How many calories are in 10 cocktail shrimp? A comprehensive guide

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

A 3-ounce serving of plain cooked shrimp contains approximately 84 to 90 calories, making it a low-calorie protein source. The answer to how many calories are in 10 cocktail shrimp, however, depends heavily on the shrimp's size and, more importantly, the sauce it is served with.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 10 cocktail shrimp varies based on size and preparation, especially the type of cocktail sauce used. Healthy preparation methods keep the count low, while store-bought or rich sauces significantly increase the final total. Shrimp are a high-protein, nutrient-rich option.

Key Points

Plain Shrimp Calories: 10 medium shrimp, when boiled or steamed, contain only 60-70 calories.
Sauce is the Main Calorie Source: The calorie count increases significantly with cocktail sauce, which can add 15-30 calories per tablespoon, especially in store-bought versions.
Size Matters: Jumbo shrimp have more calories than medium shrimp. 10 jumbo shrimp can have up to 140 calories before sauce.
Fried is Fatter: Frying shrimp with breading dramatically raises the calorie count, with 10 fried shrimp potentially exceeding 250 calories.
Sodium is a Concern: Be mindful of sodium content, as both pre-cooked shrimp and many commercial sauces can be high in sodium.
Homemade is Healthier: Opt for a homemade sauce to control sugar and sodium levels, keeping the overall dish lighter.

The Calories in Plain Shrimp

Before adding any sauce, the shrimp itself is a lean, low-calorie protein. The calorie count per shrimp is directly related to its size. As a general rule, a medium shrimp contains about 6-7 calories.

For a serving of 10 medium shrimp, the total calorie count from the shrimp alone would be approximately 60-70 calories. This figure is based on the shrimp being boiled, steamed, or poached without any added fats or oils, a standard preparation for cocktail shrimp. The calorie count for raw shrimp is virtually identical to cooked shrimp, as the cooking process does not add significant calories unless fat is involved.

The Calorie Impact of Cocktail Sauce

While the shrimp provides lean protein, the cocktail sauce is often the main contributor of calories, sodium, and sugar. The nutritional content of cocktail sauce varies widely depending on whether it is store-bought or homemade.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Sauce

Store-bought: Many commercial cocktail sauces are high in sugar and sodium. Some brands contain between 15 and 30 calories per tablespoon, primarily from added sugars. A typical serving for 10 shrimp could easily include a few tablespoons of sauce, which quickly adds up. For example, a 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) could add 60 to 120 calories. Some pre-made shrimp cocktail rings list a higher total calorie count due to the sauce included.
Homemade: A homemade cocktail sauce can be a much healthier option. By using a base of low-sugar ketchup or tomato paste and adding horseradish, lemon juice, and spices, you can control the sugar and sodium content. This allows you to create a low-calorie, flavorful sauce that complements the shrimp without the extra carbs.

Factors Influencing the Final Calorie Count

Several factors can alter the total calories in your cocktail shrimp dish.

Shrimp Size

Medium Shrimp: Approximately 6-7 calories each, so 10 would be 60-70 calories.
Large Shrimp: Approximately 9-10 calories each, making 10 shrimp around 90-100 calories.
Jumbo Shrimp: Around 14 calories each, so 10 would be about 140 calories.

Preparation Method

Fried Shrimp: If the shrimp are breaded and fried instead of boiled, the calories increase dramatically. Fried shrimp can contain 25-40 calories per piece depending on the size and coating, meaning 10 could be 250-400 calories.
Butter or Oil: Using butter or oil during cooking will also increase the fat and calorie content.

Sauce Ingredients

Classic vs. Creamy: A traditional tomato-based cocktail sauce is generally lower in fat than a creamy one made with mayonnaise. A creamy sauce, or one with a high-sugar base, will significantly increase the total calories.

A Comparison of Cocktail Shrimp Preparations

To illustrate how different factors impact the final calorie count, consider the following comparison based on 10 shrimp:


Preparation Method	Shrimp Type	Calories from Shrimp (Approx.)	Calories from Sauce (Approx. 2 tbsp)	Total Calories (Approx.)
Boiled with Light Sauce	Medium	65	30	95
Boiled with High-Sugar Sauce	Medium	65	60	125
Boiled with Light Sauce	Jumbo	140	30	170
Fried with Rich Sauce	Large	100	80	180
Fried with High-Sugar Sauce	Jumbo	200+	60	260+

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp

Beyond its low-calorie, high-protein nature, shrimp offers a host of nutritional benefits:

Excellent Protein Source: A 3.5-ounce (100g) serving of shrimp provides almost half of your daily protein needs for under 100 calories.
Rich in Key Nutrients: Shrimp is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including selenium, vitamin B12, iodine, and phosphorus.
Antioxidant Power: Shrimp contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that combats oxidative stress.
Heart-Healthy Fats: Shrimp is very low in saturated fat, and the small amount of fat it contains is primarily heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Conclusion: Making a Healthier Choice

So, how many calories are in 10 cocktail shrimp? The number can range from under 100 to over 250, depending on the preparation. For a health-conscious choice, opt for boiled or steamed shrimp and prepare a low-sugar, low-sodium homemade cocktail sauce. This strategy allows you to enjoy the lean protein and rich nutrients of shrimp without the added calories and sugar often found in commercial sauces. When prepared simply, cocktail shrimp remains an excellent, low-calorie appetizer or meal component, supporting weight management and overall health.

For more in-depth nutritional information on shrimp and how it fits into a healthy diet, you can refer to authoritative sources like Verywell Fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shrimp size directly impacts its calorie count. A medium shrimp has about 6-7 calories, while a jumbo shrimp can have around 14 calories. Therefore, 10 jumbo shrimp contain more calories than 10 medium shrimp.

While shrimp itself is very low in calories, the cocktail sauce is typically the main source of calories in the dish. Many store-bought sauces contain high levels of sugar, significantly increasing the total calorie count.

Yes, when prepared correctly. Shrimp is a lean, high-protein, and low-calorie food that can promote satiety. To keep it healthy for weight loss, stick to boiled or steamed shrimp and use a low-sugar, low-sodium sauce or homemade alternative.

For most people, the dietary cholesterol in shrimp has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels. Shrimp is very low in saturated fat, which is the primary dietary factor that affects blood cholesterol. Concerns about dietary cholesterol are largely outdated.

To create a low-calorie sauce, use a base of tomato paste or low-sugar ketchup. Mix in horseradish, lemon juice, a dash of hot sauce, and spices to taste. This allows you to avoid the added sugars and sodium of many commercial brands.

The sodium content can be high, particularly in store-bought pre-cooked shrimp and commercial cocktail sauces. Checking the nutritional labels is recommended. You can reduce sodium by buying raw shrimp and cooking it yourself, and by making a homemade sauce.

Yes, it is generally okay to eat shrimp every day as part of a balanced diet. It is a high-protein, nutrient-dense food. However, as with any food, variety is beneficial. Be mindful of sodium content, especially if relying on pre-packaged products.