Fish & seafood

Crustaceans, shrimp, mixed species, raw (may contain additives to retain moisture)

FDC 174210medium (6 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 67 · -8 vs Fish & seafood median

Raw mixed-species shrimp scores 67 of 100 on the density scale, a Good band placing that ranks 42nd of 60 in Fish & seafood, below the category's median of 75. Protein is the standout, reaching 27% DV in the excellent tier, the only nutrient concentrated enough to earn a flag here.

Shrimp this size is typically peeled, deveined, and dropped into a hot pan or boiling water within minutes, with a single medium shrimp weighing only about 6 g raw, so a real serving means a small handful. This entry may contain additives to retain moisture, and it runs high in sodium at 566 mg per 100 g with a notable 126 mg of cholesterol, worth weighing against a day's other salty foods; mackerel or salmon score higher in the same category.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around crustaceans, shrimp, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 13.6 g · 81%Carb 0.9 g · 5%Fat 1 g · 14%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories71 kcal4%
Total fat1 g1%
Saturated fat0.26 g1%
Cholesterol126 mg42%
Sodium566 mg25%
Carbohydrate0.91 g0%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars0 g
Protein14 g27%
Potassium113 mg2%
Calcium54 mg4%
Iron0.21 mg1%
Magnesium22 mg5%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A54 µg6%
Vitamin E1.3 mg9%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 174210

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein27% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the fish & seafood median

Nutrient density67 vs 75 median
Protein / 100 g14 vs 19 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g566 vs 75 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Fish, mackerel, spanish, rawDensity 68 vs 67Fish, salmon, pink, rawDensity 70 vs 67Fish, spot, rawDensity 70 vs 67

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Raw shrimp cook in just a couple of minutes, turning from translucent gray to opaque pink and curling into the familiar C shape, which makes them ideal for quick weeknight meals like shrimp scampi, stir-fries, tacos or a simple saute with garlic and lemon. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm, snappy texture pair well with bold sauces, chili, cocktail sauce, or a squeeze of citrus, and they can be grilled on skewers, breaded for frying, or simmered briefly in gumbo and jambalaya without losing their bite.

Shop for shrimp that smell like the sea rather than ammonia, with shells that are firm and not slimy; note this product may contain additives to retain moisture, which is common in commercially sold raw shrimp. Keep shrimp on ice or in the coldest part of the refrigerator and cook within a day or two of purchase, or keep frozen until ready to use. A medium shrimp (6 g) has just 71 calories per 100 g basis with 13.6 g of protein per 100 g, making it a lean, quick-cooking protein, though its sodium runs higher at 566 mg per 100 g, worth noting for those tracking sodium intake.

Frequently asked questions about crustaceans, shrimp

How many calories are in shrimp?

Shrimp runs about 71 calories per 100 g, and a medium shrimp (about 6 g) is a small fraction of that.

Is shrimp high in sodium?

Yes, this shrimp product has 566 mg of sodium per 100 g, higher than most fresh shellfish, partly due to moisture-retaining additives.

How do you cook shrimp?

Raw shrimp cook in just a couple of minutes in a hot pan, on skewers, or simmered in sauce, turning opaque and pink when done.

View the USDA source record