A half pound of shrimp is a pretty standard amount, whether you’re cooking for one or two. But what does a half pound of shrimp actually look like? It all depends on the size of the shrimp!
Let’s take a look at the different shrimp sizes you might encounter, along with nutritional info and what you can expect to pay for a half pound of shrimp.
How many shrimp are in a half pound?
Shrimp sizes aren’t standardized, so terms like “jumbo” or “colossal” can be misleading. It’s more accurate to measure shrimp size by the number of shrimp per pound. The larger the count, the smaller the shrimp.
For example, a half pound of jumbo shrimp (21-25 per pound) would contain about 10 to 13 shrimp. A half pound of smaller shrimp with a count of 61-70 per pound would yield about 30 to 35 shrimp. A half pound of bay shrimp with a 71/90 count would contain roughly 35 to 45 shrimp.
How much shrimp should you eat?
Nutritionists often consider a half-pound of shrimp to be a single serving.
About 3.5 ounces of bay shrimp contains 90 calories, 17 grams of protein, and 1 gram of fat. Remember, a half-pound is about 8 ounces, so a full serving will have more nutrients and calories.
A pound of cooked shrimp contains about 449 calories, or about 112 calories per 4-ounce serving.
How much does shrimp cost?
Shrimp prices depend on the type and size of shrimp you buy. For instance, half a pound of jumbo shrimp can cost around $12.99. Bay shrimp might cost $11.99 per pound. Also, shrimp may be cheaper or more expensive based on the season and where you live.
In Conclusion
A half pound of shrimp can vary widely in the amount you get, depending on the size of the shrimp. So, when purchasing shrimp, it’s important to consider size, nutrition, and price. And, instead of relying on size labels, pay attention to the count per pound for a more precise measurement.