How Much Does 60 Pounds of Shrimp Cost?

Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood, loved for its sweet, delicate flavor and versatility. Whether grilled, boiled, sautéed, or mixed into seafood dishes and appetizers, shrimp is always a crowd-pleaser. But when cooking for large gatherings or meal prepping big batches, bulk buying shrimp can save money. This leads to the question – how much is 60 pounds of shrimp? Let’s find out.

An Overview of Shrimp

Shrimp are decapod crustaceans that live in saltwater habitats like the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. There are over 2,000 species globally, with around 300 found off the coasts of the United States. They are omnivorous bottom feeders that eat algae, plankton and small fish.

The most common shrimp species harvested for seafood in the U,S are

• White shrimp – most abundantly caught along the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts

• Pink shrimp – found off Florida’s western coast.

• Brown shrimp – live in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

• Royal red shrimp – inhabit deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf.

Shrimp are high in protein, low in fat, and packed with vitamins and minerals like selenium, vitamin B12 and iron. They can be purchased raw, cooked, shelled or unshelled, frozen or fresh.

Average Price Per Pound of Shrimp

Shrimp prices fluctuate frequently based on size, preparation style, seasonality and location. But on average, most types of raw, shell-on shrimp range from:

• Small – $4 to $6 per pound
• Medium – $6 to $8 per pound
• Jumbo – $8 to $12 per pound
• Colossal – $12 to $16 per pound

Peeled and deveined shrimp cost a dollar or two more per pound. Prices also tend to increase around holidays when demand is higher.

At a mid-range price of $7 per pound for medium, raw shrimp, 60 pounds would cost around $420. Of course, shopping sales and buying direct from local fishermen can potentially save quite a bit.

Factors Affecting Shrimp Prices

Many factors impact the retail cost of shrimp. Here are some of the main considerations:

• Size – The larger the shrimp, the pricier they are per pound. Jumbo shrimp can cost twice as much as small.

• Preparation – Peeled, deveined, tail-off, and cooked shrimp cost more than shell-on raw. But they save prep time.

• Source – Domestic, wild-caught U.S. shrimp is more expensive than imported farm-raised.

• Season – Prices dip during peak summer and winter harvest times and rise when supply is lower.

• Location – Coastal seafood markets and docks offer fresher options at better prices.

• Supply and demand – Environmental factors like red tide and oil spills impact supply, while holidays and trends spike demand.

Buying and Preparing Bulk Shrimp

When purchasing several pounds of shrimp, here are some tips:

• Check sale ads and stock up when prices drop. Buy extra to freeze.

• For the best value, purchase raw shell-on shrimp and peel and devein yourself.

• Opt for wild-caught American shrimp if your budget allows for the premium price.

• Quickly peel and devein shrimp after purchase. Refrigerate raw shrimp for 2-3 days max.

• Freeze extra shrimp with the shells on for longest shelf life. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

• Weigh out one-meal portions before freezing to make weeknight cooking easier.

• Use within a few months for best quality and texture.

Popular Ways to Serve Large Batches of Shrimp

No matter the occasion, 60 pounds of shrimp can fuel a feast! Here are some crowd-pleasing ways to serve it up:

• Boil or grill shrimp for a shrimp boil with corn, potatoes, and sausage. Provide shell crackers.

• Make sheet pans of breaded, baked shrimp with cocktail or tartar sauce for dipping.

• Load up on shrimp tacos, po’boys, subs, and wraps with cold shrimp and lots of toppings.

• Fill a slow cooker or Instant Pot with Cajun or creole seasoned shrimp. Serve over rice or pasta.

• Mix diced shrimp into jambalaya, gumbo, seafood pasta, chowders, and paella dishes.

• Stuff mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and avocados with shrimp salad for an appetizer buffet.

• Grill shrimp skewers or shrimp kabobs along with chicken and veggies.

No matter which menu you choose, 60 pounds of shrimp is sure to satisfy! Adjust amounts as needed to fit your crowd and budget.