Home & kitchenUpdated November 20262 min readBy Plainbench editorial team

Ordering seafood online: what to check before you buy

Most seafood ordered online ships frozen with dry ice. Here is how to judge shipping, labels and storage before you order.

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Frozen vs. fresh

Frozen, vacuum-sealedThe most common way seafood ships. Frozen soon after catch, it often keeps better than "fresh" fish that spent days in transit.

Fresh, on iceNeeds overnight shipping and should be cooked within a day or two.

Live shellfishLobsters, oysters and clams ship overnight and should be cooked on arrival.

Before you place the order

Shipping speed and days. Overnight or 2-day only. Avoid deliveries that sit in a warehouse over a weekend.
Packaging. Insulated boxes with dry ice or gel packs. Dry ice should be handled with gloves.
Arrival guarantee. Read what happens if the box arrives thawed: refund, reship or nothing.
Labels. Look for species name, wild or farm-raised, and country of origin. US retailers are required to label country of origin and method of production for fish and shellfish.
Minimum order and shipping fees. Free-shipping thresholds can change the real price per pound.

When the box arrives

Move frozen seafood straight to the freezer. It should still be frozen solid or very cold.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, not on the counter.
The FDA recommends cooking most seafood to an internal temperature of 145°F.

Who this is for

Good fit if you…

live far from a good fish counter
want specific species that local stores do not carry
plan meals ahead and have freezer space

Skip it if you…

need fish today for tonight (a local market is faster)
have no freezer space for a box of frozen portions

FAQ

Is frozen seafood lower quality than fresh?

Not necessarily. Seafood frozen quickly after catch can keep its quality better than fresh fish that spent days in transit.

What if the box arrives thawed?

Check the seller's arrival guarantee before ordering, and photograph the contents on arrival if you need to make a claim.

Can I refreeze thawed seafood?

If it thawed in the refrigerator, food-safety guidance generally allows refreezing, though quality may drop. Do not refreeze seafood thawed at room temperature.

How should I handle dry ice?

Use gloves, keep the box in a ventilated area, never seal dry ice in an airtight container, and let it evaporate rather than throwing it down a drain.

Written by

Plainbench editorial team

We research each guide from manufacturer specifications, certification databases and public product information, and we say clearly when something was not tested hands-on. How we pick.

We compare manufacturer specifications and public product information. We say when a product was tested hands-on. Prices and offers change; check the current price before you buy.