Can You Still Find Shrimp Cocktail in a Jar? A Nostalgic Snack’s Story

Shrimp cocktail in a jar – it’s a total throwback appetizer that so many of us remember from childhood. That iconic jar filled with plump pink shrimp swimming in tangy ketchup-y sauce It was a staple at pretty much every party, barbecue, or family gathering But in today’s world of trendy small-plate apps and artisan ingredients, does this retro favorite still have a place? Can you even still buy shrimp cocktail in a jar? I decided to dig into this tasty little piece of culinary history and find out.

A Blast from the Past

Shrimp cocktail has been around since the early 1900s, when it started appearing on the menus of fancy hotels and restaurants. Back then, shrimp was a true delicacy and eating it was seen as very sophisticated It wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that shrimp cocktail graduated from fancy restaurant fare to mainstream party food Manufacturers started mass-producing shrimp cocktail in jars and cans, making it affordable and accessible for everyday folks.

Brands like Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, and StarKist turned shrimp cocktail into a ubiquitous appetizer found at supermarket shelves across America. For decades, pulling out a jar of shrimp cocktail was an easy way to start any party or family dinner. It was simple, classic, and somehow felt celebratory.

The Decline of a Legendary App

But over the years, shrimp cocktail’s popularity started to wane. As people became more health conscious, the high sodium and preservative content of jarred shrimp cocktail fell out of favor. Additionally, preparing fresh seafood and concocting creative new apps from scratch became trendy. Why buy a mass-produced jar when you could wow your friends with an artisanal chimichurri shrimp cocktail or Thai coconut shrimp?

By the 2000s, shrimp cocktail in a jar seemed antiquated and uncool. Some brands discontinued their jarred shrimp cocktail products altogether. It looked like this Blast from the Past appetizer was destined for the dustbins of food history.

The Nostalgia Factor

But nostalgia is a powerful force, especially when it comes to food. Even as foodie culture elevated expectations for creative appetizers, some people still craved the simple, timeless flavor of that ketchup-sauced shrimp in a jar. Maybe it brought back happy childhood memories of big family cookouts. Or it was a beloved recipe passed down from Mom or Grandma.

Whatever the reason, the nostalgia factor allowed shrimp cocktail in a jar to maintain a small but loyal fan base. Specialty food stores and online retailers kept a select few jarred shrimp cocktail products in stock for those craving a taste of the past.

Hunting for Shrimp Cocktail Today

So can you still buy shrimp cocktail in a jar today? The short answer is yes, but it’s not as easy to find and you have far fewer choices than decades past. Major grocery store chains like Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and Winn-Dixie no longer carry jarred shrimp cocktail on their shelves. Big brands like Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea have mostly moved away from this product, focusing on other seafood offerings instead.

Your best bet for locating jarred shrimp cocktail is to check with specialty food stores or online retailers. Dean & DeLuca and igourmet.com are two sources that still carry a few select gourmet shrimp cocktail jar products, though stock seems limited. The iconic Sau-Sea brand offers several shrimp cocktail selections on its website, including traditional jars. Smaller brands like Mariner’s Choice also continue marketing nostalgic-style jarred shrimp cocktails.

Be prepared to pay more for the privilege though, with most jars retailing for $15-$25. The days of grabbing a 99 cent can of shrimp cocktail at the corner store are clearly over.

Make Your Own Cocktail

Of course, with a little effort you can always recreate this retro appetizer at home. Here are some tips:

• Use sustainably-caught shrimp from your local fish market. Go for raw shrimp and cook them yourself.

• Chill the shrimp once cooked. Peel, devein, and slice into pieces if desired.

• Make your own cocktail sauce. The classic combo is ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Adjust amounts to your taste.

• Layer shrimp and sauce in jars or glasses. Garnish with lemon wedges.

• For added flavor, sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, diced avocado, or cilantro.

While not as convenient as the store-bought version, a homemade shrimp cocktail reminds us why this recipe has stood the test of time. The tender shrimp, the zesty sauce, and the retro presentation in a mason jar makes for an appetizer full of nostalgic charm.

Verdict: A Delicious Blast from the Past

Shrimp cocktail in a jar may never again achieve the widespread popularity it enjoyed during its mid-century heyday. But for those craving a tangy, briny taste of the past, it’s still possible to get your hands on this iconic appetizer. A few specialty brands continue to produce jarred shrimp cocktails, though likely in limited supplies.

Nostalgic foodies seeking this retro favorite may need to get creative and whip up homemade versions instead. So while shrimp cocktail’s glory days are behind it, this vintage snack still has its fans. Because sometimes, we all need a tasty little reminder of simpler times.