Love shrimp cocktail but want to skip the sugar? Traditional cocktail sauce is loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and added sugars, but this sugar-free shrimp cocktail sauce delivers all the tangy, spicy flavor you crave—without the guilt!
Perfect for:
✔ Keto, low-carb, or diabetic diets
✔ Weight loss plans
✔ Anyone cutting back on sugar
In this guide, you’ll get:
✅ An easy 5-minute recipe
✅ Store-bought sugar-free alternatives
✅ Answers to common questions
✅ Tips for the perfect shrimp pairing
Let’s make healthy dipping delicious!
Why Make Sugar-Free Shrimp Cocktail Sauce?
Most store-bought cocktail sauces contain 10+ grams of sugar per serving—that’s 2-3 teaspoons in just a small dip!
This homemade version:
✔ Zero added sugar
✔ Only 25 calories per serving
✔ Packed with flavor (thanks to horseradish and spices)
Easy Sugar-Free Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe
Prep Time: 5 mins | Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar-free ketchup (or tomato paste + vinegar)
- 2-3 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust for spice)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (check for no sugar)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients.
- Adjust horseradish for heat and lemon for tang.
- Chill for 30+ minutes (flavors meld better cold).
- Serve with jumbo shrimp or as a veggie dip!
Nutrition (per 2 tbsp):
- Calories: 25
- Carbs: 4g (2g net)
- Sugar: 0g
What Can I Use Instead of Cocktail Sauce for Shrimp?
If you’re out of cocktail sauce, try:
✅ Avocado lime crema (Greek yogurt + lime + cilantro)
✅ Spicy mayo (sriracha + mayo)
✅ Garlic butter dip (melted butter + minced garlic)
✅ Mango salsa (diced mango + red onion + jalapeño)
Does Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Have Sugar?
Most store-bought versions do! Popular brands like Heinz and McCormick contain high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar. Always check labels—or make your own sugar-free version.
Can Diabetics Eat Shrimp Cocktail Sauce?
✅ Yes—if it’s sugar-free!
- Traditional sauce spikes blood sugar (10g+ sugar/serving).
- This homemade recipe is diabetic-friendly (0g added sugar).
Pro Tip: Pair shrimp with celery sticks or cucumber slices for extra fiber.
What Is Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Made Of?
Classic cocktail sauce contains:
- Ketchup (usually sugary)
- Horseradish (for heat)
- Lemon juice (tang)
- Worcestershire sauce (umami depth)
- Hot sauce (optional spice)
Our sugar-free swap: Uses sugar-free ketchup or tomato paste + apple cider vinegar.
3 Store-Bought Sugar-Free Cocktail Sauces
- Primal Kitchen (No sugar, keto-friendly)
- G Hughes (Sugar-free, 5g carbs)
- The New Primal (Paleo-approved)
Always check labels—some “low-sugar” sauces still have artificial sweeteners.
People Also Ask
1. Is shrimp cocktail keto-friendly?
✔ Yes! Shrimp is zero-carb, and this sauce has 2g net carbs/serving.
2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of ketchup?
- Not for classic flavor, but mix yogurt + horseradish for a creamy dip.
3. How long does homemade cocktail sauce last?
- 1 week in the fridge (store in airtight container).
Serving Suggestions
🍤 Classic Shrimp Cocktail (Chilled shrimp + lemon wedges)
🥒 Veggie Platter (Celery, bell peppers, cucumbers)
🥗 Salad Drizzle (Over avocado salad or grilled fish)
Final Thoughts
This sugar-free shrimp cocktail sauce proves you don’t need sugar for big flavor! With just 5 minutes and 5 ingredients, you get a healthy, zesty dip perfect for parties, snacks, or meal prep.
Ready to try it? Whip up a batch tonight and enjoy guilt-free dipping!
