On today’s episode of “Things You Didn’t Know,” we uncover a little secret lurking in the seafood aisle. A Walmart shopper recently shared their surprising discovery about what’s really going on behind that “fresh” seafood display.
Some grocery stores have entire sections dedicated to seafood, with rows of what looks like freshly caught shrimp, salmon, and other ocean favorites. It almost feels like you’re shopping at a local seafood market. But what this Walmart shopper uncovered might change how you see things.
Is the Seafood at Your Grocery Store Really Fresh?
In a viral TikTok video that’s racked up over 7100 likes, a Walmart customer (@highonrhy) recorded an employee cutting open a bag of frozen shrimp and filling the “fresh” seafood display case. “Ain’t nothing fresh. Look at this sh*t,” the shopper commented.
Turns out, this is more common than you’d think. While many of us assume that “fresh” seafood means it was caught and delivered the same day, grocery stores see it differently.
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The Real Meaning of “Fresh” Seafood!
In the U.S., we often think fresh means “never frozen.” But, in reality, the seafood labeled as “fresh” in most grocery stores has often been frozen first.
Commercial fishers typically flash-freeze their catch to preserve its freshness. When you buy it, you’re getting something that’s already been thawed out for you.
As Bon Appétit explains, the shrimp you see piled high on ice at the supermarket were probably frozen and are now thawed, meaning they’re actually getting less fresh by the hour.
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Why Frozen Seafood Might Be a Better Choice?
If you’re looking for the freshest option, experts recommend going straight to the freezer aisle. That frozen shrimp will likely taste better and cook better—especially if it’s been frozen using the Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) method, which locks in the freshness.
Buying frozen also gives you more control. Thaw it at home when you’re ready to cook, instead of buying something that’s already thawed and slowly losing its quality. Plus, frozen seafood is often more affordable.
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Thawing Seafood the Right Way!
The best way to thaw seafood is to let it sit in the fridge for about 12 hours. You can also seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water if you’re in a rush. Some fish can even be cooked directly from frozen without thawing.
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Commenters React!
One person summed up what many were thinking: “What’s crazy is that they charge us more for it being thawed out lol.”
Another shared, “Stores have done that for years. A seafood worker told me years ago, you might as well get it from the freezer. They just cut the bags and pour. Same product.”
Another commenter offered an interesting perspective: “Most grocers near me have a label saying ‘thawed fish.’ It’s for customers who don’t have time to thaw their fish & need it ready to cook.”
So, next time you’re at the grocery store, you might want to think twice before paying extra for “fresh” seafood.