How Much is a Pound of Shrimp? A Guide to Shrimp Prices and Sizing

Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood loved for its sweet flavor and versatility in recipes. But before adding it to your grocery list or meal plan it helps to know how shrimp is sold and priced. Specifically, how much does a pound of shrimp cost? Well, that depends on the size! Prices per pound vary based on the shrimp’s size grade.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about shrimp prices per pound and how to decipher shrimp sizing. Let’s dive in!

Shrimp Size Grades and Price Differences

Shrimp are categorized by size using a count-per-pound system. For example, “16-20 count” on a bag of frozen shrimp means there are 16 to 20 individual shrimp in one pound. The higher the count, the smaller the shrimp size.

Larger shrimp sizes naturally cost more per pound since there are fewer individual pieces. Smaller shrimp cost less overall since you get more per pound.

Here are common commercial shrimp size grades and average national prices per pound

• Colossal (under 15 count per pound) – $12 to $15 per pound
• Extra Jumbo (16 to 20 count) – $9 to $12 per pound
• Jumbo (21 to 25 count) – $8 to $11 per pound
• Extra Large (26 to 30 count) – $7 to $10 per pound
• Large (31 to 35 count) – $6 to $9 per pound
• Medium (36 to 42 count) – $5 to $8 per pound
• Small (43 to 50 count) – $3 to $6 per pound
• Extra Small (51 to 60 count) – $2 to $5 per pound

Of course, prices fluctuate based on location, season, and specific retailer. But this gives a general overview of how shrimp size affects cost per pound.

Why Size Matters for Cooking too

Shrimp size doesn’t just impact price. It also determines the best cooking methods and dishes to use each size for.

Larger shrimp sizes like Colossal and Jumbo work great for shrimp cocktails, grilling, and dishes where you want the shrimp to be the star ingredient. Medium shrimp lend well to pastas, tacos, soups, and salads. Extra small shrimp are perfect for frying into popcorn shrimp or adding to seafood medleys.

So consider both price and intended use when deciding what shrimp size to buy. A versatile Medium grade might give you the best value overall. Or splurge on Jumbo for a special shrimp scampi dinner.

Spot Prawns vs White Shrimp – Different Species

Another factor impacting cost is the shrimp species. Most store-bought shrimp comes from two varieties:

White shrimp – A warm water species fished from the Gulf Coast. Most common and budget friendly.

Spot prawns – A cold water species from the Pacific Northwest. Prized for sweet flavor but pricier.

Spot prawns can run $2 to $3 more per pound compared to white shrimp. And sizing grade impacts cost the same for both species.

Raw vs Cooked Shrimp Pricing

One more pricing factor to note – raw shrimp versus cooked shrimp cost different amounts per pound.

Raw shrimp pricing uses the standard count-per-pound system detailed above. But cooked shrimp is sold by weight, usually around $7 upwards per pound. This accounts for the 25% to 30% weight loss after cooking.

So 6 ounces of cooked shrimp may equal about 8 to 9 ounces raw. Factor this in when estimating price per pound and servings.

Shrimp Cost Per Ounce Breakdown

For easier price comparisons and meal planning, let’s break down shrimp cost per ounce on average:

• Colossal shrimp: $0.75 to $0.95 per ounce
• Jumbo shrimp: $0.55 to $0.75 per ounce
• Extra Large shrimp: $0.45 to $0.65 per ounce
• Large shrimp: $0.35 to $0.55 per ounce
• Medium shrimp: $0.30 to $0.50 per ounce
• Small shrimp: $0.20 to $0.35 per ounce
• Extra Small shrimp: $0.15 to $0.30 per ounce

These per ounce estimates make it easier to calculate the cost for a specific recipe or dinner. For example, a shrimp taco recipe needing 5 ounces of Medium shrimp would cost around $1.50 to $2.50 just for the shrimp.

Buying Shrimp on Sale

The prices above reflect national averages, but look for sales and deals to save. Stock up when you spot a bargain:

• Frozen bags of cooked Medium shrimp for under $5 per pound
• Raw Jumbo shrimp for $7.99 per pound or less
• Any size under $2 per pound if you plan to use it right away

Ask the seafood manager when they mark down shrimp or have special deals to maximize value. Sign up for store savings clubs for exclusive offers too.

Get the Most for Your Money

To make the most of your shrimp dollars:

• Buy raw over pre-cooked since raw packs more per pound
• Purchase larger bags or bulk quantities for a lower per-pound cost
• Focus on versatility – Medium and Large work great across recipes
• Cook and freeze leftovers in meal-size portions to prevent waste
• Use shells/tails to make seafood stock for extra value

With the right shrimp choice and preparation, you can indulge in delicious shrimp recipes without breaking the budget.

Now that you know how much a pound of shrimp costs and what impacts pricing, you can shop smarter and get the best shrimp for your cooking needs. What great shrimp deals and recipes have you found? Let us know in the comments!