Cuttlefish Calories: Nutrition Facts, Benefits & Daily Values

How Many Calories Are in Cuttlefish?

Calculation of the nutritional value & Recommended Dietary Intake of cuttlefish

Calories 110 kcal	Proteins 24 g	Lipids 1.5 g	Carbohydrates 0 g

6%	32%	2%	0%

Health benefits of cuttlefish

Cuttlefish is a low-calorie seafood (73 kcal per 100 g), which makes it valuable for anyone monitoring their daily calories, whether the goal is weight loss or simply keeping calories balanced. Despite its modest calories, it supplies around 16 g of proteins, helping maintain muscle mass without driving calories up.

Rich in vitamin B12, cuttlefish contributes to normal red-blood-cell formation and nervous system function while still keeping calories under control. It also delivers iodine and selenium, two minerals essential for thyroid regulation and antioxidant defenses, again with only a handful of calories. Small but notable amounts of phosphorus and zinc complete the picture without adding many calories.

Like most cephalopods, cuttlefish contains taurine, an amino-sulfonic acid sometimes associated with cardiovascular protection—although this benefit remains "supposed" and needs further study. Historically, cuttlefish ink was prized as a natural dye called sepia; knowing this cultural fact does not alter its calories but adds context for curious readers.

To sum up, cuttlefish offers lean proteins, key micronutrients, and very few calories, qualifying it as a poor-calorie or low-calorie choice in comparison with fattier fish or meats.

Tips for incorporating cuttlefish into a balanced diet

Thanks to its low calories and firm texture, cuttlefish adapts beautifully to healthy stir-fries. Sear strips quickly with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce; add steamed broccoli to keep overall calories minimal while packing volume and fiber.

If you crave Mediterranean flavors without skyrocketing calories, grill cuttlefish with lemon zest and serve alongside a tabbouleh made from quinoa. The grain supplies complex carbs while the seafood limits calories on the plate. Another balanced idea is a seafood paella: combine diced cuttlefish with rice, bell pepper, and peas—use olive oil sparingly to respect your calorie budget.

Cuttlefish can also replace high-fat proteins in classic recipes. Swap chorizo for marinated cuttlefish in a light paella variant, cutting calories yet preserving depth of taste. For athletes seeking more proteins without extra calories, pair grilled cuttlefish with a side of roasted pumpkin purée: the natural sweetness compensates for the dish's low lipid content while calories remain moderate.

Remember: quick cooking preserves tenderness; overcooking can make the flesh rubbery, encouraging you to add sauces that raise calories. A brief two-minute sear is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in cuttlefish?: Cuttlefish provides 73 kcal per 100 g.
Is cuttlefish considered low in calories?: Yes, 73 kcal per 100 g places cuttlefish firmly in the low-calorie category compared with fattier fish or red meat.
How do cuttlefish calories compare with squid calories?: Both cephalopods are lean, but cuttlefish usually contains slightly fewer calories than the average squid, making it marginally lighter for the same portion size.
Can I eat cuttlefish on a calorie-restricted diet?: Absolutely. Its 73 kcal per 100 g helps you stay within a tight calorie allowance while still obtaining 16 g of high-quality proteins.
Does grilling cuttlefish change its calories?: Grilling without added fat keeps calories virtually identical. Adding oil or butter will, of course, raise the final calorie count.
What sauce adds the fewest calories to cuttlefish?: A squeeze of lemon juice or a spoonful of light vinaigrette boosts flavor while adding minimal calories.

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