How Many Calories in Crayfish? Nutrition Facts & Macros
100 g of crayfish has 72 calories
Protein 14.9g · Carbs 0g · Fat 1g
Crayfish (also called crawfish or freshwater lobster) are small crustaceans found in rivers and lakes across Europe. At 72 kcal per 100 g, crayfish are an excellent high-protein, zero-carb food with 14.85 g of protein and less than 1 g of fat. They provide 218 mg of phosphorus, 261 mg of potassium, and 30 mcg of folate per 100 g. In Sweden, the traditional August crayfish party (kräftskiva) is one of the most celebrated food traditions in Scandinavia. Fresh raw crayfish are about 84% water by weight.
301 kJ · per 100g · Water: 84.05 g
Calorie Calculator: Crayfish
100 g Crayfish contains 72 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 crayfish (150 g edible) | 108 kcal | 22.3g | 0g | 1.5g |
| 1 medium crayfish (25 g edible) | 18 kcal | 3.7g | 0g | 0.2g |
| 100 g | 72 kcal | 14.9g | 0g | 1g |
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Crayfish — Nutrition Facts
| Crayfish | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 72 kcal |
| Protein | 14.85 g |
| Fat | 0.97 g |
| Carbs | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 62 mg |
| Potassium | 261 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Phosphorus | 218 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.076 mg |
| Folate | 30 mcg |
| Water | 84.05 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 175169) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Fresh raw (farmed)
72 calories per 100 g. USDA FDC 175169.
Cooked (moist heat)
87 calories per 100 g. Higher protein (17.52 g) due to water loss. USDA FDC 175170.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Crayfish are excellent for weight loss at just 72 kcal per 100 g with an impressive 14.85 g of protein. Their high protein-to-calorie ratio (20.6% protein by weight) makes them one of the most efficient protein sources available. A generous 150 g serving of cooked crayfish provides 26.3 g of protein with only 131 calories. The high protein content promotes satiety and helps preserve lean muscle mass during calorie restriction.
For Athletic Performance
Crayfish are a strong choice for athletes with 14.85 g of protein per 100 g at only 72 calories. Their protein is complete, containing all essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and recovery. With 218 mg of phosphorus (17% DV) they support energy metabolism and ATP production. The 261 mg of potassium helps prevent muscle cramps. As a post-workout meal, 150 g of cooked crayfish provides 26.3 g of protein with virtually zero carbs — ideal for athletes tracking macros precisely.
For Keto
Crayfish are a perfect keto food with 0 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. You can eat them in unlimited amounts without affecting your carb count. With 14.85 g of protein and only 0.97 g of fat per 100 g, they are one of the leanest protein sources available. For a more ketogenic macro balance, serve crayfish with butter, avocado, or a cream-based sauce to increase the fat content. The traditional Swedish preparation with butter-dill sauce is naturally keto-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in crayfish?
Raw crayfish have 72 calories per 100 g of edible meat. Cooked crayfish (moist heat) have 87 kcal per 100 g due to water loss during cooking. A single medium crayfish yields about 15-25 g of edible tail meat, so you need about 6-8 crayfish for a 100 g serving. Compared to shrimp (85 kcal) and lobster (89 kcal), crayfish are slightly lower in calories.
Are crayfish keto-friendly?
Crayfish are perfectly keto-friendly with 0 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. They are pure protein and minimal fat — an ideal keto food. A generous 150 g serving of cooked crayfish tail meat has 0 g net carbs, 26.3 g protein, and only 2 g fat. You can enjoy crayfish freely on any low-carb or ketogenic diet without worrying about carb limits.
What is kräftskiva?
Kräftskiva is the traditional Swedish crayfish party held in August when the crayfish season opens. It is one of Sweden's most beloved food traditions, dating back to the 16th century. Crayfish are boiled with crown dill and salt, served cold with bread, cheese, and aquavit. Guests wear funny hats and bibs, sing drinking songs, and eat crayfish by the light of paper lanterns. In Finland, the tradition is called rapujuhlat.
What are the health benefits of crayfish?
Crayfish are nutrient-dense per 100 g: 14.85 g protein (30% DV), 218 mg phosphorus (17% DV — bones and teeth), 261 mg potassium (6% DV — blood pressure), 1.01 mg zinc (9% DV — immune function), 30 mcg folate (8% DV — cell growth), and 1.867 mg niacin (12% DV — energy metabolism). They are also very low in fat (0.97 g) and have zero carbohydrates.
How to cook crayfish?
The classic Scandinavian method: bring a large pot of salted water to a boil with plenty of fresh crown dill. Add live crayfish, return to boil, cook for 8-10 minutes until bright red. Let cool in the cooking liquid overnight for the best flavor. Serve cold with dill, lemon, and bread. Alternatively, crayfish tails can be sautéed in garlic butter (Cajun style), added to pasta, or used in bisque.
Crayfish vs shrimp — what is the difference?
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans with claws, while shrimp are saltwater (mostly) without claws. Nutritionally, crayfish have fewer calories (72 vs 85 kcal per 100 g) and slightly less protein (14.85 vs 17.1 g). Both have zero carbs. Crayfish have more folate (30 vs 3 mcg) while shrimp have more selenium. Flavor-wise, crayfish are sweeter and more delicate, closer to lobster than to shrimp.
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crayfish | 72 | 14.85g | 0g | 0.97g |
| Shrimp (Raw) | 85 | 20.1g | 0g | 0.51g |
| Lobster (Cooked) | 89 | 19g | 0g | 0.86g |
| Crab (Cooked) | 83 | 17.88g | 0g | 0.74g |
| Salmon (Wild Atlantic) | 142 | 19.84g | 0g | 6.34g |
per 100g
At 72 kcal per 100 g, crayfish are lower in calories than shrimp (85 kcal), lobster (89 kcal), and crab (87 kcal). Their standout feature is the zero-carb, high-protein profile (14.85 g protein, 0 g carbs) — perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
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