Decoding the Calories in Red Lobster’s Walt’s Favorite Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce

Seafood lovers rejoice! Red Lobster’s Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is a tasty and satisfying appetizer that won’t break the calorie bank. As someone who loves shrimp cocktail, I was curious to find out the calorie count of this popular menu item.

In this article we’ll take a close look at the nutritional information for Walt’s Favorite Shrimp at Red Lobster, both in the United States and Canada. I’ll share how many calories are in an order of shrimp, with and without the accompanying cocktail sauce. You’ll also learn about the other nutrients found in this appetizer.

Let’s dive in!

An Overview of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp

Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is a staple appetizer at Red Lobster restaurants across North America. It features a generous portion of shrimp, served chilled and peeled with the tails still attached. The shrimp are paired with cocktail sauce for dipping.

This appetizer has been on the menu for years and is popular for its simplicity. The sweet succulent shrimp need little enhancement beyond the tart and savory cocktail sauce. It makes a tasty starter to a seafood dinner or can be ordered as a light entrée.

On both the United States and Canadian menus, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is listed under the “Appetizers” or “Starters” sections. It’s priced reasonably given the large shrimp portion.

Now let’s look at the nutrition facts.

Nutrition Facts for Walt’s Favorite Shrimp in the U.S.

In the United States, an order of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp contains approximately 11 to 15 medium shrimp. It’s listed as having the following nutritional information:

• Calories: 260
• Total Fat: 1.5g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Carbs: 12g
• Protein: 28g

The calorie count is for the shrimp only, without any cocktail sauce. The restaurant notes that the nutritional data does not include any customizable add-ons or sauces.

So for just the shrimp, you’re looking at 260 calories for an order. That’s not too shabby when you consider the generous portion size.

But what happens when you start dunking those shrimp in the zesty cocktail sauce? Let’s take a look.

Factoring in the Cocktail Sauce

The nutritional information provided by Red Lobster does not take into account the calorie cost of drizzling on cocktail sauce. But this tangy, ketchup-based sauce does contain calories, sugar, and sodium.

According to MyFitnessPal data, 2 tablespoons (30g) of store-bought cocktail sauce contains around:

• 60 calories
• 180mg sodium
• 12g carbs
• 8g sugar

Since Walt’s Favorite Shrimp comes with a ramekin of cocktail sauce for dipping, it’s fair to estimate you might use 2-3 tablespoons per order.

• If you stick to 2 Tbsp (30g) of cocktail sauce, that would add 60 calories to bring the total calorie count to 320 calories.

• If you use a more generous 3 Tbsp (45g) of cocktail sauce, you’d add 90 calories for an order total of 350 calories.

So realistically, an order of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp with cocktail sauce will provide between 320 to 350 calories, depending on how much dipping sauce you use.

Walt’s Favorite Shrimp Nutrition in Canada

In Canada, the nutrition data looks a bit different for this popular appetizer.

According to the Red Lobster Canada website, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp contains:

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 2g
• Carbs: 12g
• Protein: 24g
• Sodium: 450mg

Again, this is for the shrimp alone without cocktail sauce. The portion size in Canada appears to be 10 shrimp.

When we factor in the cocktail sauce using the same estimates as above:

• With 2 Tbsp sauce, the total is 300 calories
• With 3 Tbsp sauce, the total is 330 calories

The Canadian nutrition information shows Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is slightly lower in calories than the U.S. version. But both provide 20+ grams of protein making it a good light meal.

Walt’s Favorite Shrimp Provides Lean Protein

Regardless of the exact calorie counts, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is a high-protein appetizer.

A serving provides 24-28 grams of protein, which is about half the recommended daily intake for most adults. Shrimp are naturally low in fat and calories while being packed with this muscle-building nutrient.

Protein provides steady, long-lasting energy compared to quick-burning carbs. It also helps keep you feeling satisfied and full between meals.

Pairing flavorful protein like shrimp with the added fill-power of cocktail sauce makes this a well-balanced appetizer option. The protein and fiber help counterbalance the sugars in the sauce.

Other Nutrients in Walt’s Favorite Shrimp

In addition to its protein content, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp provides a good array of vitamins and minerals:

• Selenium: Shrimp is rich in selenium, an antioxidant mineral.
• Vitamin B12: Shrimp contains heme-iron and vitamin B12, both important for energy and red blood cell health.
• Zinc: Zinc supports immune function and wound healing.
• Iodine: The iodine in shrimp supports healthy thyroid function.

So while the calories and protein are the biggest nutritional factors, this appetizer also packs in several key micronutrients.

The cocktail sauce offers a good dose of lycopene from the tomato base. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant.

Tips for Enjoying Walt’s Favorite Shrimp

Here are some tips to get the most nutrition and flavor from Walt’s Favorite Shrimp:

• Use the sauce sparingly. Limit cocktail sauce to 2-3 Tbsp to keep calories moderate.
• Have it as an entree. Enjoy Walt’s Favorite Shrimp as a protein-packed light lunch or dinner.
• Pair with veggies. Balance out the appetizer with a side salad or steamed broccoli.
• Watch the sodium. The shrimp and sauce both contain sodium, so limit if needed.
• Ask for a lemon. Get an extra squirt of citrus over your shrimp for a tangy flavor.

Satisfy Your Appetite with Walt’s Favorite Shrimp

Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is a tried and true classic at Red Lobster. A plate of plump shrimp chilled and peeled makes an appetizing starter to a seafood meal. When dipped lightly in the cocktail sauce, the calories stay reasonable at about 300 to 350 calories per serving. Plus you get a big boost of protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and other nutrients.

Next time you’re dining at Red Lobster, give this tasty shrimp appetizer a try. Use the nutrition tips above to keep your meal balanced. Enjoy those tender shrimp with a squeeze of lemon and dunk of zesty sauce, without overdoing the calorie intake. Walt’s Favorite Shrimp lets you satisfy your seafood craving, while still keeping your health goals on track!