Crayfish Calories: Nutrition Facts, Benefits & Daily Values

How Many Calories Are in Crayfish?

Calculation of the nutritional value & Recommended Dietary Intake of crayfish

Calories 18 kcal	Proteins 4 g	Lipids 0.1 g	Carbohydrates 0.3 g

1%	5%	0%	0%

Health benefits of crayfish

Crayfish is considered a low-calorie crustacean, providing only 72 calories per 100 g, which makes it attractive to anyone counting calories for weight-loss or weight-maintenance goals. In spite of the modest calories, it delivers around 16 g of protein and less than 1 g of carbohydrates, so the calories you do obtain mainly support muscle maintenance rather than fat storage.

Nutritionally, crayfish supplies vitamin B12, niacin (B3), and vitamin E, along with essential minerals such as selenium, iodine, zinc, and copper. These micronutrients support immune function, thyroid activity, and antioxidant protection without adding many calories. Its omega-3 content is lower than that of salmon, yet still contributes to cardiovascular health. Cholesterol is present, but recent research shows that seafood cholesterol has little impact on blood lipids for most healthy adults.

Historically, crayfish has been prized in Scandinavian and Cajun cuisines; the traditional Swedish kräftskiva summer feast highlights its festive role and low calories compared with richer shellfish. Because crayfish lives in freshwater, heavy-metal accumulation is generally lower than in some marine species, although this advantage depends on the water quality in each region.

To sum up, crayfish offers high protein, very little fat, and minimal calories, qualifying it as a low-calorie food that can enrich a balanced menu with trace minerals and maritime flavor.

Tips for incorporating crayfish into a balanced diet

If you are monitoring calories, crayfish is a versatile ingredient: 100 g adds only 72 calories to a meal, allowing room for nutrient-dense sides. Build a light salad by tossing peeled tails with diced avocado, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon; the whole plate stays under 300 calories while boosting healthy fats and fiber. For a warm option, prepare a crayfish bisque using skimmed semi-skimmed milk and vegetable stock instead of cream—still luxurious in flavor yet modest in calories.

Crayfish pairs well with green spears of asparagus or blanched broccoli; serve the trio over a small portion of brown rice for a balanced plate supplying complex carbs, high-quality proteins, and fewer overall calories than typical pasta dishes. In Cajun cuisine, étouffée is classic: replace the usual butter roux with a light light crème fraîche to reduce calories while keeping the signature spices.

For athletes seeking post-workout recovery, fold crayfish meat into a whole-grain pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and spinach. The combination delivers proteins and carbs in a single bowl without excessive calories. Similar macro ratios can be found in a simple stir-fry of crayfish, bell pepper, and rice, mirroring the nutrient profile of a lean chicken breast dish but at lower calories.

Remember: the delicate taste of crayfish is quickly masked by heavy sauces. Use fresh herbs, citrus zest, and mild spices to enhance flavor without inflating calories, ensuring the crustacean remains the star of your balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in crayfish?: Crayfish contains 72 kcal per 100 g.
Is crayfish good for a low-calorie diet?: Yes. With only 72 calories per 100 g and virtually no fat, crayfish fits easily into calorie-restricted meal plans.
How much protein do you get from crayfish?: Each 100 g portion supplies about 16 g of protein, giving you high protein for very few calories.
Does boiling crayfish change its calories?: The cooking process does not significantly alter macronutrient content; boiled crayfish still provides roughly 72 calories per 100 g unless butter or oil is added.
Can I replace shrimp with crayfish to cut calories?: Yes. Shrimp averages 85–90 calories per 100 g, so substituting crayfish saves approximately 15–20 calories while delivering comparable taste and texture.
Are there any allergens to consider?: Crayfish is a crustacean and shares the same allergenic proteins as shrimp and prawn. Individuals with shellfish allergies should avoid it regardless of calories.
Is crayfish suitable for athletes tracking calories and macros?: Absolutely. Its high protein-to-calorie ratio makes it ideal for muscle repair while keeping total calories low.
How long can cooked crayfish be stored without affecting calories or safety?: Refrigerate cooked crayfish within two hours and consume within 2–3 days. The calories remain the same, but spoilage risks rise after that window.

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Information provided by Calorie Menu may contain inaccuracies or errors. It cannot, under any circumstances, substitute medical advice or medication.