Should You Be Buying More Shrimp Right Now?

Pass the cocktail sauce, because when it comes to trendy seafood, shrimp is leading the charge. While this shellfish has been a family favorite for decades as the most consumed seafood in the U.S., more and more restaurants—including many popular chains—are highlighting this protein as an affordable luxury. What’s all the hype about? Is this inexpensive shrimp as wholesome as it seems, or are there other factors you should be aware of before making plans to hit up the peel-and-eat buffet?

It’s undeniable that there’s a lot to love about shrimp. Its salty sweetness is not only delicious, but it also complements a variety of flavors and cuisines. From Italian to Mexican, Cajun to Asian, shrimp can be found around every corner of the culinary landscape. Plus, shrimp are super quick-cooking and readily available in various forms—shell on, tail on, deveined, shelled, fresh, frozen—making them the perfect choice for a busy weeknight supper.

Beyond its tasty flavor, shrimp is also highly nutritious. In 3 ounces, you’ll find an impressive 17 grams of protein. Given how trendy protein is these days, you can see why consumers can’t get enough of this shellfish. Protein helps us build healthy tissue, especially muscle, throughout the body while providing lasting energy. Shrimp also contains phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium, choline, vitamin E, and B vitamins, including niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, and B12. These micronutrients support our immune system, bone, brain, and thyroid health, promoting efficient energy metabolism and tissue formation.

Quite possibly, the most appealing aspect of shrimp these days is its price, with the most affordable of varieties at just over $5 per pound. Compare this to the minimum $10 to $11 (and