How many calories are in frozen shrimp?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of cooked, unbreaded shrimp contains approximately 84 calories, making it a low-calorie, high-protein food. The calorie count for frozen shrimp, however, can vary significantly depending on whether it's raw or breaded, and how it's prepared. This guide explores the specifics of how many calories are in frozen shrimp and provides a breakdown of its nutritional content.

Quick Summary

This article details the calorie count of frozen shrimp, distinguishing between raw and pre-cooked varieties. It explains how cooking methods and added ingredients affect the final calorie total, and provides a comprehensive nutritional breakdown to assist with meal planning.

Key Points

Raw vs. Cooked: The initial frozen state adds no calories; the final calorie count depends on preparation.
Low-Calorie Protein: A 3-ounce serving of cooked, unbreaded shrimp has around 84 calories.
Breading Adds Calories: Pre-breaded and fried shrimp can easily double or triple the calorie count compared to raw shrimp.
Cooking Method Matters: Boiling, steaming, and grilling are low-calorie methods, while frying adds significant calories.
Excellent Nutrient Source: Shrimp provides lean protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Read the Label: Always check the nutrition label on packaged frozen shrimp to understand its specific calorie and macronutrient content.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Frozen Shrimp

When considering how many calories are in frozen shrimp, it's essential to understand that the initial raw product is very lean and low in calories. The freezing process itself does not add any calories. The main factors that influence the final calorie count are whether the shrimp is breaded, pre-cooked, or seasoned, and the method used for cooking.

Raw Frozen Shrimp: The Baseline

Raw frozen shrimp is the most straightforward option for calorie counters. Per 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving, raw shrimp contains around 99 to 119 calories, with the majority of those calories coming from its high protein content. It has minimal fat and virtually no carbohydrates. This makes it an excellent choice for those on low-carb, keto, or high-protein diets.

Here is a simple breakdown of the macronutrients in 100 grams of raw shrimp:

Protein: Approximately 23 to 24 grams.
Fat: Around 1 to 2 grams.
Carbohydrates: Less than 2 grams.

Breaded Frozen Shrimp: A Calorie-Dense Alternative

For convenience, many people opt for pre-breaded frozen shrimp. While delicious, this choice dramatically increases the calorie count. The breading adds carbohydrates and fat, and the frying process adds even more fat and calories. A single serving of breaded and fried shrimp can easily exceed 200 calories, with many brands having significantly higher counts depending on the thickness of the breading. Always check the nutrition label, as the calorie content can differ significantly between brands.

How Preparation Method Impacts Calories

The way you prepare frozen shrimp after thawing has the biggest impact on its caloric value. Consider these options:

Boiling or Steaming: These methods add no extra calories, preserving the naturally low-calorie state of the shrimp. A 3-ounce serving remains at around 84-90 calories.
Grilling or Sautéing: Using a minimal amount of olive oil or a light spice rub keeps the calories low, typically in the range of 85-95 calories for a 3-ounce portion.
Frying: Whether you deep-fry or pan-fry with a lot of oil, this method drastically increases calories. A 3-ounce serving of fried shrimp could be 200 calories or more.

Nutritional Comparison: Raw vs. Breaded Frozen Shrimp

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table based on a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving, using average values sourced from various nutritional databases.


Nutrient	Raw, Unprepared Frozen Shrimp	Breaded, Fried Frozen Shrimp
Calories	~84 kcal	~200+ kcal
Protein	~20 g	~13 g
Fat	~0.5 g	~10 g+
Carbohydrates	~0 g	~20 g+
Sodium	~94 mg	~300 mg+

Choosing the Healthiest Option

For those focused on weight management and overall health, opting for raw frozen shrimp and preparing it with a low-calorie cooking method is the best choice. It provides a significant amount of lean protein and essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus, without the added fats and carbs of breading. For more nutritional details, the Food and Drug Administration offers helpful resources on understanding nutrition labels.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

In summary, the number of calories in frozen shrimp is not a fixed figure. While raw, frozen shrimp is a fantastic, low-calorie protein source, the final calorie count depends heavily on how it is processed and prepared. For the healthiest option, choose raw frozen shrimp and cook it by boiling, steaming, or grilling. If you opt for breaded versions, be mindful of the significant increase in calories and prepare them accordingly to manage your intake effectively. By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions that support your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the freezing process itself does not add or subtract calories from the shrimp. The calorie count of frozen shrimp is the same as fresh shrimp of the same size and type, assuming no additional ingredients or processing have occurred.

The calorie count is based on weight, not the number of shrimp. For example, a 100-gram serving of small shrimp will have a similar calorie count to 100 grams of large shrimp. You would simply have more individual pieces of smaller shrimp to make up the same weight.

From a nutritional standpoint, raw frozen shrimp is often the healthier choice as it gives you full control over the cooking method and ingredients. Pre-cooked shrimp, while convenient, may have added sodium or other seasonings.

The difference is significant. A 3-ounce serving of boiled or steamed shrimp has about 84-90 calories. The same amount, if breaded and fried, can have 200 calories or more due to the added fat and carbohydrates.

The calorie count is generally not affected by whether the shrimp is wild-caught or farmed. Both are very similar in terms of basic macronutrient profiles.

Besides being an excellent source of protein, frozen shrimp is rich in micronutrients. It contains high levels of selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and provides some omega-3 fatty acids.

The best way to thaw frozen shrimp without adding calories is to either place it in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Avoid using warm or hot water, as this can affect the texture.