Shrimp is one of the most popular and beloved seafood options around Their sweet, delicate flavor makes shrimp an extremely versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in endless recipes From shrimp scampi to shrimp tacos and shrimp salad, the possibilities are endless when cooking with shrimp!

However finding high-quality fresh shrimp to cook these amazing recipes can be quite challenging. Many grocery stores only offer previously frozen shrimp that have been thawed, resulting in a lower quality texture and flavor. So where can you find premium shrimp worth cooking?

Luckily, I’ve done the research for you on the best places to buy fresh, delicious shrimp! In this ultimate guide, I will share my top recommendations on where to buy shrimp online or in stores for peak freshness and taste.

Buy Shrimp Online

Ordering shrimp online is my top recommendation for getting the freshest shrimp delivered straight to your doorstep. The online seafood suppliers I recommend below have strict standards for freshness and source responsibly from all over the world to bring you ocean-to-plate quality.

Pure Food Fish Market

Pure Food Fish Market, located in Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market, is my number one choice for buying shrimp online. Their selection includes a variety of shrimp types like Gulf shrimp, scallop shrimp, and spot prawns.

Some highlights of Pure Food Fish Market’s shrimp collection:

• Jumbo shrimp options including jumbo scampi and jumbo grilling shrimp
• Shellfish sampler packs with shrimp, crab, and lobster
• White gulf shrimp and salad shrimp
• Shrimp prepared cooked and peeled for convenience

Their online ordering and overnight shipping ensures you’ll receive ultra fresh shrimp direct from their location in the famous Pike Place fish market.

Lobster Anywhere

For East Coast shrimp options, Lobster Anywhere is a great choice. They offer wild-caught New England shrimp in multiple sizes perfect for any recipe. Their shrimp is harvested daily and immediately processed to lock in sweetness.

Lobster Anywhere also has shrimp cocktail platters, grilled shrimp platters, and shrimp mixed with lobster meat options perfect for appetizers. Their online ordering and fast shipping helps provide shrimp fresh from the Atlantic right to your door.

Seattle Fish Company

Another excellent online seafood market is Seattle Fish Company. Their large farmed shrimp selection includes multiple sizes of raw, peeled, deveined shrimp as well as cooked shrimp options.

Seattle Fish Company is a family-owned business with high standards for quality. They have relationships with shrimp farms all over the world to source premium shrimp. I highly recommend them for ordering shrimp online.

Purchase Shrimp In Stores

If you prefer to shop in person, here are the best grocery stores and fish markets for buying high-quality shrimp:

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market is my top choice for buying fresh shrimp from a grocery store. Their seafood team follows rigorous quality standards for sustainability and freshness.

Whole Foods has numerous types of responsibly-sourced shrimp including wild-caught and sustainably farmed. You can find multiple sizes like colossal shrimp as well as peeled, cooked shrimp for fast meal prep. Their fishmongers will even peel, devein or butterfly the shrimp for you!

Check the seafood counter or freezer section at your local Whole Foods for their fresh shrimp selection.

Asian Supermarkets

For the widest variety of shrimp species, Asian supermarkets are a great option. Stores like Uwajimaya, H Mart and 99 Ranch Market have live, fresh-killed and frozen shrimp caught all over Asia.

Some unique shrimp species you may find include:

• Flower shrimp
• Akiami paste shrimp
• Bamboo shrimp
• Chinese white shrimp

The shrimp at Asian grocery stores are extremely fresh and high-quality. You can also discover new shrimp species you won’t find at regular supermarkets.

Local Fish Markets

Search for a local, specialty fish market in your area for access to ultra fresh, seasonal shrimp. The shrimp at small fish markets are often caught daily right from local waters.

Many also have relationships with shrimp fishermen and can request special orders. Stop by your local fish market to chat with the fishmongers about what wild-caught shrimp they have available fresh.

Costco

For buying shrimp in bulk for a great price, Costco is my recommendation. Their extra large raw shrimp packs are perfect for meal prepping shrimp recipes all week long. Costco’s shrimp is responsibly sourced and processed to lock in freshness.

Check your Costco location’s freezer section for their latest farmed shrimp inventory in various pack sizes. The price per pound makes it a budget-friendly option.

Key Tips for Picking the Best Shrimp

Now that you know the best places to buy shrimp, here are my insider tips for selecting the highest-quality shrimp:

• Look for vibrant, translucent flesh without any yellowing
• Ensure there’s no strong fishy or ammonia odor
• Pick shells that are tightly closed around the shrimp
• Avoid mushy or slimy textures when raw
• Check for fresh, firm shrimp that curl and bounce back when cooked
• Ask questions about where and when the shrimp was caught

Choosing shrimp using these guidelines will ensure you pick the freshest, tastiest shrimp for all your recipes.

Conclusion

From incredible online seafood markets to specialty grocery stores, you now have all the information on where to buy the highest-quality, freshest shrimp. With these recommendations, you can skip the shrimp of questionable freshness and low standards. Instead, you’ll have premium, delicious shrimp to create memorable meals for any occasion. Happy shrimp shopping!