Our orders are sent out on Mondays so that your package doesn’t have to sit in a warehouse over the weekend. (Tuesdays in the off season. If you order Wild Georgia Shrimp from Tuesday through Sunday, we’ll send it out on Monday. Right now, UPS Ground shipping takes one to three days and costs $30 flat, or 2 to 3 Day Air shipping costs $55. 00. Please check map to see if you are required for 3 Day Air Shipping.
All shipping cost includes everything your Wild Georgia Shrimp needs to make it through the transit. We also suggest sending the package to a business or commercial address to make sure it gets delivered even if no one is home when it gets there.
We ship between 1 and 5 pounds of certified Wild Georgia Shrimp per package using a special measuring tool. 5 inch thick reusable shipping cooler. If you ship perishables through UPS Ground or 3 Day Air and your order arrives broken or not frozen, or if you are not home when the package is delivered, we cannot offer a money-back or product-back guarantee. So all sales on perishable food items are final. The combination of our high quality 1. 5 inch thick shipping cooler and the amount of dry ice we use your package should arrive safely. Our coolers are always tightly packed with dry ice that lasts at least three days, so your goods should always be frozen when they get there. Please use gloves when handling dry ice. ITS COLD!.
We take pride in our ocean-caught shrimp from the pure ocean waters of the Georgia coast. Our Spartina marshes give our shrimp a sweet taste and nice texture that most domestic shrimp can’t provide. When you buy our certified Wild Georgia Shrimp, you help American shrimp fishermen get a higher price, which helps them support their families, fix up their boats, and keep up a way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation on the east coast.
Our packaging facilities are GSA certified, HACCP certified and certified/inspected by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Most ice boat shrimp boats use Everfresh or Sodium Bisulfate as a preservative, but because the amounts are so small, 9 out of 10 test kits don’t even pick them up. WE DO NOT USE sodium tripolyphosphate which is known to increase weight.
As a seafood lover, I enjoy eating shrimp regularly. However I’ve recently learned that much of the shrimp sold in grocery stores contains an ingredient called sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). This common food additive helps retain moisture and prevents shrimp from drying out, but it also has some potential downsides. That got me wondering – where can I find shrimp without STPP?
In this article, I’ll explain what exactly sodium tripolyphosphate is, why it’s used in shrimp its potential health effects, and most importantly where to shop for shrimp that doesn’t contain this additive. Whether for health or taste reasons, you may want to seek out STPP-free shrimp. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Sodium Tripolyphosphate?
Sodium tripolyphosphate, sometimes shortened to STPP, is a common food additive used to help retain moisture and prevent seafood from drying out. It’s often added to raw peeled shrimp that you find in the refrigerated seafood section at the grocery store.
STPP is classified as a phosphorus-based food additive. It binds to water molecules helping block water from escaping. This keeps the shrimp flesh plump and juicy during storage and cooking.
While it serves a useful functional purpose, there are some potential concerns with regularly consuming STPP:
- May promote inflammation in those sensitive to phosphorus additives
- Could contribute to nutrient imbalances and endocrine disruption
- Linked to increase in kidney stones and vascular calcification
- Artificially pumps up moisture levels compared to fresh never-frozen shrimp
For these reasons, many health-conscious consumers look to avoid shrimp containing STPP. The good news is that not all shrimp contains this additive. Let’s look at where to find healthier options.
Why is Sodium Tripolyphosphate Added to Shrimp?
Raw shrimp is very prone to moisture loss, which causes it to become dry and rubbery when cooked. Since properly cooked shrimp needs to be moist and tender, the industry found ways to chemically retain its moisture content.
The most widespread method is to treat shrimp with STPP prior to freezing. Here’s why this process helps maintain quality:
- STPP binds with water molecules in the flesh
- It prevents moisture from escaping during long freezing periods
- The additive keeps the texture supple and stops it from drying out
- Shrimp stays plump and juicy when thawed and cooked
Using STPP allows the shrimp to better withstand freezing, storage, and cooking without sacrificing taste and texture. This makes it very popular with large-scale shrimp suppliers.
However, for those concerned about additives, there are ways to buy shrimp without STPP. The key is looking for either fresh never-frozen options or sustainably farmed frozen shrimp.
Potential Health Effects of Sodium Tripolyphosphate
While the FDA deems STPP safe for consumption in regulated quantities, some health-conscious consumers aim to avoid it. Here are some of the potential concerns with regularly eating shrimp containing this additive:
- May promote inflammation – Phosphate additives are linked to inflammation, especially in those with gut sensitivity
- Nutrient imbalance – High phosphorus intake can throw off calcium absorption leading to depletion over time
- Kidney health – Associated with increased kidney stones and vascular calcification
- Hormone disruption – Phosphate additives may interfere with endocrine system and hormone balance
- Artificial texture – STPP causes shrimp to retain more moisture than fresh never-frozen varieties
Again, these are potential effects seen in some studies on high phosphate additive intake. The FDA approval means STPP is considered safe at allowed levels. Still, those wanting to limit additives and eat the freshest, most natural shrimp may want to avoid STPP-containing varieties when possible.
Luckily, finding shrimp without this additive is totally doable if you know where to shop.
Where to Buy Shrimp Without Sodium Tripolyphosphate
When searching for additive-free shrimp, you have two good options:
1. Purchase Fresh Never-Frozen Shrimp
Fresh shrimp that has never been frozen will never contain STPP or other additives. These shrimp are harvested and distributed while still fresh, rather than being frozen and thawed. Here are some places to find fresh, not previously frozen shrimp:
- Local fish markets – Check specialty seafood shops or fishmongers in your area
- Seafood counters – Stores like Publix and Whole Foods often carry fresh shrimp
- ethnicity markets – Asian and Latin grocery stores frequently stock fresh options
- Local fishermen – If available, directly sourced shrimp will be additive-free
The downside is that most of these sources only carry whole shrimp. You’ll have to peel and devein it yourself. But this is a small trade-off if you want completely natural shrimp with no STPP!
2. Choose Sustainably Farmed Frozen Shrimp
If you want the convenience of peeled and deveined frozen shrimp, look for options that are sustainably farmed. Responsible shrimp farms don’t use STPP or other unnecessary additives. Here’s where to shop:
- Wild-Caught – U.S. wild shrimp fisheries follow regulations to keep seafood as natural as possible.
- Organic Brands – Certified organic frozen shrimp cannot contain STPP.
- Eco-Friendly Companies – Retailers focused on sustainability like Vital Choice.
- Local Brands – Smaller regional frozen shrimp companies tend to avoid additives.
The labeling isn’t always obvious, so you may need to do some digging on their food philosophy. But the extra effort pays off in tasty, high-quality, additive-free shrimp!
The Bottom Line
If avoiding food additives is important for your health goals or food ethos, shopping for shrimp without sodium tripolyphosphate is a smart move. Though STPP is FDA-approved and safe at regulated levels, many people aim to avoid it.
Thankfully, finding additive-free shrimp is very doable. You can purchase fresh never-frozen shrimp or look for sustainably farmed frozen options. With a little label reading and asking around at your local fish market, you can find quality shrimp without unwanted additives. Your taste buds and health will thank you!
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How to Buy The Freshest Shrimp (Hint: Don’t Buy it from the Seafood Counter)
What happens if you use tripolyphosphate on shrimp?
Often also used with scallops, the chemical causes seafood to absorb water, increasing its weight by anywhere from 7 percent to 10 percent. Shrimp treated with tripolyphosphate cooks differently from untreated shrimp. With such a high moisture content, they steam rather than sear when you try to sauté them.
What is sodium tripolyphosphate used for in fish?
Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) is used by some fish producers to improve the retention of water by the protein in the fish. This results in fish appearing firmer, smoother, and glossier. It is commonly used on scallops, shrimp, and flaky filet-type fish such as flounder.
Are tripolyphosphate and sodium bisulfite safe?
Tripolyphosphate and sodium bisulfite are considered safe in low doses by the Food and Drug Administration. However, about 1 percent of the general population in the United States has a sensitivity to sulfites. Tripolyphosphate is generally added to shrimp after it’s been peeled, so to avoid it, try to buy shell-on shrimp and peel it yourself.
How do I buy a pound of shrimp?
The best way to buy shrimp is by the number needed to make 1 pound. For example, “21-25 count” means there will be 21 to 25 shrimp in a pound. The smaller the number, the bigger the shrimp. Names like “large” or “jumbo” aren’t standardized.