Does Seafood Soup Have Carbs? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

November 3, 2025 •

3 min read

While pure seafood contains negligible carbohydrates, a typical serving of creamy seafood soup can contain over 20g of carbs. So, does seafood soup have carbs? The total carb count is heavily influenced by the recipe and thickening agents used, not just the protein.

Quick Summary

The carb content of seafood soup varies significantly depending on the recipe's ingredients. While seafood itself is low-carb, thickeners like potatoes, flour, and creamy bases can increase the carbohydrate count. Low-carb versions can be made by substituting these starchy ingredients.

Key Points

Carbs are in the Additions: The carbs in seafood soup come from non-seafood ingredients, such as thickeners and starchy vegetables, not the seafood itself.
Thickeners Add Carbs: Traditional thickening agents like flour or potatoes significantly increase the carb count, while low-carb alternatives include cauliflower or heavy cream.
Clear Broth vs. Chowder: Clear seafood broths are naturally very low in carbs, whereas creamy chowders often have a higher carb content.
Seafood is Low-Carb: Most fish and shellfish contain negligible or zero carbohydrates, making them ideal protein sources for a low-carb diet.
Control Your Ingredients: To make a low-carb seafood soup, replace high-carb ingredients with alternatives like cauliflower and use heavy cream or bone broth for the base.
Recipe Matters: The specific recipe is the most important factor in determining the carbohydrate content of your seafood soup.

The Core Truth: Carbs in Seafood Itself

The fundamental components of seafood—fish and shellfish—are naturally very low in carbohydrates. For example, a 3.5-ounce serving of tuna or cod contains virtually 0 grams of carbs. Similarly, shellfish like shrimp and crab also contain minimal carbohydrates. Therefore, the seafood itself is not the source of carbs in a seafood soup.

The real contributors are the other ingredients added to create the broth, texture, and flavor. These can include a variety of starchy vegetables, thickeners, and dairy products that can dramatically alter the soup's macronutrient profile. This is why a simple, clear seafood broth is typically low-carb, while a thick, creamy chowder is not.

Common High-Carb Ingredients in Soup

To understand where the carbs come from, consider these common additions:

Potatoes: A staple in many traditional chowders, potatoes are a high-carbohydrate vegetable. The amount of potato added can be a primary driver of the total carb count.
Flour or Cornstarch: Used to thicken the soup base, flour-based roux or cornstarch slurries are concentrated sources of carbohydrates. Even small amounts can add up.
Cream and Milk: While heavy cream is low-carb, whole milk and certain types of cream can add a few grams of carbs from lactose. Full-fat versions are generally preferable for low-carb diets.
Onions and Other Vegetables: While nutritious, some vegetables like onions, carrots, and corn contain natural sugars that contribute to the overall carb content. The quantity used matters, especially for those on a strict ketogenic diet.

Choosing Low-Carb Alternatives

If you're aiming for a low-carb seafood soup, smart substitutions are key:

Replace potatoes with low-carb alternatives such as cauliflower, celery root, or radishes.
Use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum or a small amount of gelatin instead of flour.
Opt for heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk over whole milk to keep net carbs down.
Bulk up the soup with non-starchy vegetables like celery, bell peppers, and leafy greens. For a richer flavor, consider using bone broth, which is naturally low in carbs.

High-Carb vs. Low-Carb Seafood Soup: A Comparison

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of a traditional, carb-heavy seafood chowder versus a low-carb, keto-friendly version. The values are representative and will vary based on the specific recipe.


Feature	Traditional Seafood Chowder	Low-Carb Seafood Chowder
Key Thickeners	Potatoes, flour-based roux	Cauliflower puree, heavy cream
Carb Source	Potatoes, flour, some vegetables	Minimal, primarily from vegetables
Broth Base	Often uses milk or light cream	Heavy cream, fish or bone broth
Typical Carb Count	20-40g+ per serving	6-10g per serving
Texture	Thick and hearty due to starch	Creamy and rich, but without starch
Flavor Profile	Classic, often rustic and robust	Richer, often more focused on seafood flavor

How to Enjoy Low-Carb Seafood Soup

Making a delicious low-carb seafood soup doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. In many cases, it allows the fresh, briny taste of the seafood to shine. Here are some tips:

Build a Flavorful Base: Start with a good quality fish or bone broth. Sauté aromatic vegetables like onions, celery, and garlic in butter or olive oil. Use fresh herbs like dill, thyme, and parsley to deepen the flavor.
Leverage Healthy Fats: Heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk, or even a swirl of olive oil can add a creamy texture and richness without the carbs. This is particularly useful for keto-dieters who need more fat in their diet.
Choose the Right Seafood: All types of seafood are excellent low-carb protein sources. This is a great opportunity to use a variety, such as cod, salmon, shrimp, mussels, and scallops, to create a complex flavor profile.
Experiment with Recipes: For inspiration, explore recipes like this low-carb seafood chowder with garlic mayo. There are many creative ways to replace starchy ingredients while maintaining the essence of a comforting soup.

Conclusion

In short, the answer to "does seafood soup have carbs?" is a definitive "it depends." The seafood itself is not the carbohydrate source, but the other ingredients can make a huge difference. By being mindful of added thickeners and starchy vegetables, you can easily create a low-carb, keto-friendly version that is both delicious and nutritious. Opting for a clear broth or using cauliflower to thicken a creamy chowder are excellent strategies to keep the carb count in check while enjoying a satisfying, healthy meal. The key is to control your ingredients to align the soup with your dietary goals.

For a specific low-carb recipe idea, explore the options available on Diet Doctor's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fish soup is typically not high in carbs unless starchy ingredients like potatoes or pasta are added. A simple broth-based version with vegetables is naturally low in carbohydrates.

To reduce carbs in seafood chowder, substitute potatoes with cauliflower or celery root and use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum instead of flour or cornstarch.

Most fish and shellfish, including salmon, cod, shrimp, and lobster, are virtually carb-free. However, some shellfish like clams and oysters contain a small amount of carbohydrates.

Yes, canned seafood soups often contain added thickeners, starches, and sugars to improve texture and flavor, which increases their carbohydrate count. Always check the nutrition label for specifics.

Yes, but you must choose or prepare a keto-friendly version. Avoid recipes with potatoes, flour, and corn, and use a heavy cream or bone broth base for a low-carb option.

For a low-carb seafood soup, you can use a puree of cooked cauliflower or a small amount of a thickening agent like xanthan gum to achieve a rich, thick texture without the carbs.

Yes, bone broth is an excellent, carb-free base for seafood soup. It adds protein and flavor while keeping the carbohydrate count low.

You can use non-starchy vegetables like celery, onions (in moderation), bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. Cauliflower is also a popular choice for adding bulk and texture.