[Article updated on 19/09/2023]
Shrimp are the most famous and popular seafood. Their popularity is due not only to tender and tasty flesh, but also to high nutritional value, low saturated fat content and low calorie content. Shrimp are a rich source of easily digestible protein, B vitamins and valuable minerals. In addition, they are easily digestible. Let’s find out together how many calories shrimp contain.
Before reading on
I’m not an expert in this field, but I am passionate about nutrition and health.
The articles you’ll find on my site are the result of in-depth research that I’d like to share with you. However, I would like to stress that I am not a health professional and that my advice should in no way replace that of a qualified physician. I’m here to guide you, but it’s important that you consult a professional for specific questions or medical concerns. Your well-being is important. So be sure to consult the appropriate experts and take the best possible care of yourself.
Calories in shrimp: 85 kcal per 100 g
100 g of shrimp equals 85 kcal. But be careful, 100 grams of fried breaded shrimp has an energy value of 308 kcal. Medium-sized shrimp (8 g) contains approximately 7 calories (kcal). To get a real sense of this magnitude, keep in mind that the amount of calories from one medium-sized shrimp (8g) is similar to the amount of calories from half a teaspoon of sugar. To get rid of these calories (7 kcal), for example, you should cycle for at least 1 minute, swim for 1 minute or jog for 1 minute.
Shrimp: Protein, carbohydrate and lipid content
The calories in a shrimp come from 95% protein, 0% carbohydrates and 5% fat. Shrimp has decent cholesterol content, around 150 mg per pound. One serving of shrimp provides about half the recommended daily amount for good health. The positive side is that these shellfish increase the right part of cholesterol, i.e. HDL levels. They are therefore not to be demonized but to be savored without exaggeration, in frequency and quantity.
Shrimp Nutritional Values Table
| Nutrients | shrimp: content per 100 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 1.16g |
| -with sugar | 0g |
| -of which starch | 0g |
| -including dietary fiber | 0g |
| Proteins | 17.4g |
| Lipids | 1.29g |
| -including cholesterol | 161 mg |
| -of which saturates | 0.333g |
| Potassium | 101mg |
| Sodium | 347 mg |
| Water | 77.8g |
| Alcohol | 0mg |
How much does the average shrimp weigh?
The shrimp weighs 8 g on average.
What are the vitamin contributions of shrimp?
A source of omega 3 and 6 which help control triglycerides, shrimp provide good quality protein and B vitamins, useful for fat and protein metabolism.
At the forefront is vitamin B3 or niacin, which among other things keeps the nervous system in full efficiency, and promotes cellular respiration and the digestion of food. If deficient, you may suffer from irritability and headaches.
On the other hand, vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is important during pregnancy to prevent the risk of fetal malformation. It also prevents a dysfunction in the production of red blood cells.
What are the mineral contributions of shrimp?
Shrimp are particularly rich in sodium: an excess of this element increases water retention and increases blood pressure, generating an increased risk of hypertension. It is therefore necessary to limit the consumption of this food in cases of high blood pressure, avoiding adding salt. Low in calories, shrimp are very rich in minerals. In addition to sodium, they contain large amounts of potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and calcium.
Does shrimp contain food additives?
Fresh, unprocessed shrimp does not contain any food additives. It can then be kept in the fridge or freezer for a while before consumption. On the other hand, processed and particularly canned shrimp requires:
- colorings: Ponceau 4R or Coccine Nouvelle (E124), amaranth (E123), Jaune Soleil FCF or Orange Yellow (E110) and tartrazine (E102);
- acidity regulators: citric acid (E330) and orthophosphoric acid (E338);
- and a sequestrant: ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (E385).
Are shrimp fattening?
Urban legends say that they are not good for dieters because they are very fatty, or that they are high in cholesterol. Shrimp is a product that can certainly be considered low in calories. 100 g of shrimp provides 85 kcal. They are therefore recommended for people looking to lose weight.
Shrimp provides calories primarily from protein. It is therefore a food that should also be considered excellent for those who do sports and for those who need a diet that helps restructure the body.
In addition to not making you gain weight, eating seafood can help you lose weight. Shrimp is full of protein, which will keep you full longer and prevent you from eating more than you need. This feeling of fullness is also caused by the omega-3 fatty acids contained in shrimp.
Beware of shellfish allergies!
Particular attention is required for people suffering from shellfish allergies. Very widespread, it is capable of causing a series of symptoms ranging from hives to itching, swelling of the lips and tongue, as well as possible respiratory problems.