Whether you’re eating the fresh catch at a beachfront restaurant or choosing seafood at a market hours from the beach, odds are high you’re going to see shrimp on the menu. And it’s not just in Alabama—throughout the country, shrimp is the most popular seafood to order and its popularity is growing every year.

But with shrimp all over menus, how can you make sure you’re getting the best option? It’s simple. Choose Gulf shrimp. And thanks to a new seafood labeling bill that requires Alabama restaurants and grocery store delis to label fish and shrimp by country of origin and whether they’re farm-raised or wild caught, you can be empowered to choose high quality.

There’s more than one reason that choosing Gulf shrimp makes a difference. First, and to some, most importantly, is the taste. Gulf shrimp taste delicious, and you can tell a difference in the quality of imported farm-raised shrimp. Because they’re mass-produced and have lower regulation standards, imported shrimp doesn’t have the same taste of the ocean.

In addition, Alabama shrimp and their processing facilities are highly regulated, so you can feel more comfortable knowing the shrimp you’re eating are safe and healthy to eat.

Plus, when you choose Alabama shrimp, you’re not just choosing your protein for one meal. You’re making a choice that impacts the Alabamians who brought the shrimp from the sea to the market.

And now, thanks to the seafood labeling bill, you’ll be even more empowered to know exactly where your shrimp is coming from. Check the details on menus or at seafood markets, and when you can, let restaurant owners and local markets know that you want Alabama shrimp.

"When you eat Alabama Gulf Shrimp it's about more than just eating great tasting seafood. It's about continuing the tradition of captains, deckhands, seafood dealers and boat builders whose families have been feeding America for generations. Each bite is a part of history," says Scott Bannon, Director of Marine Resources Division.

We’ve got good news for our seafood lovers—so, all of us, right? When you’re choosing Gulf shrimp, there’s a variety of options. Shrimp come in different colors, and those colors have different characteristics and flavor profiles.

• Brown shrimp: Colored thanks to their iodine rich diet, brown shrimp have a strong flavor and work well in dishes like jambalaya and gumbo. Brown shrimp are the most plentiful breed in the Alabama Gulf Coast.
• White shrimp: Because they’re found in areas with less salinity, white shrimp have a more mild flavor with notes of natural sweetness. Their more mild nature means they’ll take on sauces and seasonings beautifully.
• Pink shrimp: These are the biggest of the Gulf shrimp species and feature a sweet, mild flavor profile. Choose them for delicate sauces and grilled dishes.
• Royal Red shrimp: Royal Red shrimp are the premiere shrimp of the Gulf Coast, and after trying them, you’ll understand why. They’re rich, buttery and naturally salty (and often compared to lobster).

Together, we can support our local economy all while enjoying some delicious seafood. Sounds like a win-win to us.