Sea scallops are a delicious and popular type of shellfish that are commonly served in restaurants and enjoyed by seafood lovers. But with fluctuating market prices, how much can you expect to pay for a pound of fresh sea scallops? Here is a comprehensive overview of current sea scallop prices per pound and the factors that influence the costs.
Quick Answer: $10-$20 Per Pound
On average, fresh sea scallops cost between $10 to $20 per pound. The price range accounts for differences in scallop size, type, quality, and where they are purchased. Smaller bay scallops tend to be less expensive, averaging $10 per pound, while larger sea scallops average $15 to $20 per pound. High-end seafood stores and restaurants may charge upwards of $25 per pound for premium jumbo scallops.
Average Price Breakdown
Here is a more detailed price breakdown for sea scallops:
Bay Scallops
- Small bay scallops: $9 to $12 per pound
- Large bay scallops: $12 to $15 per pound
Sea Scallops
- U-10 (under 10 scallops per pound): $17 to $20 per pound
- 10-20 scallops per pound: $15 to $18 per pound
- 20-30 scallops per pound: $12 to $15 per pound
What Impacts the Price
Several key factors determine the retail price of fresh sea scallops:
Size of Scallops
Size drastically affects price per pound. Smaller bay scallops cost less than the larger sea scallops. Jumbo U-10 scallops with under 10 per pound fetch the highest price.
Quality and Freshness
Premium fresh and dry-packed scallops command top dollar pricing. Frozen scallops are cheaper. The fresher and better quality the scallops are, the more they will cost per pound.
Supply and Season
Scallop prices fluctuate seasonally based on supply. They are generally more expensive in the colder winter months when fishing is limited. Prices decline during peak season in late summer and fall when supply is high.
Where They Are Purchased
Prices are significantly higher at upscale seafood markets, specialty stores, and restaurants compared to mass-market retailers. Exclusivity and perceived quality allow some retailers to mark up prices.
Geographic Location
Consumer location impacts pricing too. Coastal regions like the Northeast U.S. generally have lower prices due to closer proximity to scallop fisheries.
Prices at Popular Retailers
To give you a better idea of real-world sea scallop prices, here is what major national supermarket chains, warehouse clubs, and online retailers currently charge:
Grocery Stores
| Retailer | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Stop & Shop | $14.99 |
| Publix | $17.99 |
| HEB | $18.99 |
| Kroger | $15.49 |
Warehouse Clubs
| Retailer | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Costco | $11.99 |
| BJ’s | $14.99 |
| Sam’s Club | $16.98 |
Online
| Retailer | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| FreshDirect | $17.99 |
| Peapod | $19.49 |
| Amazon Fresh | $18.99 |
As you can see, prices vary widely for fresh sea scallops depending on the specific retailer. Discount warehouse clubs like Costco offer lower pricing, while online grocery delivery services charge slightly more.
How Much do Scallops Cost at Restaurants?
Menu prices for sea scallops at U.S. restaurants also cover a wide range, generally starting around $15 per pound:
- Moderate restaurants: $15 to $25 per pound
- Upscale restaurants: $25 to $35 per pound
- Fine dining restaurants: $30 to $45 per pound
These per-pound estimates are based on typical restaurant entrée portion sizes (4-8 ounces) and menu prices in the range of $12-$32 for an appetizer or main course scallop dish. Keep in mind that menu prices factor in labor, overhead costs, and profit margin, which adds to the base price of the scallops themselves.
Trends Impacting Sea Scallop Prices
Looking ahead, sea scallop prices will continue to fluctuate in the coming years. Here are some key factors that will shape pricing trends:
Rising Demand
Demand for scallops has grown steadily over the past decade, as their taste and versatility make them popular on menus. Strong consumer demand will place upward pressure on prices if supply tightens.
Volatile Supply
Scallop supply can be highly volatile year to year, driven by environmental factors impacting fishery yields. Lower catch volumes tend to drive prices up when supply decreases.
Increasing Production Costs
Fuel, labor, and fishing equipment costs have risen significantly for scallop fishermen. These input costs get passed through to consumers via higher retail pricing.
Aquaculture Production
The growth of scallop farming/aquaculture could stabilize long-term supply and production costs, preventing extreme price spikes in the future.
International Exchange Rates
A significant portion of scallops consumed in the U.S. are imported from Canada and China. When the U.S. dollar weakens compared to the Canadian dollar and Chinese yuan, imported scallops become more expensive.
Tariffs
New tariffs or changes to tariff rates can advantage or disadvantage American scallop producers relative to international competitors, impacting domestic pricing.
Substitutes
If prices rise too much, restaurants and consumers may switch to lower-cost seafood like shrimp and tilapia instead of scallops.
Factors That Influence the Price You Pay
When purchasing sea scallops at a grocery store or ordering them at a restaurant, keep the following factors in mind that can raise or lower the price per pound:
- Fresh vs. frozen – Fresh costs more
- Shell-on vs. shell-off – Shell-on costs more
- Dry packed vs. wet packed – Dry packed costs more
- Premium sushi grade – Higher priced
- U.S. vs. imported – U.S. scallops often cost more
- Serving size – Larger portions cost more per serving
- Restaurant vs. retail – Restaurants have higher markup
- Geographic region – Coastal regions often cheaper
Understanding these pricing dynamics can help you get the best deal possible on delicious fresh sea scallops, whether cooking gourmet meals at home or dining out at restaurants. While prices fluctuate, focusing on seasonal deals and bulk buying can help trim costs.
Conclusion
In summary, fresh sea scallops range from $10 to $20 per pound on average, influenced by size, quality, retailer, location, and other factors. While prices remain somewhat elevated due to rising demand and production costs, consumers can still find affordable deals. With some price research and flexibility, you can enjoy premium sea scallops without breaking the bank using the insights provided above.
