Are there carbs in boiled shrimp? Your guide to a low-carb protein

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Boiled shrimp contains less than one gram of carbohydrates per 3-ounce serving, making it a virtually carb-free protein source. This makes plain, boiled shrimp an ideal and versatile food for those following low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Quick Summary

Plain boiled shrimp is an excellent low-carb and high-protein food, containing a negligible amount of carbohydrates per serving. The carb content changes based on preparation, with breading and sugary sauces significantly increasing the total.

Key Points

Negligible Carb Count: Plain boiled shrimp contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving, fitting perfectly into low-carb and keto diets.
Preparation is Key: Adding breading or sugary sauces significantly increases the carb count, turning a healthy low-carb food into a high-carb meal.
Rich in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean, high-quality protein, which helps with satiety and muscle maintenance.
Nutrient-Dense: It is packed with important vitamins like B12, and minerals such as selenium and iodine.
Excellent Keto Option: Boiled shrimp is a versatile, keto-friendly protein that can be enjoyed in salads, on skewers, or simply with butter and herbs.
Lower in Carbs than Scallops: Compared to some other seafood, like scallops, shrimp is a lower carbohydrate option.

The Carb Count in Boiled Shrimp

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, boiled shrimp is an excellent dietary choice. When cooked in plain boiling water, shrimp's natural carbohydrate content is minimal. A standard 3-ounce serving (about 85 grams) of boiled shrimp contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates. In fact, some detailed nutritional analyses report the value to be as low as 0.2 grams per 100 grams of cooked shrimp. This means you can enjoy boiled shrimp without significantly impacting your daily carb macro count.

The low carb count is a key reason why shrimp is a popular staple in many healthy eating plans, including the ketogenic diet. The absence of sugars and starches in its natural form ensures it aligns with the strict carbohydrate restrictions of keto, allowing the body to remain in a state of ketosis. However, the cooking method is crucial for maintaining this low-carb status.

The Nutritional Profile of Shrimp

Beyond its low carbohydrate and calorie density, shrimp is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. A typical 100-gram serving (about 3.5 ounces) offers significant health benefits, especially as a source of lean protein.

Protein: A 100-gram serving provides about 24 grams of high-quality protein, which is essential for building muscle and promoting satiety.
Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp is rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, which supports nerve function and red blood cell production. It also contains selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect against cell damage, as well as iodine, important for thyroid health.
Antioxidants: The pink color of shrimp comes from a powerful antioxidant called astaxanthin, which has been linked to reducing inflammation and protecting against skin damage.
Omega-3s: While not high in fat, shrimp does contain small amounts of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

How Preparation Affects Carbohydrates

The negligible carb count of boiled shrimp is directly linked to its simple preparation method. Any added ingredients, particularly starches and sugars, will change its nutritional profile dramatically.

Simple, Low-Carb Preparation

To ensure your shrimp remains low-carb, stick to simple cooking techniques. Boiling or steaming with basic seasonings like salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, and lemon will not add any significant carbs. For flavor, consider a marinade using olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs before grilling, or simply toss the boiled shrimp in a little melted butter and parsley.

High-Carb Pitfalls to Avoid

Many popular shrimp dishes are loaded with hidden carbs from breading and sauces. Be mindful of these common preparations:

Fried Shrimp: Whether deep-fried or pan-fried with a flour or panko breading, fried shrimp contains a high amount of carbs. A single serving can add over 40 grams of carbs to your meal.
Shrimp Tempura: This Japanese style of lightly battered and fried shrimp is a definite no-go for keto, with the batter sending carb counts soaring.
Sugary Sauces: Many commercial cocktail sauces contain added sugar, turning a low-carb appetizer into a high-carb one. Always check the label or make your own sugar-free version.
Pre-packaged Shrimp Boils: Some pre-made or frozen shrimp boil mixes can contain added sugars or starchy vegetables, increasing the total carb count.

Boiled Shrimp vs. Other Seafood Carbs

When compared to other seafood, boiled shrimp remains a stellar low-carb option. While many fish and shellfish are also naturally low in carbohydrates, there can be some variation. For example, a comparison with scallops shows shrimp is the lower-carb choice. Plain fish like salmon, cod, and tuna also contain virtually zero carbs, similar to shrimp. As always, the key is the preparation.

Comparison of Shrimp Prep Methods

To illustrate how preparation affects the carb count, here is a simple comparison table based on a 3-ounce serving of shrimp:


Preparation Method	Approximate Carbs (per 3 oz)	Keto Friendly?
Boiled/Steamed (plain)	< 1 gram	Yes
Grilled (plain)	~1.3 grams	Yes
Fried (breaded)	~40 grams	No
Shrimp Cocktail (with sugary sauce)	Varies, can be high	No

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "Are there carbs in boiled shrimp?" is a resounding no, or at least, a negligible amount. Plain boiled shrimp is a high-protein, low-calorie, and virtually carb-free food, making it an excellent choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets. To maintain its low carbohydrate status, it is essential to avoid high-carb additions like sugary sauces and breading. By keeping the preparation simple and clean, you can enjoy all the nutritional benefits of this versatile seafood.

For more information on the wide-ranging health benefits of shrimp, you can read more at WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, boiled shrimp is highly keto-friendly because it is a high-protein, low-fat, and virtually carb-free food.

There is a massive difference. Boiled shrimp has less than 1 gram of carbs per serving, while a serving of breaded and fried shrimp can contain over 40 grams due to the coating.

To keep boiled shrimp low-carb, use seasonings like fresh herbs (dill, parsley), lemon juice, garlic, and a little butter or olive oil. Avoid sugary sauces.

The carb count of the shrimp itself remains low regardless of whether it is boiled, steamed, or grilled. The only thing that increases carbs is the addition of high-carb ingredients, like breading or sugary marinades.

Yes, shrimp is a lean protein source that helps you feel full without adding excess calories or carbs, making it great for weight management.

Shrimp is a good source of vitamins B12, selenium, iodine, and antioxidants like astaxanthin, which offer various health benefits.

Most shellfish, like shrimp, are naturally low in carbs. For example, shrimp is lower in carbs than scallops. However, preparation is always the key factor in determining the final carb count.