How Many Calories Are in 6 Pieces of Crab Sushi?

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 6-piece California roll contains approximately 200 to 250 calories, but this number can change dramatically depending on the type and ingredients. The question of how many calories are in 6 pieces of crab sushi has a wide range of answers, emphasizing the importance of knowing what’s in your specific order.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 6 pieces of crab sushi varies significantly by preparation, ranging from low-end standard rolls to high-calorie tempura options. Key caloric influencers include added sauces like spicy mayo, cream cheese, and deep-fried ingredients. Nutritional profiles differ greatly between maki rolls and nigiri versions.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: The number of calories in 6 pieces of crab sushi is not fixed and can vary from around 180 to over 400, depending on the preparation.
Sauces and Add-ons Increase Calories: Ingredients like spicy mayonnaise, eel sauce, and cream cheese add significant calories and fat to crab rolls.
Tempura Rolls are Calorie-Dense: Deep-fried elements, such as soft-shell crab or tempura flakes, make tempura crab rolls one of the highest-calorie sushi options.
Nigiri is a Lighter Option: Crab nigiri, featuring crab on a bed of rice, is generally lower in calories than traditional maki rolls, especially Americanized versions.
Customization for Calorie Control: You can reduce the calorie count of your order by requesting less rice, opting for brown rice, and asking for sauces on the side.

The Caloric Breakdown of Crab Sushi

The total number of calories in 6 pieces of crab sushi is not a single, fixed figure. It depends heavily on the specific type of sushi you are eating and how it is prepared. While the crab meat itself is relatively low in calories and high in protein, other ingredients like sushi rice, high-fat sauces, and fried elements can quickly increase the overall count.

Classic California Rolls

The California roll is arguably the most common type of crab sushi in North America. A standard 6-piece roll, which typically contains imitation crab (surimi), avocado, and cucumber, falls into a moderate calorie range. For instance, Nutritionix lists a 6-piece California roll with 262 calories, though this can vary by restaurant. The avocado contributes healthy fats, while the sushi rice provides a significant portion of the carbohydrates. If spicy mayo is added, the calorie count will increase substantially.

Spicy Crab Rolls

Spicy crab rolls introduce a higher calorie count, primarily due to the addition of spicy mayonnaise. A single tablespoon of spicy mayo can add around 90 calories to a roll. A 6-piece spicy crab roll might contain approximately 300 to 350 calories, depending on the amount of mayo mixed with the crab and drizzled on top. Some specialty versions also include cream cheese, pushing the caloric value even higher.

Tempura Crab Rolls

Fried or tempura-style crab sushi represents the highest calorie option. These rolls typically feature deep-fried soft-shell crab or crispy fried tempura flakes. Deep-frying the ingredients adds significant amounts of fat and calories. For example, a tempura shrimp and crab roll can contain over 400 calories for 6 pieces. A soft-shell crab maki roll can also be in a similar high-calorie range.

Crab Nigiri

Nigiri, which consists of a slice of fish or shellfish over a small mound of rice, offers a more balanced and lower-calorie choice compared to many rolls. Each piece of crab nigiri contains roughly 40 to 65 calories. Therefore, 6 pieces of crab nigiri would amount to approximately 240 to 390 calories. The caloric value depends on the size of the rice ball and the specific type of crab. It lacks the higher-fat additions found in Americanized rolls.

Factors That Influence Sushi Calories

Type of Rice: The majority of calories in a standard crab roll come from the sushi rice. Opting for less rice or substituting with brown rice can slightly lower the caloric impact.
Added Sauces: Spicy mayo, eel sauce, and other creamy toppings are major contributors to extra calories.
Fried Ingredients: Tempura batter and deep-frying processes significantly increase the fat and calorie content.
Fillings: Ingredients like cream cheese add rich, high-fat content to rolls.

Comparison of 6-Piece Crab Sushi Options


Sushi Type	Approximate Calorie Range (6 pieces)	Key Calorie Boosters
California Roll	200-265	Rice, avocado, imitation crab, optional mayo
Crab Nigiri	240-390	Sushi rice portion and type of crab
Spicy Crab Roll	300-350	Spicy mayo, sushi rice
Tempura Crab Roll	400+	Deep-fried crab, tempura batter, sauces
Crab & Cream Cheese Roll	250+	Cream cheese, sushi rice

Making Healthier Choices

If you are watching your caloric intake, it is possible to enjoy crab sushi by making a few simple adjustments. Choosing simpler rolls, like a basic crab and cucumber roll, or opting for nigiri over a tempura roll is a good start. Requesting less rice or having sauces served on the side allows for more control over your meal's nutritional profile. Balancing your meal with low-calorie sides like miso soup or seaweed salad can also help manage overall calorie consumption.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in 6 pieces of crab sushi can vary widely, from as low as 180-200 calories for simple rolls to over 400 for fried or heavily sauced varieties. The final tally is primarily influenced by the type and quantity of rice, the addition of fatty ingredients like mayonnaise and cream cheese, and whether any components are deep-fried. By understanding these key differences, you can make more informed and healthy decisions when enjoying this popular Japanese dish. For more insights on general sushi nutrition, consider consulting resources from a trusted health or food information site, such as the Tomo Japanese Restaurant blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 6-piece California roll is generally lower in calories (around 200-265) than a spicy crab roll (around 300-350) due to the addition of high-fat spicy mayonnaise in the latter.

Yes, individual pieces of crab nigiri (40-65 calories per piece) tend to be lower in calories than pieces from a 6-piece crab maki roll because nigiri uses less rice and lacks fatty additions.

The biggest factors that significantly increase the calorie count are high-fat sauces like spicy mayo, cream cheese, and any ingredients that are deep-fried, such as tempura.

Imitation crab (surimi) can sometimes have a higher sodium content and is processed differently, but the primary calorie difference comes from the roll's other ingredients, not the crab itself.

Yes, you can make your crab sushi lower in calories by asking for less rice, getting sauces on the side, choosing brown rice, or selecting vegetable-heavy or simpler rolls like nigiri.

Not all crab sushi is equally healthy. While basic crab and veggie rolls can be nutritious, those with fried ingredients, creamy sauces, and extra fillings can be high in calories, fat, and sodium.

Avocado adds a moderate amount of healthy fat and calories to a California roll. While it boosts the overall calorie count compared to a simple cucumber roll, it is a healthier fat source than creamy sauces.