How much protein is in 100g of whale meat?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, raw beluga whale meat contains an impressive 26.5 to 27 grams of protein per 100g serving. This high-protein yield, along with other nutrients, has historically made whale meat a significant food source for indigenous populations, particularly in Arctic regions.

Quick Summary

Raw beluga whale meat typically contains 26 to 27 grams of protein per 100g, while dried versions can have significantly more. This nutritional content varies depending on the species and cut. Whale meat is also rich in essential amino acids, iron, and B vitamins.

Key Points

High Protein Density: Raw beluga whale meat contains approximately 27 grams of protein per 100g, comparable to or higher than lean chicken breast.
Dried Meat Concentration: Drying the meat significantly increases its protein concentration; dried beluga whale meat contains nearly 70 grams of protein per 100g.
Nutrient-Rich Profile: Besides protein, whale meat is rich in essential amino acids, iron, and vitamins A and B.
Species and Cut Variation: The exact nutritional content varies based on the whale species and the specific cut of meat, with blubber having a different profile than lean muscle.
Contaminant Risk: Due to bioaccumulation, whale meat and blubber can contain high levels of mercury and other pollutants, posing health risks, especially with high consumption.
Cultural Significance vs. Modern Controversy: While a traditional food source for indigenous peoples, commercial whaling remains a controversial practice due to conservation and environmental concerns.
Low Fat Content (in lean cuts): Lean cuts of whale meat are very low in fat compared to common meats like beef and pork.

The High Protein Content of Whale Meat

Whale meat is renowned for its high protein density, a factor that has made it a crucial part of traditional diets in specific Arctic and coastal communities for centuries. While commercial whaling is largely banned today, limited subsistence hunting by indigenous peoples and regulated commercial operations in certain countries like Iceland, Norway, and Japan continue. For raw beluga whale meat, an Alaskan Native food, the protein content is approximately 26.5 to 27 grams per 100g. This places it among the most protein-dense animal foods consumed by humans.

Factors Influencing Protein Content

The exact protein amount can differ based on several key factors:

Species of Whale: Different whale species have different body compositions. For example, a beluga whale's meat has a slightly different nutritional profile than that of a fin or minke whale. While a general reference might state around 25 grams of protein for raw meat, species-specific data often shows variations.
Cut of Meat: The protein and fat content can vary greatly depending on the cut. Tail meat from large baleen whales is highly prized in some cultures, while other cuts, like the skin and blubber (muktuk), are richer in fat and other vitamins.
Preparation Method: The protein concentration changes when the meat is dried. For instance, 100g of dried beluga whale meat can contain nearly 70 grams of protein, as water is removed during the drying process, concentrating the nutrients.

A Closer Look at Beluga Whale Nutrition

Dried beluga whale meat (Alaska Native) per 100g offers a concentrated source of protein and several other vital nutrients:

Protein: ~70g
Iron: 72mg, offering over 900% of the daily value
Vitamin B12: ~7.3µg, over 300% of the daily value
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: While blubber is a primary source, some omega-3s are also present in the meat.

Whale Meat vs. Common Protein Sources: A Comparison

Whale meat's nutritional profile, especially its high protein and low fat content in lean cuts, often compares favorably to more common meats. The table below illustrates the approximate macro-nutrient content per 100g of various raw meats.


Food Type (100g, raw)	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Benefits	Drawbacks
Whale (Beluga, Meat)	27	0.5	80	Very high protein, rich in iron, low fat	Limited availability, mercury contamination risk
Chicken (Breast)	~23	~2	~77	Widely available, low fat	Lower iron content than whale meat
Lean Beef	17-18	8-10	72	Source of zinc and B vitamins	Can be higher in saturated fat
Pork (Lean)	22-23	~3	61	Good source of thiamine	Varies greatly by cut, some high in fat

Important Considerations for Whale Meat Consumption

Beyond its nutritional content, it is crucial to recognize the significant environmental and health factors associated with whale meat consumption.

Conservation Status

The history of commercial whaling led to the decimation of many whale populations, with some species still recovering. While the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has a moratorium on commercial whaling, some countries continue hunting under exceptions or after withdrawing from the IWC. This practice remains highly controversial globally.

Health and Contaminant Risks

Whales, as top predators, accumulate high levels of environmental contaminants, particularly mercury and PCBs, in their blubber and meat. High consumption can pose serious health risks, particularly for pregnant women and children. Health authorities in regions where pilot whale meat is consumed, such as the Faroe Islands, have issued recommendations to limit consumption due to these concerns.

Cultural Context

For indigenous communities like the Inuit and Alaska Natives, whaling is a traditional and vital practice central to their cultural identity and food security. The meat harvested from regulated subsistence hunts sustains these communities, which have relied on marine mammals for millennia in areas where food sources are scarce.

Conclusion: A High-Protein Source with Complex Issues

In conclusion, raw whale meat, particularly from beluga whales, is an exceptionally high-protein food, often containing around 27 grams of protein per 100g serving. When dried, this concentration can increase dramatically. It is also a valuable source of iron and B vitamins, historically essential for indigenous coastal communities. However, the consumption of whale meat today is a complex issue. The high protein density is balanced against significant environmental concerns regarding conservation and potential health risks from accumulated contaminants like mercury. Therefore, while the nutritional value is high, broader ethical and safety considerations must be weighed.

Frequently Asked Questions

The safety of whale meat is a complex issue. While it is a nutritious food source for many indigenous communities, the meat and blubber can accumulate high levels of environmental contaminants like mercury and PCBs, posing health risks with regular consumption.

Whale meat contains a complete protein profile, including all essential amino acids necessary for human health, similar to other lean red meats.

Lean whale meat is generally higher in protein and lower in fat and cholesterol than lean beef. Lean whale meat contains around 25g of protein per 100g, compared to 17-18g in lean beef.

No, commercial whaling is banned by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in most countries. However, some countries like Norway, Iceland, and Japan permit commercial whaling, and several indigenous communities globally are allowed limited subsistence hunts.

Yes, protein content varies by species and cut of meat. Data shows variations between species like beluga and fin whales, as well as between muscle meat, blubber, and organs.

Muktuk is the skin and blubber of whales, particularly bowhead, narwhal, and beluga, and is a traditional delicacy for some Arctic peoples. It is high in fat, omega-3s, and vitamins, while the muscle meat (leaner) is rich in protein.

Whale meat consumption is controversial due to the history of overhunting, concerns over endangered species, animal welfare issues, and the accumulation of environmental toxins like mercury and PCBs in the meat and blubber.

Lean cuts of whale meat are very low in fat. However, blubber and certain other parts are high in fat. In fact, some sources indicate whale meat has less than 1% fat, making it one of the leanest meats.