Is shrimp cocktail high in calories?

Shrimp cocktail is a popular appetizer that typically consists of cooked shrimp served chilled with a cocktail sauce made of ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice. But is this tasty starter high in calories? Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition facts.

Calories in shrimp

A 3 ounce (85 gram) serving of cooked shrimp contains:

Nutrient Amount
Calories 84
Protein 18 g
Fat 1 g
Carbs 1 g

As you can see, a serving of shrimp is low in calories, with only 84 calories in 3 ounces. It’s also high in protein and low in fat.

Calories in cocktail sauce

Cocktail sauce is typically made by mixing together ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice. Here are the nutrition facts for a 2 tablespoon serving of basic cocktail sauce:

Ingredient Calories
Ketchup (2 Tbsp) 30
Horseradish (1 tsp) 2
Lemon juice (1 tsp) 1
Total 33

The cocktail sauce only adds about 30 calories to the shrimp cocktail. So the sauce is low in calories too.

Calories in a shrimp cocktail serving

A typical shrimp cocktail appetizer contains about 4-6 jumbo shrimp along with 2-3 tablespoons of cocktail sauce. Let’s put it all together:

Item Calories
Shrimp (4 ounces) 112
Cocktail sauce (2 Tbsp) 30
Total 142

So a single serving of shrimp cocktail has about 142 calories. Of course this can vary a bit depending on the size of the shrimp and exact cocktail sauce recipe.

Is 142 calories high?

To determine if 142 calories is high or low for an appetizer, let’s compare it to some other popular appetizers:

Appetizer Calories (1 serving)
Shrimp cocktail 142
Chicken wings (6 wings) 276-552
Nachos 500-800
Potato skins 321
Cheese sticks (5 sticks) 500

As you can see, shrimp cocktail is very low in calories compared to most other appetizers. Most apps range from 300-800 calories per serving. So at only 142 calories, shrimp cocktail is one of the lowest calorie options.

Lower calorie options

Some appetizers that are lower in calories than shrimp cocktail include:

  • Fresh vegetables and dip – 50 calories
  • Bruschetta on toast – 150 calories
  • Ceviche – 120 calories

But these lower calorie options don’t contain any protein. Shrimp cocktail provides 18g of filling protein per serving, making it nutritionally well-rounded.

Higher calorie options

Popular appetizers with more calories per serving than shrimp cocktail include:

  • Mozzarella sticks – 500 calories
  • Quesadilla – 600 calories
  • Onion rings – 450 calories
  • Chicken quesadilla – 760 calories

Nutritional benefits

Shrimp cocktail packs a nutritional punch for a low calorie appetizer. Here are some of its health benefits:

  • High in protein – Shrimp provides 18g protein per serving, which helps you feel fuller for longer.
  • Low in fat – Shrimp has almost no fat, with just 1g per serving.
  • Rich in selenium – Shrimp is high in the antioxidant mineral selenium, which supports immune function.
  • Good source of B12 – Shrimp contains vitamin B12, important for blood cell formation.

Tips for weight loss

Here are some tips on enjoying shrimp cocktail as part of a weight loss diet:

  • Control portions by sticking to 4-6 shrimp
  • Ask for cocktail sauce on the side and use sparingly
  • Avoid deep fried coconut shrimp which is much higher in calories
  • Pair with a side salad instead of high-cal bread or fries
  • Don’t drink your calories. Avoid soda, juices, or sugary cocktails

Healthy cocktail sauce swaps

To lighten up the cocktail sauce, try these lower calorie ingredients:

  • Greek yogurt instead of mayo-based sauce
  • Grated carrot instead of horseradish
  • Hot sauce or sriracha instead of ketchup
  • Lemon or lime juice for bright flavor
  • Dijon mustard for added zing

Cooking methods

To keep shrimp low in calories, avoid breading or frying. Healthy cooking methods include:

  • Boiling – Boil shrimp briefly until just opaque throughout
  • Grilling – Grill shrimp in a grill basket over medium heat just 1-2 mins per side
  • Broiling – Broil pre-cooked shrimp 4-5 inches from heat for 2-3 minutes
  • Sauteeing – Cook raw peeled shrimp on medium high heat for just 1-2 minutes per side

Is shrimp cocktail keto friendly?

Shrimp cocktail can definitely fit into a keto diet. A 3 ounce serving of shrimp contains:

  • 1g net carbs
  • 18g protein
  • 1g fat

This nutrition profile makes shrimp a perfect high protein, low carb keto food. Just go easy on the cocktail sauce, which contains around 5g net carbs per serving.

Is shrimp cocktail paleo?

Shrimp cocktail works well in a paleo diet when you make some modifications:

  • Use cooked, peeled wild shrimp
  • Make cocktail sauce paleo by using DIY mayo, lemon juice, and horseradish
  • Serve over lettuce leaves instead of bread or crackers

Going for wild shrimp provides healthy omega-3s. overall, shrimp cocktail can be a tasty paleo appetizer.

Is shrimp high in cholesterol?

Shrimp does contain higher levels of cholesterol compared to other protein sources. A 3 ounce serving of shrimp has:

  • 129mg cholesterol

The daily recommended limit for cholesterol intake is 300mg per day. However, dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol levels than once believed.

Shrimp contains many other beneficial nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12 and protein. Enjoy shrimp in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.

Ways to reduce cholesterol

Here are some tips for lowering any potential impact shrimp cholesterol may have:

  • Remove the skin and veins to reduce cholesterol further
  • Limit to 12 medium or 6 jumbo shrimp
  • Grill, boil or broil instead of frying in oil
  • Pair with vegetables instead of high cholesterol foods like cheese

Is shrimp healthy?

Shrimp can be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here are some of the benefits of shrimp:

  • High in lean protein to promote fullness and muscle growth
  • Low in calories and fat
  • Contains omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA
  • Excellent source of selenium, an antioxidant mineral
  • Good source of vitamin B12

The cholesterol content is a concern for some. But dietary cholesterol has less of an impact than saturated fat and trans fats. Overall, shrimp can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Risks of eating too much shrimp

Some downsides of eating large amounts of shrimp often include:

  • High cholesterol – can negatively impact heart health
  • Purine content – may exacerbate gout or kidney stones
  • Allergies – some people are allergic to shellfish
  • Contaminants – potential for metals or chemicals in low quality shrimp

Enjoy shrimp in moderation as part of a diet focused on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, nuts and healthy fats like olive oil.

Sustainability

It’s important to buy shrimp from sustainable sources to ensure healthy oceans. Here’s what to look for:

  • Wild-caught – preferable to farm-raised shrimp
  • MSC certified – Marine Stewardship Council certification indicates sustainability
  • US caught – shrimp from the US and Canada tend to be more sustainable
  • Avoid shrimp from – Thailand, China, Indonesia and Vietnam which have higher rates of contamination and antibiotic use in aquaculture

Seafood Watch also provides sustainability ratings for various shrimp sources. Buying sustainable shrimp supports healthier oceans.

Conclusion

Shrimp cocktail is a light appetizer option, with just 142 calories per serving. It provides protein, selenium, vitamin B12 and omega-3s for minimal calories and fat. Enjoy shrimp sustainably in moderate portions as part of an overall balanced diet.

Quick takeaways

  • A 3 oz serving of shrimp has about 84 calories and 18g protein
  • Cocktail sauce adds around 30 calories
  • A typical shrimp cocktail appetizer has 142 calories total
  • Shrimp provides more nutrition than most other high calorie appetizers
  • It’s low in calories compared to items like wings, quesadillas and cheese sticks
  • Shrimp cocktail offers protein, selenium, B12 with minimal fat
  • Enjoy it sustainably and in moderation as part of a healthy diet

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