Shrimp isn’t usually what I’d consider a value buy at the grocery store. But as a busy parent, I can’t deny how delicious and convenient it is, so I almost always keep a bag in my freezer.
Whenever I’m standing in the frozen foods aisle, I spend an extra minute comparing my options. I check the price per pound and the size of the shrimp, decide whether I want them peeled or shell-on, and debate whether the jumbo shrimp are worth the extra cost. On a recent shopping trip, one bag caught my attention for an entirely different reason.
Instead of individual shrimp, I found a bag buried under a thick layer of frost, with several shrimp frozen into one solid clump. From my years working in the food industry, I knew that bag wasn’t coming home with me.
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Not all ice crystals are a problem, but they can tell you a lot about how frozen shrimp has been handled and stored. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid a disappointing bag of shrimp before it ends up in your cart.
Prawns Vs. Shrimp
Various types of shrimp displayed on ice at a seafood market
The First Thing To Check Before Buying Frozen Shrimp
A light coating of frost is completely normal. But if you see a thick layer of frost, large ice crystals, or shrimp frozen into solid blocks, leave that bag behind. Those are signs the shrimp haven’t been stored properly and may have experienced temperature fluctuations or been exposed to air, allowing moisture to escape.
While this usually isn’t a food safety issue, it can take a toll on quality. Moisture loss can leave the shrimp dry, tough, or mushy instead of firm and naturally sweet.
