How Many Calories in Octopus? Nutrition Facts & Macros
100 grams of octopus has 82 calories
Protein 14.9g · Carbs 2.2g · Fat 1g
Octopus is a lean, protein-rich seafood prized in Mediterranean, Japanese, and Korean cuisines. At just 82 calories per 100g with 14.9g protein and only 1g fat, it's one of the leanest protein sources available. Octopus is an extraordinary source of vitamin B12 — 20 µg per 100g delivers 833% of the daily value, making it one of the richest B12 foods in nature. It also provides exceptional selenium (44.8 µg, 82% DV) and iron (5.3 mg, 29% DV). With only 2.2g carbs and zero fiber, it's ideal for low-carb and keto diets. Commonly served grilled, braised, or in salads across the Mediterranean.
343 kJ · per 100g · Water: 80.25 g
Calorie Calculator: Octopus
100 g Octopus contains 82 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tentacle (50 g) | 41 kcal | 7.5g | 1.1g | 0.5g |
| Large portion (150 g) | 123 kcal | 22.4g | 3.3g | 1.6g |
| 100 grams | 82 kcal | 14.9g | 2.2g | 1g |
Octopus — Nutrition Facts
| Octopus | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 82 kcal |
| Protein | 14.91 g |
| Fat | 1.04 g |
| Carbs | 2.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.227 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.162 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.239 g |
| Cholesterol | 48 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 230 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Calcium | 53 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Phosphorus | 186 mg |
| Iron | 5.3 mg |
| Zinc | 1.68 mg |
| Manganese | 0.025 mg |
| Selenium | 44.8 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 45 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.04 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.1 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.36 mg |
| Folate | 16 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 20 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin K | 0.1 mcg |
| Water | 80.25 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 174218) · Data verified September 2026
Variations
Raw octopus
Raw octopus has the base nutritional values shown. Per 100g: 82 kcal, 14.9g protein, 1g fat, 2.2g carbs. Commonly served as sashimi (tako) in Japanese cuisine, or as carpaccio in Italian cooking. Raw octopus is tenderized by freezing, pounding, or slow braising before serving. The texture is firm and slightly chewy. Sashimi-grade octopus is flash-frozen to kill parasites.
Grilled octopus
Grilled octopus has approximately 164 kcal per 100g when prepared with olive oil — about double the raw calories. Protein concentrates to about 30g per 100g (water loss from cooking). The charred, smoky flavor from high-heat grilling is the classic Mediterranean preparation. Usually pre-braised until tender (45-60 minutes), then finished on a hot grill for crispy edges. Often drizzled with olive oil, lemon, and oregano.
Boiled octopus
Boiled octopus has approximately 164 kcal per 100g (USDA cooked, moist heat) — double the raw value due to water loss concentrating the nutrients. Protein rises to about 29.8g per 100g, fat to 2.1g. Boiling is the most common preparation before further cooking — most octopus recipes start with braising in water, wine, or court-bouillon for 45-90 minutes until fork-tender. Korean boiled octopus (muneo-sukhoe) is served sliced with dipping sauces.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Octopus is one of the best protein sources for weight loss. At just 82 kcal per 100g with 14.9g protein and only 1g fat, it offers an exceptional calorie-to-protein ratio. The firm, chewy texture forces slow eating — a natural portion-control mechanism. A 150 g raw portion delivers 22 g of protein for just 123 calories; grilled, the figures per 100 g roughly double as water leaves. The extraordinary B12 content (833% DV) supports energy metabolism during calorie restriction. Pair with a Greek salad for a complete, satisfying meal under 250 calories.
For Athletic Performance
Octopus is an excellent lean protein source for athletes. Per 100g: 14.9g protein with just 1g fat and 82 calories. The extraordinary B12 content (20 µg, 833% DV) supports red blood cell formation and oxygen transport — critical for endurance performance. Iron at 5.3 mg (29% DV) further supports oxygen-carrying capacity. Selenium (44.8 µg, 82% DV) acts as an antioxidant, helping with exercise-induced oxidative stress. Best as a post-workout protein source — pair with rice or potatoes for carb replenishment.
For Keto
Octopus is an excellent keto food. Per 100g it has just 2.2g net carbs with 14.9g protein and only 1g fat — leaving plenty of room in your daily carb budget. A generous 200g portion uses only 4.4g of your 20g carb allowance while delivering 30g protein. The very low fat content means you should pair octopus with healthy fat sources: drizzle with olive oil, serve with avocado, or add a tahini dressing. Grilled octopus with olive oil and a Greek salad is a perfect keto meal. The exceptional B12 and iron also support energy levels during carb restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in octopus?
100g of raw octopus has 82 calories. A raw tentacle (about 50 g) has roughly 41 calories, and 150 g of raw octopus about 123 kcal with 22 g of protein. Grilled, the figures per 100 g roughly double — about 164 kcal and 30 g of protein — because cooking drives off water. Octopus is very low-calorie for a protein source — comparable to shrimp (85 kcal) and squid (92 kcal), and much leaner than salmon (208 kcal) or beef (250 kcal). Most of its calories come from protein (73%), with minimal fat (11%) and carbs (11%).
Is octopus high in vitamin B12?
Yes — octopus is among the richest food sources of vitamin B12. Per 100g, it provides 20 µg — that's 833% of the daily value. Only beef liver (70 µg) and clams (98 µg) go higher, and octopus far outstrips other seafood like salmon (3.2 µg) or tuna (2.9 µg). B12 is essential for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. A single serving of octopus provides several days' worth of B12.
Is octopus good for weight loss?
Octopus is excellent for weight loss. At just 82 kcal per 100g with 14.9g protein and only 1g fat, it is high in protein for its calories. The high protein content promotes satiety and preserves muscle during dieting. It's also very filling due to its firm, chewy texture — you eat slowly and feel satisfied. Pair grilled octopus with a large salad for a nutrient-dense, meal of about 250 calories.
Can you eat octopus on keto?
Octopus is very keto-friendly. Per 100g it has just 2.2g carbs with zero fiber — essentially all net carbs but such a small amount that it barely registers. You could eat 200g of octopus (a generous portion) and only use 4.4g of your 20g daily carb budget. The high protein (14.9g) and low fat (1g) make it an excellent lean protein for keto — pair with olive oil, avocado, or a fatty dressing to increase healthy fats.
How does octopus compare to squid and shrimp?
Per 100g raw: octopus (82 kcal, 14.9g protein), squid (92 kcal, 15.6g protein), and shrimp (85 kcal, 20.1g protein). All three are excellent lean protein sources. Octopus stands out with dramatically higher B12 (20 µg vs squid 1.3 µg, shrimp 1.1 µg) and iron (5.3 mg vs squid 0.7 mg, shrimp 0.5 mg). Shrimp has the most protein per calorie. Octopus has a chewier texture that requires slow eating — a natural portion-control mechanism.
Is octopus high in iron and selenium?
Yes — octopus provides significant amounts of both minerals. Iron at 5.3 mg per 100g covers 29% of the daily value — nearly double cooked beef (2.78 mg) and much higher than cooked chicken (0.45 mg). This makes it a good option for people at risk of iron deficiency. Selenium at 44.8 µg per 100g covers 82% of the daily value — important for thyroid function and antioxidant defense. Few foods provide this combination of iron, selenium, and B12 together.