How to Buy the Best Shrimp, According to a Dietitian

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
·4 min read
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi

Pictured recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp is a beloved shellfish for many reasons. Whether it's in Spicy Shrimp Tacos or decadent Shrimp & Cheddar Grits, there are endless ways to prepare these crustaceans. They also boast some impressive nutrition and are high in protein while being relatively low in calories, making them a filling addition to any meal. That said, it can be hard to know how to pick the best shrimp for your health, for flavor and for the environment. We took a dive into wild caught shrimp, farmed shrimp and other things to look for when choosing what to buy. Here's what you need to know.

Wild Caught Shrimp to Choose

There are over 3,000 species of shrimp but only four wild caught shrimp options that are considered sustainable: pink shrimp from Oregon (a Seafood Watch best choice); spot prawns from the Pacific Northwest; brown, white and pink shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico (except Louisiana); and any shrimp from U.S. and Canadian waters in the northern Atlantic.

Farmed Shrimp to Choose

Although closed-loop farming is the most eco-friendly, labels rarely include information on farming practices. However, here's information you can find:

Check for Preservatives

For best taste and health, limit preservatives. Here are the three to watch out for:

  • Sodium bisulfite is considered safe by the FDA, though some people are sensitive to it. It's only required to be on the label when it exceeds 10 parts per million.

  • Sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) bulks up shrimp, causing them to shrink when cooked. It boosts sodium levels by more than four times in some brands. To figure out how heavily treated your shrimp is, check the label and compare it to this baseline: untreated raw shrimp has a sodium count of about 250 mg for every 100 grams.

  • Everfresh is also used as a preservative to control black spots. It's made of 4-hexylresorcinol, a compound with antiseptic properties (also in throat lozenges). The FDA considers it safe. It doesn't require labeling and is accepted by most organic retailers. But a recent study showed 4-hexylresorcinol can be considered a xenoestrogen, which at high levels may boost estrogen levels, increasing the risk of breast cancer in women.

Shrimp Sizes

The best way to buy shrimp is by the number needed to make 1 pound. For example, "21-25 count" means there will be 21 to 25 shrimp in a pound. The smaller the number, the bigger the shrimp. Names like "large" or "jumbo" aren't standardized. Also, if you're choosing loose shrimp piled on ice, make sure they were thawed that day—and you'll want to cook them the same day. Frozen bagged shrimp offer convenience; when you're ready to use them, thaw under cold running water.

Types of Shrimp in North America

Pink shrimp are found everywhere from the Oregon coast to Florida. They are sweet and delicate.

White shrimp are slightly sweeter with a softer texture and more mild taste. Most farm-raised shrimp are Pacific whites, which tend to be milder with a less ocean-like taste.

Brown shrimp represent the majority of shrimp caught in the Gulf; they have a firm texture and slight iodine taste.

Spot prawns are caught along the rocky floor of the Pacific coast and British Columbia with traps that yield virtually no bycatch. They are generally large, firm and sweet.