2022 Shrimp Trends You Can’t Afford to Ignore

If you own or manage a restaurant that serves shrimp, you will be interested in the recently released statistics (July 2022) by data collector Tastewise.com. If you are an owner of an eatery that doesn’t serve shrimp, these trends—and the deeper dive into their meaning that follows may change your mind and your menu.

1.    Shrimp is served in nearly 47% (46.94) of all restaurants.

2.    While shrimp is served alone just over 50% of the time, the fastest growing trend for food paired with shrimp is other seafood (20.92%), followed closely by chicken (20.67%); meat is not in the top 10.

3.    Shrimp’s appearance on menus has grown 11.49%, nearly four times the increase in salads. However, salads still take center stage, appearing on 20.4% of menus.

4.    Consumption of shrimp in restaurants outweighs at home, but only slightly.

5.    Nearly 10 million menus include shrimp, with Chinese claiming the highest percent (19%).

6.    31.35% is the average percent of shrimp dishes per menu on menus that offer shrimp.

7.    The average cost of shrimp dishes on menus is $15.17, with the price range averaging $11.15 for one $ establishments up to $35.78 for $$$ ones.

These statistics make it clear: Americans can’t resist their shrimp. However, delving further into the data can help food service establishment owners make the most of these current shrimp trends. 

1.    The fact that shrimp stars on nearly 47% of all menus beg the question: Why are the other eateries willing to miss out? If you don’t have shrimp on your menu, it’s time to add it, especially since it suits all types of cuisines and menus. Shrimp tacos gained nearly 9% (move over Chinese), while few dishes pack the protein wallop breakfast buffs crave than a shrimp omelet. And shrimp burgers are on the horizon and predicted to be a favorite.

2.    Shrimp and chicken scoring big with meat left out of the Top 10, speak strongly to the trend to reduce red meat consumption, especially by younger generations. The trend is not expected to reverse anytime soon. Add to this the double-digit inflation plaguing the poultry industry, and for restaurant owners, the message should be clear: It’s time to stock up on shrimp and other seafood.

3.    The rising pairing of shrimp, nearly four to one in soups and bowls vs. just salads, means that restaurants are continuing to serve shrimp bisque and other shrimp soups, especially as we head into fall in most regions. However, at 20%, salads still reign as the most popular restaurant pairing with shrimp, and in the dog days of summer, few foods are more satisfying than cold shrimp salad.

4.    The fact that more people are cooking shrimp dishes at home should not make restaurant owners nervous. It means more people are enjoying shrimp, and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, people get tired of cooking at home. Those who have recently acquired a taste for shrimp will be at your door. Just be sure to incorporate this popular seafood in new and innovative ways.

5.    Chinese may rank No. 1 because their cuisine has featured shrimp for centuries, but shrimp tacos have risen in popularity by 15.58% with shrimp burgers looming. This significant growth is just one example of diners—and restaurants—realizing shrimp’s firm texture and subtle taste make it ideal for all types of cuisines – casual and upscale.

6.    The high percentage of shrimp dishes per menu speaks to restaurant owners’ and chefs’ appreciation of shrimp’s versatility and fast prep time. The seafood is as comfortable in appetizers and soups as in salads and entrees. Meanwhile, top-of-the-line frozen shrimp can go from freezer to plate in mere minutes.

7.    If you own a restaurant that serves shrimp from the right supplier, you don’t need to look at the average menu pricing above. You already know the high profit margins shrimp affords no matter where your eatery falls on the dollar scale. 

So, if your restaurant is already featuring shrimp, congratulations, you are keeping up with the hottest trends. If your eatery doesn’t offer shrimp, it’s time for change—and a new menu that will meet the demand of this seafood’s growing demand.