How healthy is shrimp?
Is shrimp healthy? Yes, for most people. Shrimp scores 67/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 99 kcal, 24 g protein and 39 mg magnesium. Shrimp are very lean and high in protein, with selenium, B12 and iodine. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Shrimp ranks higher than 67% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Protein48%
- Magnesium9%
- Potassium6%
- Calcium5%
- Iron3%
- Fiber0%
- Vitamin A0%
- Vitamin C0%
- Vitamin E0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat0%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium5%
Raw NRF9.3: 72 minus 5 = 67. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in shrimp?
Calories84kcal
Protein20g
Carbohydrates0.2g
Fat0.2g
Fiber0g
Sugars0g
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 99 kcal | 84 kcal | |
| Protein | 24 g | 20 g | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 0.2 g | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | 0 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.3 g | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | <0.1 g | <0.1 g | 0% |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 70 mg | 60 mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 0.4 mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 259 mg | 220 mg | 5% |
| Magnesium | 39 mg | 33 mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 111 mg | 94 mg | 4% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Crustaceans, shrimp, cooked" (FDC 175180). Values rounded.
Why is shrimp good for you?
- 20 g protein in 3 oz cooked, 41% of the daily value. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
Good ways to use it
- Stir-fries, pasta and salads
- Grilled skewers
What should you watch out for?
- Shellfish is a major allergen. Breaded or fried shrimp add a lot of fat.
Which meat and fish score higher?
Other meat and fish with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.
How does shrimp compare?
Common questions about shrimp
How many calories are in shrimp?
100 g of shrimp has 99 kcal. A typical portion, 3 oz cooked (85 g), has about 84 kcal.
How much protein is in shrimp?
Shrimp has 24 g of protein per 100 g, or about 20 g in 3 oz cooked.
Is shrimp good for weight loss?
Shrimp is low in calories (99 kcal per 100 g), so it adds volume to meals without many calories. No single food causes weight loss; the overall diet does.