How Many Calories in Duck Breast? Nutrition & Macros
One duck breast half, skinless (140 g) has 281 calories
Protein 32.9g · Carbs 0g · Fat 15.7g
Duck breast is a rich, flavorful dark meat that's popular in European and Asian cuisine. At 201 kcal per 100 g with 23.48 g of protein, skinless roasted duck breast is a solid protein source with zero carbs. It's significantly leaner without skin — duck with skin nearly doubles in calories due to rendered fat. About 64% of cooked duck breast is water by weight.
841 kJ · per 100g · Water: 64.24 g
Calorie Calculator: Duck Breast (Roasted, Skinless)
140 g Duck Breast (Roasted, Skinless) contains 281 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 breast half, skinless (140 g) | 281 kcal | 32.9g | 0g | 15.7g |
| 1/2 breast half (70 g) | 141 kcal | 16.4g | 0g | 7.8g |
| 100 grams | 201 kcal | 23.5g | 0g | 11.2g |
Duck Breast (Roasted, Skinless) — Nutrition Facts
| Duck Breast (Roasted, Skinless) | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 201 kcal |
| Protein | 23.48 g |
| Fat | 11.2 g |
| Carbs | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 65 mg |
| Potassium | 252 mg |
| Magnesium | 20 mg |
| Phosphorus | 203 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.25 mg |
| Folate | 10 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.019 mg |
| Water | 64.24 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 172411) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Skinless, roasted (default)
201 kcal, 23.5g protein, 11.2g fat per 100g. Meat only, no skin. A balanced protein source with moderate fat — much leaner than duck with skin.
With crispy skin
~337 kcal, ~19g protein, ~28g fat per 100g. With crispy skin — nearly double the calories of skinless. The rendered duck fat in the skin adds significant calories. Popular in French cuisine but much higher in fat.
Duck confit (slow-cooked in fat)
~300 kcal, ~22g protein, ~23g fat per 100g (estimate). Duck confit — a classic French technique where duck legs or breast are salt-cured then slow-cooked in their own fat. Higher in fat but incredibly tender and flavorful. A popular choice for keto dieters.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Skinless duck breast at 201 kcal per 100 g is moderate for weight loss — a breast half (140 g) has 281 kcal with 32.9 g protein. More fat (11.2 g) than chicken breast (3.17 g) but more flavorful, which may help with diet satisfaction. Key: ALWAYS remove skin — duck with skin has 337 kcal/100 g, nearly double. Zero carbs. Low sodium (65 mg).
For Athletic Performance
Good protein source at 23.48 g per 100 g — a breast half (140 g) provides 32.9 g protein. More iron than chicken breast, which supports oxygen transport for endurance athletes. The higher fat (11.2 g) provides sustained energy. Good for athletes who want variety beyond chicken. Zero carbs means you need carb sources alongside for glycogen replenishment.
For Keto
Excellent for keto — zero carbs with good fat (11.2 g) and high protein (23.48 g). With skin it's even better for keto macros (337 kcal, more fat). A breast half (140 g) skinless = 281 kcal, 32.9 g protein, 15.7 g fat, 0 g carbs. Duck confit is a classic keto meal. Pan-sear skin-on for crispy fat + lean meat underneath.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in duck breast?
A skinless roasted duck breast half (140 g) contains approximately 281 calories. Per 100 g, skinless roasted duck breast has 201 calories. With skin, duck breast jumps to about 337 kcal per 100 g — nearly 68% more calories. The calorie difference comes almost entirely from rendered fat in the skin.
How much protein is in duck breast?
Skinless duck breast provides 23.48 g of protein per 100 g. A breast half (140 g) delivers about 32.9 g of protein. While lower than chicken breast (30.5 g/100 g), duck breast offers more iron and a richer flavor profile, making it a satisfying high-protein option.
Is duck breast healthy?
Yes, skinless duck breast is a nutritious choice. It provides 23.48 g of protein per 100 g with 11.2 g of fat, zero carbs, and good amounts of phosphorus (203 mg), potassium (252 mg), and vitamin B6 (0.25 mg). It contains more iron than chicken, supporting oxygen transport. The key is removing the skin to keep fat and calories in check.
Duck breast vs chicken breast — which has more calories?
Duck breast has more calories: 201 kcal vs 165 kcal per 100 g (both skinless, roasted). Duck has more fat (11.2 g vs 3.17 g) but less protein (23.48 g vs 30.54 g). Chicken breast is leaner and more protein-dense per calorie. However, duck's higher fat content makes it more flavorful and satisfying, which can help with portion control.
Is duck breast good for weight loss?
Skinless duck breast at 201 kcal per 100 g is moderate for weight loss — higher than chicken breast (165 kcal) but lower than steak (214 kcal). A breast half (140 g) has 281 kcal with 32.9 g of protein, which keeps you full. The key rule: always remove the skin. Duck with skin has 337 kcal/100 g, nearly doubling the calories. Zero carbs and low sodium (65 mg) are positives.
Is duck breast keto-friendly?
Duck breast is excellent for keto — zero carbs with 11.2 g of fat and 23.48 g of protein per 100 g. With skin it's even better for keto macros at 337 kcal with significantly more fat. A skinless breast half (140 g) provides 281 kcal, 32.9 g protein, 15.7 g fat, and 0 g carbs. Duck confit (slow-cooked in its own fat) is a classic keto-friendly preparation.
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duck Breast (Roasted, Skinless) | 201 | 23.48g | 0g | 11.2g |
| Chicken Breast | 151 | 30.54g | 0g | 3.17g |
| Steak (Beef Sirloin) | 214 | 19.92g | 0g | 14.28g |
| Lamb (Roasted) | 258 | 25.55g | 0g | 16.48g |
| Turkey Breast (Roasted) | 136 | 29.51g | 0g | 1.97g |
per 100g
Per 100 g, skinless roasted duck breast has 201 kcal with 23.48 g of protein — more calories than chicken breast (165 kcal) due to higher fat (11.2 g vs 3.17 g), but comparable to steak (214 kcal). Duck has zero carbs and more iron than chicken.