Are Scallops Whole30 Compliant?

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Whole30 rules, seafood, including scallops, is considered a compliant food. This provides a versatile and delicious protein source for anyone following the 30-day elimination program. The key to ensuring scallops are Whole30-friendly lies in their preparation and the ingredients they are cooked with.

Quick Summary

Scallops are a compliant protein for the Whole30 program, as they are a naturally unprocessed food. The crucial factor is their preparation, requiring vigilance to avoid non-compliant ingredients like added sugars, dairy, or sulfites. Choosing dry-packed scallops is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

Key Points

Compliant Protein: Yes, scallops are approved for the Whole30 diet as a natural, unprocessed seafood protein source.
Choose Dry-Packed Scallops: Always opt for dry-packed scallops to avoid non-compliant phosphate solutions and achieve the best cooking results.
Watch for Hidden Ingredients: Be vigilant and read all labels on frozen or pre-seasoned scallops to ensure no added sugars, sulfites, or dairy.
Use Approved Cooking Fats: Prepare scallops using compliant fats like ghee, olive oil, or avocado oil, and avoid traditional butter.
Prepare with Whole30 Seasonings: Use fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper for flavoring, steering clear of non-compliant sauces.
Avoid Restaurant Scallops: Be cautious with restaurant-prepared scallops, which may use non-compliant ingredients in their sauces or be wet-packed.

Yes, Scallops are a Whole30 Approved Protein

Scallops are on the official 'yes' list for the Whole30 program, making them a fantastic and elegant option for your 30-day reset. As with all Whole30-compliant ingredients, the focus is on eating real, unprocessed food without added sugars, grains, legumes, or dairy. Since scallops are simply a natural shellfish, they fit perfectly into these guidelines. Their compliance means you can enjoy a variety of delicious meals beyond standard chicken and beef dishes, adding flavor and variety to your eating plan.

The Importance of Dry-Packed Scallops

Not all scallops are created equal, and this is especially important when following the Whole30. The primary distinction is between 'wet-packed' and 'dry-packed' scallops.

Wet-packed scallops: These are soaked in a phosphate solution that makes them absorb more water, leading to a larger, heavier scallop. The added solution and chemicals are non-compliant for Whole30, as they are processed ingredients. When cooked, wet-packed scallops will release this water, steaming rather than searing, which results in a tough, rubbery texture and prevents a good crust from forming.
Dry-packed scallops: These are untouched by chemicals or solutions and are naturally pure. They contain no added ingredients and are therefore compliant with Whole30 rules. These are the best choice for achieving a perfect golden-brown sear and maintaining a delicate, buttery texture.

How to Prepare Compliant Scallops

Preparation is crucial to keep your scallop dish Whole30-compliant. You must use only approved fats and seasonings.

Permitted Cooking Fats:

Ghee or clarified butter
Extra-virgin olive oil
Coconut oil
Avocado oil

Whole30-Approved Flavorings and Sauces:

Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, basil)
Garlic and onion powder
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Coconut aminos

Things to Avoid During Preparation:

Butter: Non-clarified butter is a dairy product and is not allowed.
Wine: Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the Whole30, even for cooking. Use compatible broths instead.
Sugar-laden sauces: Any store-bought sauce, like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce, will likely contain added sugars.

Comparison: Compliant vs. Non-Compliant Scallop Preparations


Aspect	Whole30 Compliant Scallops	Non-Compliant Scallops
Scallop Type	Dry-packed only, no additives or preservatives.	Wet-packed (soaked in solution).
Cooking Fat	Ghee, olive oil, or avocado oil.	Regular butter or non-approved oils.
Flavoring	Fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic, compliant spices.	Wine, soy sauce, or other non-compliant marinades.
Side Dishes	Roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, leafy greens.	Pasta, risotto made with dairy, or bread.
Crust	Achieves a perfect golden-brown crust.	Becomes rubbery and steams in its own liquid.

Potential Pitfalls with Processed Seafood

While raw, dry-packed scallops are compliant, you must be careful when purchasing pre-seasoned or frozen varieties. Always read the label meticulously to check for non-compliant ingredients such as sugar, carrageenan, MSG, or sulfites. This rule applies to any processed meat or seafood product. You should also be mindful of restaurant meals, where sauces often contain hidden sugars or dairy, and shellfish may be wet-packed.

Conclusion

Scallops are a delicious and naturally compliant protein for anyone on the Whole30 diet, as long as they are prepared correctly. By choosing dry-packed scallops and using only approved cooking fats and seasonings, you can enjoy this gourmet seafood dish while adhering strictly to the program's guidelines. Careful label reading and mindful preparation are your best tools for success, allowing you to create elegant and healthy meals that fit perfectly within the Whole30 framework. For more information on approved foods and recipes, visit the official Whole30 website for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, both bay and sea scallops are compliant with Whole30, as long as they are dry-packed and prepared using only approved ingredients.

For cooking scallops on Whole30, use compliant fats like ghee, extra-virgin olive oil, or avocado oil.

Frozen scallops can be compliant if they are dry-packed and the ingredients list contains no non-compliant additives like sulfites or other solutions.

You can season your scallops with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Regular butter is not allowed on Whole30 because it is a dairy product, but ghee or clarified butter is a compliant alternative.

It is generally not recommended to eat scallops at a restaurant during Whole30, as their cooking methods or sauces may include non-compliant ingredients like butter or sugar.

Wet-packed scallops are soaked in a sodium tripolyphosphate solution to increase their water weight. This solution is considered a processed additive and is therefore non-compliant.