$0.30/oz
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
- Buy in Bulk: Many stores offer better prices for larger quantities
- Watch for Sales: Seafood departments often run weekly specials
- Compare Processing: Raw shrimp usually gives you more bang for your buck
- Consider Frozen: Often cheaper than fresh and just as good
- Check Count Numbers: Don’t just go by size names – look at the count per pound
Gulf Shrimp vs Regular Shrimp
Y’all might not know this, but there’s actually a difference between Gulf shrimp and regular shrimp. Gulf shrimp come from warmer waters and tend to be a bit pricier, but many folks (including me!) think they’re worth the extra cost because of their sweet flavor.
How Much Should You Buy?
Here’s a quick guide for planning purposes:
- Main course: 4-6 oz raw shrimp per person
- Appetizers: 2-3 oz raw shrimp per person
- Party platters: Plan for 3-4 oz per guest
Money-Saving Pro Tips
We’ve all been there – wanting those yummy shrimp without breaking the bank. Here are some insider tips I’ve learned:
- Buy frozen bags of cooked Medium shrimp when they’re under $5/lb
- Look for raw Jumbo shrimp at $7.99/lb or less
- Stock up when you see any size under $2/lb
- Sign up for store seafood department newsletters
- Make friends with your local seafood counter staff (seriously, they’ll hook you up with the best deals!)
Best Uses for Different Sizes
Don’t waste your money buying the wrong size! Here’s what I recommend:
- Colossal/Extra Jumbo (U/15-20): Perfect for shrimp cocktail and grilling
- Jumbo (21-25): Great for pasta dishes and main courses
- Large (31-35): Ideal for stir-fries and skewers
- Medium (36-42): Perfect for pasta and tacos
- Small (43-50): Best for salads and po’boys
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t judge by size names alone – check the count!
- Remember that cooked shrimp weighs less than raw
- Don’t assume bigger is always better
- Watch out for pre-cooked markup
- Check if prices are for shell-on or peeled
Final Thoughts
Shopping for shrimp doesn’t have to be complicated or super expensive. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll always know exactly what you’re getting and whether you’re paying a fair price.
Remember, the best deal isn’t always the lowest price – it’s about getting the right size and quality for your specific needs. And hey, if you’re cooking something special, sometimes it’s worth splurging on those extra jumbo bad boys!
Now get out there and start shopping like a shrimp pro! And if you’ve got any cool shrimp shopping tips of your own, I’d love to hear ’em in the comments below!
Bringing the Taste of the Gulf to Your Kitchen
If you’re looking for extra jumbo headless shrimp in the shell, Biloxi Shrimp Co. has you covered – no matter where you live in the United States. Our wild-caught shrimp are processed in our facility on the Back Bay of Biloxi, Mississippi, and rigorously inspected for quality. They’re then quick individually frozen and prepared for delivery, using special packing materials.
Each pound of our extra jumbo headless shrimp contains 16 to 20 individual shrimp, depending on their weight. They are packaged in easy-to-store bags, saving you precious freezer space. Your shrimp will be frozen upon arrival – all you need to do is thaw them when you’re ready to cook and enjoy bringing authentic Gulf Coast shrimp into your home.
What Are Extra Jumbo Headless Shrimp?
Our extra jumbo headless shrimp are caught in the warm waters of the Gulf and South Atlantic, where they are able to grow naturally to their impressive size. The heads are then removed, leaving the shells and tails intact. Our extra jumbo headless shrimp are ideal for recipes that involve cooking in the shell.
HOW Many SHRIMP Are IN A POUND | WHAT Is The SHRIMP COUNT?
FAQ
How much is 1lb of shrimp?
How much do shrimp sell for per pound?
In American retail markets, the price of raw shrimps starts at around $6 per pound. Cooked shrimps on the other hand sell at grocers as ready-to-warm frozen meals. As such, they increase the market price of shrimp in US by at least 5 cents.
Why are shrimp prices so high?
Shrimp prices are affected by a combination of factors including production costs, import/export dynamics, and consumer demand. American shrimp tends to be more expensive than imported shrimp due to higher labor costs, stricter regulations, and smaller-scale production.
How many shrimp are in a 2 lb bag?
13-15 Ct. Cooked Shrimp (2 lbs.) 13-15 count cooked shrimp in a 2 lbs. bag.
How much does shrimp cost per pound?
Least expensive. In summary, larger shrimp sizes like colossal and jumbo will be $15 (≈1 hour of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour)-25+ per pound, while smaller sizes like medium and small usually range $4-12 per pound. Beyond type and size, there are a few other factors that affect the cost of shrimp:
How many ounces of shrimp are in a pound?
However, shrimp count is the number of pieces in a pound of raw, uncooked shrimp. Because shrimp can lose up to 25% of their weight after cooking, a serving size is 3 ounces cooked, and approximately 4 ounces raw. The number of shrimp per serving depends on the size of the shrimp.
How many Jumbo Shrimp are in a pound?
In a one-pound bag, you get anywhere from 21 to 30 jumbo shrimp. You get from 5-7 shrimp per 3oz serving and each individual shrimp weighs about half an ounce. What does a pound of shrimp cost? They are sold by graded size, the most common and popular being “10–20” which is about 15 shrimp per pound.
Which shrimp size is best for cooking?
Extra Colasssal (U/10) and Super Colossal (U/12) shrimp are the largest shrimp sizes for cooking. But, when buying shrimp, be sure to look at the counts per pound. Colossal shrimp can be labeled as such, but have a count per pound of 16 to 20, actually making it Extra Jumbo shrimp.
How many shrimp are in a serving?
Because shrimp can lose up to 25% of their weight after cooking, a serving size is 3 ounces cooked, and approximately 4 ounces raw. The number of shrimp per serving depends on the size of the shrimp. A serving of tiny salad shrimp (71+ per pound) is close to 17+ shrimp, while a serving of Colossal (U/15) shrimp is 3 to 4 shrimp.
How much shrimp should I buy per person?
If you’re buying unpeeled raw shrimp, account for the weight lost once the head and shells are removed and purchase about 1/2 lb to 1lb of shrimp per person. If buying peeled and deveined, tail-off shrimp, you can buy 1/3 lb per person to ensure a 3oz serving after the product is cooked.