In theory, picky eaters are just one shrimp away from being adventurous eaters (just a theory). Products like Popcorn Shrimp and SeaPals are an especially good introduction to shrimp, because the tastes and textures are more familiar than “picky eaters” lead themselves to believe. Plus, bite-size servings are easy to pair and introduce alongside familiar favorites. If at first you don’t succeed, don’t be discouraged. Most experts say it can take as many as 10 tries before children will learn to accept and enjoy a new food, but we’re confident they’ll be asking for SeaPak a lot faster than that.

Short Answer: No. All fish have trace amounts of mercury in them, but you do not have to worry about mercury in our shrimp and seafood.

Long Answer: According to the EPA, “Nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. For most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern.” In general, high levels of methyl mercury are only a concern when it comes to larger predatory fish that live higher up in the food chain. These large fish (swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish) pose the greatest risk. Other types of fish and shellfish may be eaten in the amounts recommended by the FDA and EPA.

Veins might sound unsavory, but they aren’t anything to be concerned about. Some small-size shrimp are not deveined, and experts agree this doesn’t affect the taste.

Shrimp do count as fish, and don’t worry, we won’t tell them you asked. Shrimp are a great way to meet your twice-a-week seafood goal. The USDA recommends you eat both fish and shellfish to get your two 4-ounce servings of seafood per week. Find more interesting articles on this topic at the Shrimp Council’s eatshrimp.com Health & Nutrition page. Or, see the latest dietary guidelines and create your own healthy plan at ChooseMyPlate.gov.

When it comes to frozen seafood, sulfites are your friend. Most of the frozen shrimp sold in the US have been treated with sulfites. They are used to help the shrimp retain their naturally tender texture through the freezing and cooking process. If sulfites are used in a product, then it will be declared in the ingredient statement on the back or side of the package. Basically, they’re there to keep the shrimp tender.

The old microwave might sound like a good option, but it won’t necessarily yield the best results for our delicious seafood. Products that aren’t intended for the microwave may become tough, cook unevenly, or the crust might get soggy. Simply follow the cooking directions on the package for best eating experience. Trust us, it’ll be worth it.

Would you ride a bicycle in a swimming pool? Or fly an airplane on the highway? While that might sound like a good idea, it’s not what the product was intended for. Each SeaPak product is designed and labeled with cooking instructions that ensure the best eating experience every time. A product with “fry only” instructions has been made with a crust that is perfect for frying but will not perform nearly so well if it is baked. For the most delicious seafood experience, be sure to follow the package instructions.