Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood choices, be it grilled, sautéed, or used in pasta and rice dishes. Many people buy bags of frozen shrimp to always have it handy for recipes. But what if you discover those frozen shrimp are past their printed expiration date? Should you toss them or can you still dig in?
A lot of people are confused about this question: how long does frozen shrimp last after the expiration date? Let’s look into the answers in more depth.
Understanding Shrimp Expiration Dates
First, it’s important to understand what the expiration date on a package of frozen shrimp signifies. This date is the manufacturer’s estimate for when the frozen shrimp reaches peak quality and freshness. It does not mean the shrimp will be spoiled or unsafe to eat after that date.
The printed expiration dates on frozen shrimp packages are usually labeled as:
- Best By
- Use By
- Best Before
- Sell By
These dates serve as a guide, but frozen shrimp that has been properly stored and handled can actually last well beyond that timeframe.
How Long Frozen Shrimp Remains Safe to Eat
According to food safety experts, quality frozen shrimp that has been continuously stored at 0°F or below can safely be eaten for an indefinite period, provided the packaging remains intact
However, while frozen shrimp won’t make you sick beyond the expiration date, its texture and flavor will slowly deteriorate over time. For best taste and texture, it’s ideal to eat frozen cooked shrimp within 12 months and frozen raw shrimp within 12 to 18 months after the package date.
But if you thaw and cook frozen shrimp well before eating it, keeping it for up to two years after its expiration date shouldn’t be bad for your health.
Proper Storage Is Key for Longevity
To get the longest safe and quality shelf life out of frozen shrimp, proper storage is crucial. Here are some storage tips:
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Store shrimp in airtight packaging in the coldest part of the freezer, at 0°F or below.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations that cause the shrimp to partially thaw then re-freeze, which impacts texture.
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Prevent freezer burn by limiting exposure to air. Use airtight containers or bags.
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Stack packages tightly and neatly in the freezer to maintain consistent temperature.
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Don’t overcrowd the freezer which can hinder cold air circulation.
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Avoid prolonged openings of the freezer door which lets in warm air.
Following these guidelines provides the best environment for frozen shrimp to last many months past its printed expiration date.
Signs Your Frozen Shrimp Has Spoiled
While frozen shrimp keeps a long time, it can eventually degrade in quality and spoil. Look for these signs your frozen shrimp is no longer good:
- Unpleasant, strong fishy odor
- Flesh is gray, yellow or brown
- Presence of ice crystals or freezer burn
- Dry, shriveled texture
- Dull, slimy appearance
Any frozen shrimp displaying these signs should be discarded rather than eaten. Always inspect and smell frozen shrimp before thawing, cooking, and consuming.
Thawing & Cooking Expired Frozen Shrimp
To safely eat frozen shrimp beyond the expiration date, proper thawing and cooking are vital steps. Here are some tips:
- Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- You can also submerge the bagged shrimp in cold water to gradually thaw it.
- Avoid microwaving frozen shrimp to thaw, as this causes uneven cooking.
- Thoroughly cook the thawed shrimp all the way through until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Boiling, grilling, sautéing, and baking are safe cooking methods.
Taking these precautions kills any harmful bacteria present and prevents foodborne illness from consuming expired shrimp.
The Bottom Line
While shrimp is best consumed closer to its printed expiration date for premium quality, frozen shrimp can safely be eaten 9 to 12 months, and possibly longer, past the date on the package assuming proper freezer storage.
Check for odor, appearance, and texture to spot spoiled shrimp. Safely thaw and cook expired frozen shrimp prior to eating to reduce your risk. Following sound storage and handling practices allows you to fully enjoy frozen shrimp without worrying about the expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about frozen shrimp expiration dates:
How long can you store frozen raw shrimp?
Frozen raw shrimp maintains top quality for about 12 months but stays safe for approximately 18 months if kept constantly frozen at 0°F.
Can I eat frozen cooked shrimp that expired 6 months ago?
It should be safe if the packaging is intact and has been continually frozen. But inspect it carefully before thawing and cooking for any signs of spoilage.
What happens if you freeze shrimp after the expiration date?
If frozen shortly after the printed date, the shrimp can gain some additional shelf life. But quality still diminishes over time, so it’s best to freeze shrimp by the date.
Is it bad if my frozen shrimp has some freezer burn?
Freezer burn on frozen shrimp indicates quality loss, not safety concerns. The texture becomes tough and dry but it’s still OK to eat if you thaw and cook it properly.
How can you tell if previously frozen shrimp has gone bad?
Signs of spoiled, previously frozen shrimp include foul fishy odor, mushy textured flesh, dull or slimy appearance, and unnatural coloring. Discard any shrimp displaying these qualities.
If frozen shrimp smells fishy, is it still safe to cook?
No, a noticeably strong fishy odor in frozen shrimp means it has spoiled and should be thrown away. Do not prepare or eat shrimp with an unpleasant or “off” smell.
Can I refreeze shrimp after it has thawed?
It is unsafe to refreeze shrimp after thawing. Thawed shrimp should be cooked immediately and any leftovers properly refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Is it fine to eat expired frozen shrimp if I cook it thoroughly?
Yes, expired frozen shrimp can be safely eaten if thawed properly and cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 145°F which kills harmful bacteria.
What happens if I eat bad frozen shrimp?
Consuming spoiled, expired frozen shrimp puts you at risk for food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and abdominal cramps.
How can you maintain quality of frozen shrimp beyond the expiration date?
Proper storage at 0°F or below and minimizing freezer burn will help maintain quality. But flavor and texture will still diminish over time beyond the printed date.
Following safe storage, handling, thawing and cooking enables you to safely consume frozen shrimp well past its printed expiration date on the package.
