How to Tell If Shrimp Is Bad
Quick answer
Shrimp that smells like ammonia, bleach, or strong fish, or feels slimy and mushy, is bad. Raw shrimp lasts only 1 to 2 days in the fridge, and cooked shrimp 3 to 4 days.
When in doubt, throw it out. Bacteria that cause food poisoning often don't change the smell or look. Go by the time limits below too.
Signs Shrimp has gone bad
- Ammonia or bleach smell. Fresh shrimp smells like a salty ocean breeze, or like nothing at all. A sharp ammonia or bleachy odor means it has broken down, and no amount of cooking fixes that.
- Slimy, sticky shell or flesh. A slick coating that feels tacky even after rinsing is bacterial growth. Fresh shrimp feels firm and slightly moist, not slippery.
- Black spots with a bad smell. Black spots on the shell are melanosis, a harmless enzyme reaction that is only a quality issue on its own. If you also smell anything off, throw it out.
- Mushy, soft texture. Raw shrimp should be firm and spring back. Mushy flesh or a shell that slides off with no resistance means it's long past its prime.
- Yellowing or dull, gritty look. Shrimp that has turned yellow, or has a chalky or gritty texture, has been sitting too long or was handled poorly. Don't risk it.
Looks weird, but it's fine
- Pink or gray raw shells. Raw shrimp ranges from gray to pinkish to brownish depending on the species. The color alone says nothing about freshness.
- Black line down the back. That's the digestive tract, commonly called the vein. It's not a spoilage sign, and while safe to eat, many people devein for grit and looks.
- Ice glaze on frozen shrimp. A thin ice coat protects the shrimp from freezer burn and is intentional. It melts away as the shrimp thaws.
How long does Shrimp last?
| Where | How long | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge (raw) | 1 to 2 days | Keep at 40°F or below |
| Fridge (cooked) | 3 to 4 days | In a sealed container |
| Freezer (raw) | 3 to 6 months for best quality | Shell-on keeps a bit better |
| Counter | Max 2 hours | 1 hour if it's over 90°F |
How to store it
- Thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight or under cold running water in a sealed bag, never at room temperature.
- Put fresh shrimp in a covered bowl set on ice in the coldest part of the fridge, and cook it that day or the next.
- Cool cooked shrimp quickly and refrigerate within 2 hours so you can enjoy leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
Use it up before it turns
Frequently asked questions
Can you eat shrimp with black spots?
Black spots alone are melanosis, a natural enzyme reaction, and the shrimp is usually safe if it smells fresh and feels firm. If it also smells off or feels slimy, throw it out.
Why does my shrimp smell like ammonia?
Ammonia is a byproduct of bacterial breakdown, so it means the shrimp has spoiled. Cooked or not, discard it. When in doubt, throw it out.
How long does thawed shrimp last?
Cook thawed shrimp within 1 to 2 days, and don't refreeze it unless it was thawed in the fridge. Thawing at room temperature isn't safe.
More food freshness guides
General guidance based on USDA FoodKeeper. Storage times are estimates and conditions vary. When in doubt, throw it out.