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Calories in Shrimp

Q: How many calories in shrimp?

Shrimp has 99 calories per 100g cooked. Six large shrimp (84g): 83 kcal and 20g protein. Shrimp is one of the lowest calorie protein sources.

Updated July 2026 · Reviewed by CaloriesCalc Team · Source: USDA FoodData Central

kcal

per 100g

24.0

Protein

0.28

Fat

0.24

Carbs

Fiber

kcal per 6 large shrimp (84g)

kcal per 100g

kcal per oz (28g)

Shrimp nutrition facts and calories per 100g

💪24g protein per 100g — nearly fat-free

🔬Selenium — 65% Daily Value

🦐Astaxanthin — unique antioxidant

🔥Only 99 kcal — near zero fat

⚡Iodine — rich source for thyroid

😌Very low mercury — safe for pregnancy

🐟 Calculate Calories for Any Shrimp Weight

Weight100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g (cooked shrimp)

* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.

Quick summary: Shrimp contains 99 calories per 100g with 24g protein — one of the best protein-to-calorie ratios of any seafood. Nearly fat-free at 0.28g per 100g. Six large shrimp provide 20g protein at only 83 calories. Rich in iodine, selenium (65% DV), and antioxidant astaxanthin. High dietary cholesterol does not raise blood cholesterol in most people.

Vitamins & Minerals — per 100g

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Selenium	38.0µg	69%
Vitamin B12	1.59µg	66%
Phosphorus	205mg	16%
Zinc	1.34mg	12%
Magnesium	35mg	8%
Potassium	185mg	4%
Vitamin B6	0.20mg	12%
Niacin (B3)	2.6mg	16%
Iron	2.41mg	13%
Copper	0.26mg	29%

Calories in Shrimp by Weight

Weight	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs

Macronutrient Breakdown — per 100g

Protein24.0g · 97% of calories

Fat0.28g · 3% of calories

Carbohydrates0.24g · 1% of calories

Cooked shrimp is nearly fat-free (0.28g/100g) — virtually all calories from protein. High in dietary cholesterol (189mg/100g) but research shows dietary cholesterol minimally impacts blood cholesterol in most people. Very low in mercury.

Micronutrient Highlights

💪

Protein

24.0g

48% DV

Highest protein-to-fat ratio of any seafood

🔬

Selenium

38.0µg

69% DV

Antioxidant and thyroid function

🦐

Astaxanthin

~1.6mg

Carotenoid

Unique antioxidant — anti-inflammatory

⚡

Iodine

~40µg

27% DV

Thyroid hormone synthesis

🧠

Vitamin B12

1.59µg

66% DV

Neurological function

💊

Phosphorus

205mg

16% DV

Bone and energy metabolism

Shrimp Health Benefits

Best Protein-to-Calorie Ratio in Seafood

Shrimp provides 24g of protein at only 99 kcal per 100g — with a protein-to-calorie ratio of 0.97, only turkey breast and egg whites achieve comparable efficiency. The nearly zero fat content (0.28g/100g) means virtually all calories come from protein. Six large shrimp provide 20g of complete protein at only 83 calories.

Cholesterol Misconception

Shrimp is high in dietary cholesterol (189mg/100g) but research consistently shows this does not raise blood cholesterol for most people. The landmark Framingham Heart Study and subsequent meta-analyses found no association between egg and shellfish consumption and cardiovascular disease. Shrimp is low in saturated fat — the actual driver of LDL cholesterol elevation.

Astaxanthin — Unique Marine Antioxidant

Shrimp contains astaxanthin — the same carotenoid that gives salmon its pink colour. Astaxanthin is 6,000× more potent as an antioxidant than vitamin C and uniquely accumulates in mitochondria. It reduces exercise-induced muscle damage, protects skin from UV damage, reduces markers of cardiovascular risk, and crosses the blood-brain barrier to provide neuroprotective effects.

Iodine for Thyroid Health

Shrimp is one of the best dietary sources of iodine — a mineral essential for thyroid hormone synthesis that is often deficient in inland populations. Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable intellectual disability worldwide. Regular shrimp consumption reliably maintains iodine status, particularly important for pregnant women whose iodine requirements increase by 50%.

Shrimp vs Other Fish — Calorie Comparison

Is Shrimp Suitable for Your Diet?

✅

Weight loss

Excellent — ultra lean protein

✅

Keto

Yes — near zero carbs

✅

Paleo

Yes

✅

Gluten-free

Yes

✅

Diabetic

Yes — minimal carbs

✅

Pregnancy

Yes — very low mercury

❌

Vegan

❌

Vegetarian

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in shrimp?

Shrimp has 99 calories per 100g cooked. Six large shrimp (84g): 83 kcal and 20g protein. Shrimp is one of the lowest calorie protein sources.

Is shrimp high in cholesterol?

Yes — shrimp has 189mg of dietary cholesterol per 100g. However, research shows dietary cholesterol has minimal impact on blood cholesterol for most people. The main drivers of blood cholesterol are saturated fat and trans fat, not dietary cholesterol.

Is shrimp good for weight loss?

Excellent — 99 kcal per 100g with 24g protein and nearly zero fat. Very high protein-to-calorie ratio creates strong satiety at minimal caloric cost.

Is shrimp keto?

Yes — virtually zero carbs (0.24g/100g) with high protein and minimal fat. Shrimp is excellent for keto.

Is shrimp safe during pregnancy?

Yes — shrimp is classified as 'best choice' seafood by the FDA/EPA due to very low mercury content. 2-3 servings/week are recommended as safe during pregnancy.

How many shrimp is a serving?

A standard 3oz (85g) serving is approximately 4-6 large shrimp or 8-10 medium shrimp, providing ~25g protein at ~85 calories.

Sources

Nutrition values from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.