Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail Price & Calories 2026
Price: $11.49 | 160 Calories
Red Lobster Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail
The Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail 2026 is one of the lightest and most refreshing starters on the Red Lobster Starters menu, priced at $11.49 with just 160 calories. This classic appetizer features large, chilled shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce for dipping, a timeless preparation that has remained a menu staple for decades.
The shrimp used in this cocktail are cooked and chilled, then arranged around the rim of a glass with the signature tangy cocktail sauce in the center. This presentation makes the Shrimp Cocktail one of the most visually recognizable starters on the menu, as well as one of the lowest in calories.
At only 160 calories with 22 grams of protein, the Shrimp Cocktail is an excellent choice for diners who want a light, protein rich starter before their main course, or for diners managing their overall calorie intake for the meal.
Why the Shrimp Cocktail Remains a Classic
The simplicity of chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce has made this starter a timeless choice that pairs well with virtually any main course on the Red Lobster menu, from lighter grilled options to richer Signature Feasts. Its low calorie count also makes it a popular starter for diners planning to order a more indulgent main course or dessert.
The tangy, slightly spicy cocktail sauce, typically made with horseradish and ketchup, provides a flavor contrast to the sweet, chilled shrimp, creating a refreshing combination that works well as either a starter or a light snack.
Why 160 Calories Makes This the Most Searched Light Starter at Red Lobster
The Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail generates more search traffic for calorie-related queries than any other starter on the menu — and the reason is straightforward.
At 160 calories and 22g of protein, it is the only starter on the Red Lobster Starters Menu that delivers significant protein in a genuinely low-calorie package.
Every other starter on the menu sits above 440 calories. The Shrimp Cocktail at 160 calories sits in a category of its own — the starter that works alongside a full Signature Feast or Pasta entrée without significantly pushing the total meal calorie count.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Dish | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Sugar (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail |
160 |
22 |
14 |
2 |
940 |
8 |
~0 |
What Is Black Tiger Shrimp?
The Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail uses Black Tiger shrimp one of the largest commercially available shrimp species, sourced from warm Indo-Pacific waters.
Black Tiger shrimp are named for the dark stripes across their gray-black shells before cooking. After cooking, the shells turn orange-red and the meat turns white and firm.
Compared to the Gulf shrimp used in some other Red Lobster preparations, Black Tiger shrimp are larger and have a firmer texture qualities that make them particularly well-suited to the chilled cocktail presentation, where the shrimp are served cold and need to hold their shape and texture after cooking and chilling.
How the Cocktail Sauce Works
Red Lobster’s cocktail sauce is a house-made blend of tomatoes, horseradish, lemon juice, and spices.
The horseradish provides a sharp, sinus-clearing heat that is different from the capsaicin heat of chili-based sauces. It dissipates quickly, which is why the combination of sweet chilled shrimp and sharp horseradish cocktail sauce creates a refreshing rather than lingering heat.
The sauce adds approximately 30 to 50 calories to the total, which is included in the 160-calorie serving figure.
Allergens Information
Contains: Shellfish (Shrimp)
The cocktail sauce contains tomatoes, horseradish, and vinegar — no shellfish, dairy, or wheat in the sauce itself.
Cross-contamination with other allergens is possible in Red Lobster’s shared kitchen environment. Guests with food allergies should inform their server before placing an order.
Gluten Information
Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail is one of the few genuinely gluten-free-compatible starters on the Starters Menu.
The shrimp are chilled and served without breading, batter, or wheat-based coatings.
The cocktail sauce does not contain wheat as a direct ingredient. Guests with celiac disease should confirm preparation details with their server to rule out cross-contamination before ordering.
Availability
Red Lobster Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail is available on the Starters Menu at participating Red Lobster locations.
The item is available for takeout and curbside pickup through the Red Lobster website or app.
Delivery availability through platforms such as DoorDash varies by location. For official ordering, visit redlobster.com.