How many calories are in raw shrimp?

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp contains about 84 calories, while raw versions are similar, though varying slightly due to water content. Raw shrimp, like its cooked counterpart, is a low-calorie, high-protein food packed with nutrients, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

Raw shrimp contains a low number of calories, making it a nutrient-dense food high in protein and essential minerals. This article breaks down the exact calorie count by weight and size, compares it to cooked shrimp, and explores how different preparation methods can drastically alter its final caloric value.

Key Points

Low Calorie: Raw shrimp contains only 71–85 calories per 100 grams, making it a nutrient-dense choice.
High in Protein: A 100-gram serving provides a significant amount of high-quality protein with minimal fat.
Nutrient-Rich: Shrimp is an excellent source of essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine.
Preparation Matters: Cooking methods like frying can drastically increase the calorie count, while steaming or grilling keeps it low.
Cholesterol is Not an Issue: Dietary cholesterol from foods like shrimp has a minimal effect on blood cholesterol for most people.
Supports Weight Management: Its high protein and low-calorie profile makes it a great food for those on a calorie-controlled diet.

Caloric Breakdown of Raw Shrimp

One of the most important factors for anyone tracking their nutritional intake is understanding the calorie count of their food. For raw shrimp, the calorie count is notably low, with the majority of its energy coming from lean protein. While specific numbers can vary depending on the shrimp's size and species, standardized metrics provide a clear picture.

Raw Shrimp Calories per 100g

At the standard 100-gram serving size, which is approximately 3.5 ounces, raw shrimp contains between 71 and 85 calories. This variation can be due to minor differences in the shrimp's water and fat content. For reference, this is significantly less than a comparable serving of lean chicken breast. The calorie breakdown is impressive: high protein, minimal fat, and virtually zero carbohydrates.

Raw Shrimp Calories by Size

Calorie counts per individual shrimp are determined by their size, which is typically labeled by the number of shrimp per pound (e.g., 31/35 count). Here is a rough guide to the calorie content of different sizes of raw shrimp:

Small shrimp: Around 5-6 calories each
Medium shrimp: Approximately 7 calories each
Large shrimp: Approximately 9-10 calories each
Jumbo shrimp: Up to 14 calories each, depending on the exact size

How Preparation Affects Calorie Count

While raw shrimp is low in calories, the way it is cooked can significantly change its nutritional profile. Boiling, steaming, or grilling are the healthiest options, adding minimal extra calories. However, preparation methods that involve added fats or breading can quickly increase the final calorie total.

Here is a comparison table outlining how cooking methods impact the calorie count per 3-ounce (85g) serving:


Cooking Method	Approximate Calories per 3 oz (85g)	Added Fats/Ingredients
Raw	60–85 calories	None
Boiled/Steamed	84–90 calories	None (if prepared without butter/oils)
Grilled	85–95 calories	Minimal oil for grilling
Battered and Fried	200–250+ calories	Batter and cooking oil

Other Nutritional Benefits of Raw Shrimp

Beyond its low calorie count, raw shrimp offers a wealth of other nutritional benefits. It is a fantastic source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building muscle and promoting satiety. It is also rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports thyroid and heart health. Other notable nutrients include vitamin B12, copper, iodine, and choline. The omega-3 fatty acids found in shrimp can also contribute to heart health.

The Cholesterol Misconception

For many years, shrimp faced a negative reputation due to its high cholesterol content. However, modern research has shown that dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people. Saturated and trans fats have a far greater impact. Since shrimp contains very low amounts of these harmful fats, it is considered a healthy choice, even for those concerned about their cholesterol.

Conclusion

Raw shrimp is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a rich source of protein and essential micronutrients for a very low number of calories. The low-calorie count is most evident in its raw state, but healthy cooking methods like steaming or grilling can retain these benefits. For those managing weight or simply looking for a nutrient-dense food, raw shrimp is an excellent dietary choice. By focusing on simple preparation, you can enjoy all the health benefits of this popular seafood without unnecessary added calories.

For more detailed nutritional data and comparisons, you can visit a resource like the USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of raw shrimp contains approximately 60 to 72 calories, depending on the specific species and size.

Cooking shrimp itself does not add calories. However, cooking methods like frying, or adding butter and oil, can increase the total calorie count significantly. Healthy methods like steaming or grilling add very few extra calories.

While shrimp does contain dietary cholesterol, current research indicates that dietary cholesterol has very little impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people. The amount of saturated fat and trans fat you consume has a greater effect.

The calorie count is generally very similar between farmed and wild shrimp. Any minor nutritional differences are typically due to their diets, with wild shrimp often having slightly less saturated fat.

For most consumers, the terms are used interchangeably, and the calorie content is nearly identical. A 100-gram serving of prawns contains roughly 115 calories, a very small difference from some shrimp averages.

To keep the calorie count low, focus on simple, healthy preparation methods. Steaming, boiling, and grilling with a light seasoning or a squeeze of lemon juice are excellent, low-calorie options.

The primary nutritional benefit of raw shrimp is its high protein content combined with a very low calorie count. It provides a complete protein source necessary for muscle repair and a feeling of fullness.