Understanding Your Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in shrimp cocktail from Costco?

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Costco's website, a standard serving of their Kirkland Signature Shrimp Cocktail contains around 80 calories, but this can vary depending on the specific product and portion size. To fully understand the nutritional impact, it's crucial to look beyond this single figure and consider both the shrimp and the accompanying sauce.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Costco's shrimp cocktail depends on the specific product and serving size, with a significant portion coming from the accompanying sauce. It details the full nutritional profile, highlights the importance of portion control, and offers advice for mindful consumption.

Key Points

Serving Size is Key: Costco's shrimp cocktail calorie count (e.g., 80 or 170 kcal) depends heavily on the specific product and portion size, so read the label carefully.
Sauce Adds Significant Calories: The shrimp itself is low-calorie and high in protein, but the cocktail sauce can add substantial amounts of sugar and sodium.
High in Sodium: Some versions of the cocktail sauce can be very high in sodium, contributing to a high overall sodium intake, so moderation is key.
Make a Healthier Homemade Sauce: To reduce sugar and sodium, consider making your own cocktail sauce from fresh ingredients like tomato puree, horseradish, and lemon juice.
Check the Ingredients: Always look at the ingredient list for preservatives and added sugars, particularly in store-bought products.
Shrimp is a Lean Protein: Without the sauce, shrimp is a nutritious seafood choice rich in protein, selenium, and other minerals.

Demystifying the Calories in Costco's Shrimp Cocktail

When you pick up a Kirkland Signature Shrimp Cocktail from Costco, the listed calorie count can seem misleadingly low if you don't account for portion size and the separate components. While the seafood itself is a lean, protein-rich option, the cocktail sauce is often where the hidden sugars and sodium lie. Different Costco products, such as smaller-sized rings or larger platters, will also have varied nutritional information, so checking the specific product label is essential for accuracy.

To illustrate, an entry for the Kirkland Signature Shrimp Cocktail with Cocktail Sauce & Lemons on Eat This Much lists 170 calories for a 5 oz serving, with 70% of those calories coming from carbohydrates, mainly from the sauce. In contrast, a different listing for 'Cooked Shrimp & Cocktail Sauce' shows 80 calories for 4 shrimp, which consists entirely of protein and cholesterol, suggesting the sauce's contribution is zeroed out or counted separately in that case. This discrepancy highlights why examining the total package is so important.

The Nutritional Breakdown: Shrimp vs. Sauce

To be a truly informed consumer, you must separate the nutritional values of the two main components. This helps you understand what you're consuming and allows for smarter dietary choices, especially if you're watching your intake of sugar, sodium, or carbohydrates.

The Shrimp: As a seafood, shrimp is naturally low in calories and fat, but high in protein. A serving of plain, cooked shrimp is typically very low in calories, making it a stellar component of a healthy appetizer. It's a great source of selenium, vitamin B12, and other important minerals.
The Cocktail Sauce: The classic American cocktail sauce is where the calorie and nutrient profile shifts dramatically. It is primarily made from a tomato base, often with ketchup, and contains sugar, horseradish, and other seasonings. The sugar and sodium content in many store-bought cocktail sauces can significantly increase the total calories and affect its healthfulness. For instance, some cocktail sauces contain up to 550mg of sodium per quarter cup.

Tips for a Healthier Shrimp Cocktail Experience

To enjoy shrimp cocktail while staying true to your nutrition goals, consider these strategies:

Control your portion size: The listed 'serving' may be smaller than you think. Measure out the cocktail sauce instead of free-pouring to control sugar and sodium intake.
Make your own sauce: Crafting a homemade sauce gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can reduce or substitute the sugar and sodium while focusing on natural flavors from fresh tomato puree, horseradish, and lemon juice.
Pair with vegetables: Serve the shrimp cocktail alongside sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, and bell pepper strips. This adds volume, fiber, and nutrients without adding significant calories.
Mind the additives: Be aware that some store-bought shrimp may contain preservatives like sodium tripolyphosphate, which affects texture and sodium levels. Opting for organic or responsibly sourced options can help reduce unwanted additives.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Shrimp Cocktail


Feature	Homemade Cocktail Sauce	Store-Bought Cocktail Sauce (Costco)
Calories (per serving)	Highly customizable; typically lower.	Varies by serving size (e.g., 80-170 kcal).
Sugar Content	Can be made sugar-free or low-sugar.	Can contain high amounts of added sugar.
Sodium Content	Fully controlled; can be very low.	Can be very high, with some sauces reaching 550mg per 1/4 cup.
Ingredients	Fresh, simple ingredients; no preservatives.	May contain corn syrup, preservatives, and other additives.
Flavor	Fresh and vibrant; can be customized to taste.	Consistent flavor, but potentially less fresh and more artificial.

The Power of Reading Nutrition Labels

Understanding how to read a nutrition facts label is your best defense against unexpected calories and unhealthy ingredients. The FDA offers a clear guide on how to interpret this information.

Here’s what to focus on when evaluating a product like the Costco shrimp cocktail:

Serving Size: The first thing to notice is the serving size and how many servings are in the package. The calorie count and all other information are based on this, not the entire container.
Total Calories: This shows the energy content for one serving. Comparing it to the number of servings you intend to eat helps you accurately track your intake.
Sodium and Sugars: Look for the % Daily Value (%DV) for sodium and total sugars. Aim for lower percentages for these nutrients. The cocktail sauce in particular can be high in both, so pay close attention.
Protein: As a high-protein option, shrimp cocktail can be very filling. The protein content helps with satiety, which can support weight management.
Ingredient List: Always check the ingredient list, which is ordered by weight. This will reveal the main components and can alert you to the presence of preservatives, added sugars, or high-sodium ingredients.

For more information on decoding nutrition labels, the FDA provides excellent resources to help you make informed decisions about your diet. [https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/how-understand-and-use-nutrition-facts-label].

Conclusion: Mindful Snacking with Shrimp Cocktail

In conclusion, the calorie count for a shrimp cocktail from Costco is relatively low, but the total nutritional profile is heavily influenced by the accompanying sauce. By understanding the different components, checking serving sizes, and paying close attention to sodium and sugar content, you can enjoy this popular appetizer mindfully. Whether you opt for the convenience of the store-bought version or prefer to make a healthier homemade alternative, shrimp cocktail can be a satisfying and delicious addition to a balanced diet, provided you practice portion control and ingredient awareness. When in doubt, prioritize the high-protein, low-fat shrimp and go easy on the cocktail sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a Costco shrimp cocktail varies depending on the specific product and serving size. Some listings show 80 calories per serving for 4 shrimp, while others list 170 calories for a larger 5 oz serving, with the cocktail sauce contributing significantly to the total.

Yes, the cocktail sauce is the primary source of extra calories, sugars, and sodium. While shrimp is naturally low-calorie, commercial cocktail sauces often contain added sugars and can have a very high sodium content, which can substantially increase the overall nutritional impact of the appetizer.

To make it healthier, you can make your own low-sugar, low-sodium cocktail sauce, use a measured amount of the store-bought sauce, and serve it with fresh vegetables to increase fiber and reduce your total intake from the prepared mix.

Shrimp cocktail can be a good option for a diet due to its high protein and low-calorie shrimp, which promotes fullness. However, it's important to be mindful of the cocktail sauce, as its high sugar and sodium content could counteract dietary goals if consumed in large quantities.

The primary difference is that the shrimp provides lean protein and essential minerals with very few calories, while the sauce, especially store-bought versions, contributes most of the sugar, carbohydrates, and high sodium to the dish.

When reading the label, always check the serving size first. The calorie and nutrient information applies to this portion. Pay close attention to the sodium and sugar percentages, as these can be high, particularly from the sauce.

Yes, Costco sells different products, such as various-sized rings and platters, under the Kirkland Signature brand. These can have different nutritional profiles, so it is important to read the label for the specific item you purchase.