The Best Places to Buy Fresh Jumbo Shrimp

Jumbo shrimp are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Those plump, sweet shrimp are a real treat – when you can find good quality ones. Buying sad, mushy jumbo shrimp from the grocery store can ruin a cocktail party. As a seafood lover on a mission to find the best shrimp out there I’ve discovered a few go-to sources for fresh delicious jumbo shrimp.

In this article, I’ll share my top picks for where to buy jumbo shrimp online or locally. Whether you need shrimp for a party platter pasta dinner or just snacking, you’ll find the perfect jumbos after reading this.

Check Out Your Local Fish Market

A dedicated fish market or seafood shop is a good place to start your jumbo shrimp search. Tell them you’re looking for the largest, freshest shrimp they have. Here’s what to look for:

• Shell-On or Peeled: Get shell-on for maximum flavor or peeled for convenience.

• Color: The shrimp should have a natural pink-orange hue and shine, not dull or grey.

• Firm Texture: Raw shrimp should be firm and springy, not mushy.

• Size U10 and U12 shrimp sizes have the biggest count per pound (10 or less, 12 or less).

Local fish shops have frequent deliveries and knowledgeable staff who can pick the freshest catch. The prices vary but expect to pay $12-$15 per pound.

Order Jumbo Shrimp from LobsterAnywhere

For jumbo shrimp shipped right to your door, I recommend Lobster Anywhere. Here’s why:

• Two Huge Sizes: Choose from 16-20 count “Colossal” or 8-12 count “Super Colossal”.

• Sustainably Caught: Shrimp are natural, chemical-free and sustainably harvested.

• Overnight Delivery: Get ultra-fresh shrimp delivered on ice to your doorstep.

• Great Customer Service: The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.

The Super Colossal shrimp especially live up to their name – they’re more like mini lobster tails! At $29-$39 per pound, the shrimp don’t come cheap, but they deliver on quality and convenience.

Head to Costco or Sam’s Club

For bulk bags of peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp at low warehouse store prices, check Costco or Sam’s Club. Here are some tips:

• Check Sizes: Look for 16-20 or 21-25 count shrimp. Lower numbers mean bigger shrimp.

• Inspect Carefully: Make sure the shrimp look freshly thawed with no freezer burn.

• Use Quickly: These thawed shrimp have a shorter shelf life than fresh-never-frozen.

I like to split the big 3-5 lb bags into meal-size portions and freeze what I’m not using soon. The shrimp rings up around $15 per pound – not bad for easy party shrimp platters!

Order Jumbo Shrimp Direct from a Supplier

To save money by buying in bulk direct from the source, look for a reputable seafood supplier like Crab Depot. Here’s what I like about their jumbo shrimp:

• Huge Selection: Choose from multiple sizes including U10, U12, U15 and 21-25.

• Fresh or Frozen: Get fresh shrimp overnighted on ice or opt for frozen.

• Wholesale Savings: Buy in bulk by the 5, 10 or 15 lb box and save.

• Simple Reordering: Save your order info to easily reorder your favorites.

While you have to buy large quantities, the savings of up to 40% make it worthwhile for large events or if you eat a lot of shrimp!

How to Pick the Perfect Jumbo Shrimp

No matter where you buy them, keep these tips in mind when picking jumbo shrimp:

• Check Sustainability: U.S. farmed, Gulf shrimp or look for sustainability certifications.

• Consider Shell On or Peeled: Shell on has better flavor but peeled is easier prep.

• Know How Much You Need: Figure 2-3 jumbo shrimp per person depending on appetizer or entree.

• Check for Sale Dates: Raw shrimp lasts just 2 days fresh or 1 week frozen.