Understanding the Nutrition: How many calories are in Colin Alaska?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A 100-gram serving of raw Alaskan pollock, or Colin d'Alaska, contains approximately 71 to 76 calories, depending on the source. This makes it a lean, low-calorie protein source, contrasting sharply with the misperception that Colin Alaska is a high-calorie dessert similar to Baked Alaska.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caloric content and nutritional profile of Colin d'Alaska, which is Alaskan pollock fish. It addresses the common confusion with the dessert 'Baked Alaska' and provides a comparison of calories for raw, baked, and breaded preparations to offer a clear nutritional overview.

Key Points

Colin d'Alaska is Fish: The term refers to Alaskan pollock, not a dessert, which is a common misconception.
Raw Pollock is Low Calorie: A 100g serving of raw Alaskan pollock contains only about 71-76 calories and is very lean.
Cooking Method Matters: The caloric content of Alaskan pollock increases substantially when prepared with batter and oil, such as in fish sticks.
Not Baked Alaska: The dessert Baked Alaska is a high-calorie confection of ice cream, cake, and meringue, which should not be confused with the low-calorie fish.
A Lean Protein Source: As a white fish, Alaskan pollock is a rich source of protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids for a low number of calories.
Nutritional Awareness is Key: Distinguishing between these two items is important for effective dietary and health management.

Demystifying Colin d'Alaska: Fish, Not Dessert

Many people are puzzled by the question, "How many calories are in Colin Alaska?" because they mistakenly associate the name with the dessert Baked Alaska. In reality, Colin d'Alaska is the French name for Alaskan pollock, a mild-flavored white fish known for its lean protein content. This article will clarify the nutritional profile of Alaskan pollock and compare it with the caloric bomb that is the actual Baked Alaska dessert, clearing up any dietary confusion.

The Nutritional Profile of Alaskan Pollock

As a wild-caught, semi-pelagic fish from the North Pacific, Alaskan pollock is a remarkably healthy food choice. A standard 100-gram serving (or about 3.5 ounces) of raw fish provides a very low-calorie intake, with zero carbohydrates or sugar. Its nutritional value is primarily derived from lean protein and a small amount of healthy fats, including essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Key nutritional highlights per 100g of raw Alaskan pollock include:

Calories: ~71–76 kcal
Protein: ~16–17 grams
Fat: <1 gram
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Vitamin B12: Often a significant percentage of the daily recommended intake
Selenium: Can provide a high percentage of the daily value
Omega-3s: A good source of beneficial fatty acids

This makes Alaskan pollock a dense and efficient source of protein, crucial for muscle maintenance and overall health, while keeping caloric and fat intake low.

How Preparation Method Impacts Calorie Count

While raw Alaskan pollock is naturally low in calories, the way it is prepared significantly alters its final nutritional value. The addition of batter, breading, oil, and sauces can drastically increase the caloric and fat content. This is a critical factor for anyone monitoring their calorie intake.

Baked or Pan-Seared: Cooking pollock with minimal added fat (e.g., a small amount of olive oil) or simply baking it will keep the calories close to its natural state. A dry-heat cooking method for 100g of Atlantic pollock is reported to have 118 kcal, which is still quite low.
Battered and Fried: The popular fish sticks and battered fillets made from Alaskan pollock will contain substantially more calories. The breading and absorption of oil during deep-frying adds significant carbohydrates and fat. For example, some battered pollock products can have around 180–190 calories per 100g.
Pre-packaged Meals: Ready-to-eat products, like the 'Colin d'Alaska à la Bordelaise' from Findus, can contain added sauces and other ingredients that increase the calorie count to around 147 kcal per 100g.

Comparison Table: From Fish to Dessert

To clearly illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of the caloric content of Alaskan pollock in various forms versus a traditional Baked Alaska dessert.


Item	Preparation Method	Approximate Calories (per 100g)	Notes
Alaskan Pollock (Colin d'Alaska)	Raw	71–76 kcal	Very lean, high protein.
Alaskan Pollock	Baked with minimal oil	~118 kcal	Adds minor calories from cooking fat.
Alaskan Pollock Fish Sticks	Battered and fried	~180–190 kcal	Significantly higher due to batter and oil.
Baked Alaska Dessert	Ice cream, cake, meringue	Varies widely, often several hundred kcal per serving	Rich, high-sugar dessert.

Why the Distinction is Crucial for Health

Recognizing that Colin d'Alaska is fish and not a dessert is vital for making informed dietary choices. For individuals aiming for weight management or seeking lean protein sources, Alaskan pollock is an excellent option. It provides substantial nutritional benefits without the high caloric and sugar load associated with desserts.

Conversely, treating a dish like Baked Alaska as a casual meal choice would have a very different impact on one's daily caloric and sugar intake. The difference is not just semantic; it has real-world consequences for diet and nutrition. Understanding the origin of food names, like the translation of Colin d'Alaska, helps prevent these common misunderstandings.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in Colin Alaska, or Alaskan pollock, is quite low, making it a healthy dietary choice. The calorie count only increases significantly when the fish is processed with additional ingredients, such as breading and frying oil. The confusion with 'Baked Alaska' is a result of a misleading translation, and it is crucial to recognize that the two are fundamentally different foods with vastly different nutritional profiles. For a healthy and protein-rich meal, plain Alaskan pollock is an excellent, low-calorie option, while the meringue-covered Baked Alaska should be enjoyed as a decadent treat.

For more information on the sustainability and nutritional benefits of Alaskan pollock, see the resources provided by the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colin d'Alaska is the French name for Alaskan pollock, a species of mild-flavored white fish found in the North Pacific.

The confusion likely stems from the similar-sounding name 'Baked Alaska,' a famously rich dessert made with ice cream, cake, and meringue.

A 100-gram serving of plain Alaskan pollock typically contains around 71 to 76 calories, making it a very lean protein option.

Battered and fried Alaskan pollock, often used for fish sticks, contains significantly more calories due to the breading and oil. It can have around 180-190 calories per 100 grams.

The caloric difference is substantial. Plain Alaskan pollock has a low calorie count, while Baked Alaska is a dessert with hundreds of calories per serving due to its sugar, ice cream, and meringue content.

Yes, Alaskan pollock can be an excellent food for weight loss. When prepared plainly (baked, steamed), it is a high-protein, low-calorie option that can increase feelings of fullness.

Raw Alaskan pollock has virtually no carbohydrates. The carb content only comes from added ingredients during processing, such as the batter on fish sticks.

Yes, Alaskan pollock is a versatile white fish with a mild flavor, suitable for many recipes that call for white fish. However, due to its delicate texture, a firmer fish like Pacific cod might be better for preparations where the fillet needs to hold its shape.