Rapidly expanding global aquaculture requires sustainable, local protein sources to supplement the use of fishmeal. Lupin seed meal (Lupinus angustifolius) was tested as sustainable diet component for Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Controlled feeding experiments were conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system for eight weeks. Juvenile shrimps were provided formulated diets containing various levels of lupin meal inclusion (0, 100, 200 and 300 g kg−1) supplementing the fishmeal component, and a commercial feed as general reference. Shrimp survival, growth, metabolic and immune parameters were analysed. Survival did not differ significantly between groups. Growth performance was significantly impaired in shrimp fed diets containing more than 100 g kg−1 lupin meal. Lupin meal supplementation did not affect haemolymph protein content, whereas glucose and acylglyceride concentrations varied between treatments and were highest in animals fed the 100 g kg−1 lupin meal diet. Phenoloxidase activity was highest in shrimp fed 100 g kg−1 lupin meal diet indicating improved immune status. The present study indicates that low inclusion levels of lupin meal do not cause adverse effects and seem to stimulate the immune system of juvenile L. vannamei.