Wild-caught colossal white shrimp sold whole per pound from Costco's fresh seafood case. The "U-12" designation means fewer than 12 shrimp per pound, placing these in the colossal size category — among the largest shrimp commercially available. Each individual shrimp weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.5 ounces. Sourced from wild fisheries, most likely the Gulf of Mexico or South Atlantic, these shrimp are not farm-raised, delivering a firmer texture and more complex, briny flavor than farmed alternatives.

Sold head-on and whole, these shrimp are prized for their culinary versatility. The heads contain natural fats and juices that enrich sauces, stocks, and bisques with deep shellfish flavor. Previously frozen indicates they were individually quick-frozen (IQF) at the source immediately after catch to preserve peak freshness, then thawed in-store for purchase — a standard and high-quality handling practice for wild Gulf shrimp.

These shrimp excel in Gulf Coast-style seafood boils with corn, potatoes, and seasoning, as well as grilling whole on skewers, pan-searing head-on, or making rich shellfish stocks and bisques from the heads. Their large size and whole presentation also suit Asian preparations such as stir-fries, chili-garlic dishes, and traditional head-on whole-shrimp dishes. Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F; grill or pan-sear 2 to 4 minutes per side, or boil 2 to 3 minutes until opaque and slightly curled.