Scallops vs shrimp

Side-by-side nutrition comparison per serving. See which fits your goals better.

Scallops and shrimp are both shellfish delicacies prized for their sweet, delicate flavors, and their lean protein profiles are remarkably similar. Scallops deliver 12.06g protein at 69 calories per 100g with just 0.49g fat. Shrimp provides 24g protein at 99 calories with 0.28g fat. Shrimp has double the protein for only 30 more calories per serving.

Scallops' lower protein per serving means you need larger portions to hit meaningful protein targets, but their calorie density is among the lowest of any protein source. A 200g serving of scallops delivers 24g protein for just 138 calories — impressively lean. Scallops are also rich in vitamin B12 and zinc, with a single serving covering a significant portion of daily needs.

Shrimp's practical advantages include lower cost per gram of protein, wider availability, and greater recipe versatility. Scallops are a premium ingredient that restaurants charge heavily for but that home cooks can prepare easily with a properly hot pan. Both are excellent choices for calorie-conscious protein intake.

Pro tip

Sear scallops in a screaming-hot cast iron pan with a thin film of high-smoke-point oil. Do not move them for 2 minutes per side — this creates the golden crust that makes restaurant scallops special. Pat them completely dry before searing; any moisture prevents browning.

Quick Verdict

Best for weight loss

Scallops

Best for muscle gain

shrimp

Best for low-carb

shrimp

Macro Comparison

Scallops: 100g (100g)  |  shrimp: 100g (100g)

CaloriesLower is better for weight loss

69

Scallops

vs

99

shrimp

ProteinHigher supports muscle growth

12.06g

Scallops

vs

24g

shrimp

CarbsLower for low-carb diets

3.18g

Scallops

vs

0.2g

shrimp

FatLower for calorie control

0.49g

Scallops

vs

0.28g

shrimp

Protein Efficiency

What percentage of calories come from protein — higher is better for staying lean.

70%

Scallops

97%

shrimp

Track what you eat automatically

Send a photo of your scallops or shrimp meal to Sunn on WhatsApp and get instant calorie and macro tracking.

Take the free quiz

Per 100g Comparison

NutrientScallopsshrimp
Calories6999
Protein12.1g24g
Carbs3.2g0.2g
Fat0.5g0.3g
Fiber0g
Sugar0g
Sodium392mg111mg
Cholesterol24mg189mg
Saturated Fat0.13g0.06g
Potassium205mg259mg
Vitamin A1mcg
Vitamin C0mg
Calcium6mg70mg
Iron0.38mg0.51mg

Which Should You Choose?

For weight loss

Choose Scallops. With 69 calories and 12.06g protein, it gives you more protein per calorie — keeping you full while cutting calories.

For muscle gain

Choose shrimp. shrimp delivers 24g protein per serving — 11.9g more than Scallops.

For low-carb diets

Choose shrimp with 0.2g carbs per serving.

Premium proteins like scallops become affordable when you buy them frozen and cook at home. Sunn helps you log restaurant-quality meals made at home so your nutrition tracking covers even special dinners.

Get a plan that fits your goals

Stop guessing. Sunn builds you a personalized nutrition plan based on your body, goals, and food preferences.

Take the free quiz

Common Questions

Is Scallops or shrimp better for weight loss?

For weight loss, Scallops is the better choice. Scallops has 69 calories and 12.06g protein per serving, while shrimp has 99 calories and 24g protein. Lower calories with higher protein helps you stay full while eating fewer calories.

Which has more protein, Scallops or shrimp?

shrimp has more protein per serving. Scallops provides 12.06g and shrimp provides 24g of protein.

Can I eat both scallops and shrimp together?

Yes! Combining scallops and shrimp gives you 168 calories and 36.06g protein. This combination can work well as part of a balanced meal.

Compare More Foods