Which is Bigger – Jumbo or Colossal Shrimp?

As a seafood lover, you may have noticed that shrimp come in different sizes like jumbo and colossal. But which size is actually bigger – jumbo or colossal shrimp? Let’s explore the key differences between these two popular shrimp sizes.

How Shrimp Sizes Work

In the seafood industry, shrimp sizes are categorized by the number of individual shrimp in a one pound bag. The smaller the number, the larger the shrimp size. For example, a size of 16/20 indicates 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. A size of 51/60 means there are 51 to 60 shrimp in a one pound bag.

Some key shrimp size ranges are

• Colossal – 16-20 shrimp per pound
• Jumbo – 21-30 shrimp per pound
• Large – 31-40 shrimp per pound
• Medium – 41-60 shrimp per pound
• Small – 61-90 shrimp per pound

So as a general rule, colossal shrimp are larger in size compared to jumbo shrimp since colossal indicates fewer shrimp per pound.

Comparing Jumbo and Colossal Shrimp

Let’s take a deeper dive into the size differences between jumbo and colossal shrimp

Jumbo Shrimp

• Size range is typically 21-30 shrimp per pound
• You’ll get 5-7 jumbo shrimp per 3 oz serving
• Each jumbo shrimp weighs around 1/2 ounce

Jumbo shrimp are a popular choice for appetizers, stir fries, pastas, and more. Their medium-large size makes them versatile for many recipes.

Colossal Shrimp

• Size range is 16-20 shrimp per pound
• A one pound bag contains just 4-5 colossal shrimp
• Each colossal shrimp weighs approximately 3/4 ounce

Colossal shrimp are extra large in size. Their humongous size makes them perfect for shrimp cocktails or stuffing. You’ll often see colossal shrimp as the star of a dish.

Visual Size Comparison

To give you a visual size comparison, colossal shrimp are noticeably larger than jumbo shrimp Think of colossal as the giant jumbo shrimp

Here’s a side by side look at both sizes:

As you can see, the colossal shrimp on the right is clearly bigger than the jumbo shrimp on the left. You can really see and taste the size difference when eating them.

Cooking Time Differences

Due to their larger size, colossal shrimp take a bit longer to cook than jumbo shrimp:

• Jumbo shrimp take about 8-10 minutes to bake or grill
• Colossal shrimp need 12-15 minutes to fully bake or grill

So adjust your cooking times accordingly when preparing jumbo vs colossal shrimp. The extra large colossal shrimp will need more time to cook through.

Best Uses for Each Size

When should you choose jumbo shrimp vs colossal shrimp?

Jumbo shrimp are extremely versatile. Their smaller size makes them ideal for:

• Stir fries
• Fajitas or tacos
• Pasta dishes like shrimp scampi
• Appetizers like shrimp cocktail
• Salads and wraps

Colossal shrimp really shine when they are the star of the dish. Perfect uses include:

• Grilled or baked as an entree
• Stuffed with crab meat
• In shrimp cocktails or platters
• Shrimp skewers or kabobs

• Use jumbo for everyday recipes when you want a medium-large shrimp size
• Choose colossal when you want an extra large showstopper shrimp

Price Differences

With their larger size, colossal shrimp typically cost a little bit more per pound compared to jumbo shrimp. However, since colossal means you are getting fewer total shrimp, the price per shrimp itself is higher.

Here are some average price comparisons:

• Jumbo shrimp: $8 to $15 per pound
• Colossal shrimp: $15 to $25 per pound

So you’ll want to factor in the price difference when deciding between jumbo and colossal. Jumbo offers a great value, while colossal is perfect for a special occasion splurge.

Which is Better?

The answer comes down to your recipe needs and budget.

For everyday seafood recipes, jumbo shrimp provide lots of tasty flavor and versatility at a budget-friendly price point.

When you want to impress or treat yourself, choose colossal shrimp for their wow factor extra large size and ultra sweet meat.

So now you know the real size difference between these two popular shrimp choices. With this handy guide, you can pick the perfect shrimp size for any recipe or occasion!