Alkaline Seafood Guide
27 items classified under standard Alkaline guidelines.
How do seafood fare on the Alkaline diet? The answer depends on PRAL score (potential renal acid load). This guide breaks down all 27 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.
Seafood as a whole are excluded on Alkaline. The classification applies at the category level: these foods are acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. The individual entries below show the nutritional profile of each item — useful for understanding what you are replacing and for finding substitutes with a similar macro profile.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Anchovies | Not Allowed | 210kcal |
| Calamari | Not Allowed | 234kcal |
| Canned Salmon | Not Allowed | 136kcal |
| Canned Tuna | Not Allowed | 85kcal |
| Canned Tuna in Oil | Not Allowed | 198kcal |
| Canned Tuna in Water | Not Allowed | 128kcal |
| Catfish | Not Allowed | 95kcal |
| Clams | Not Allowed | 86kcal |
| Cod | Not Allowed | 82kcal |
| Crab | Not Allowed | 83kcal |
| Fish Sticks | Not Allowed | 277kcal |
| Halibut | Not Allowed | 91kcal |
| Lobster | Not Allowed | 97kcal |
| Mahi Mahi | Not Allowed | 85kcal |
| Mussels | Not Allowed | 109kcal |
| Oysters | Not Allowed | 51kcal |
| Salmon | Not Allowed | 213kcal |
| Sardines | Not Allowed | 208kcal |
| Scallops | Not Allowed | 217kcal |
| Sea Bass | Not Allowed | 97kcal |
| Shrimp | Not Allowed | 426kcal |
| Smoked Salmon | Not Allowed | 117kcal |
| Sushi | Not Allowed | 94kcal |
| Swordfish | Not Allowed | 121kcal |
| Tilapia | Not Allowed | 96kcal |
| Trout | Not Allowed | 148kcal |
| Tuna | Not Allowed | 206kcal |
Classification Breakdown
27 Not Allowed — These are acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain.
Blood pH does not change with food, but the eating pattern — produce-forward, low in processed food — is defensible on its own merits.
Not Allowed Seafood (27)
Anchovies
Not AllowedAt 210kcal calories per 100g, Anchovies falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, anchovies also provides 28.9g protein and 9.7g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Sardines at 208kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Calamari
Not AllowedCalamari is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 234kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 13.8g protein and 13.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Scallops at 217kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Canned Salmon
Not AllowedCanned Salmon is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 136kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 24.6g protein and 378mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Canned Tuna in Water and Trout for calories, ranking 17 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Canned Tuna
Not AllowedWith 85kcal calories per 100g, Canned Tuna earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 19g protein and 219mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 27 items in this category, canned tuna sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Mahi Mahi at 85kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Canned Tuna in Oil
Not AllowedCanned Tuna in Oil is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 198kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 29.1g protein and 8.2g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Trout and Tuna for calories, ranking 19 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Canned Tuna in Water
Not AllowedAt 128kcal calories per 100g, Canned Tuna in Water falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, canned tuna in water also provides 23.6g protein and 377mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Swordfish and Canned Salmon for calories, ranking 16 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Catfish
Not AllowedCatfish is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 95kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 16.4g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Sushi and Tilapia for calories, ranking 9 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Clams
Not AllowedClams is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 86kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 14.7g protein per serving. Among the 27 items in this category, clams sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Halibut at 91kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cod
Not AllowedWith 82kcal calories per 100g, Cod earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 17.8g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 27 items in this category, cod sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Crab at 83kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic (raw) | 82kcal | 17.8g | 0.7g | 0g | 0g |
| Pacific (raw) | 84kcal | 20.4g | 0.3g | 0g | — |
Crab
Not AllowedCrab is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 83kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 17.9g protein and 395mg sodium per serving. Among the 27 items in this category, crab sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Canned Tuna at 85kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Fish Sticks
Not AllowedAt 277kcal calories per 100g, Fish Sticks falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11g protein and 16.2g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Calamari at 234kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Halibut
Not AllowedAt 91kcal calories per 100g, Halibut falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 18.6g protein per serving. Within this category, it falls between Clams and Sushi for calories, ranking 7 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Lobster
Not AllowedWith 97kcal calories per 100g, Lobster earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, lobster also provides 20.9g protein and 535mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Tilapia and Sea Bass for calories, ranking 11 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Mahi Mahi
Not AllowedMahi Mahi is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 85kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 18.5g protein per serving. Among the 27 items in this category, mahi mahi sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Clams at 86kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Mussels
Not AllowedMussels is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 109kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 15.1g protein and 362mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Sea Bass and Smoked Salmon for calories, ranking 13 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Oysters
Not AllowedOysters is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 51kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 5.7g protein per serving. Among the 27 items in this category, oysters sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Cod at 82kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Salmon
Not AllowedSalmon is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 213kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 10.8g protein and 17.4g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Anchovies at 210kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic (raw) | 142kcal | 19.8g | 6.3g | 0g | 0g |
| Atlantic (farmed, raw) | 208kcal | 20.4g | 13.4g | 0g | 0g |
Sardines
Not AllowedAt 208kcal calories per 100g, Sardines falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 24.6g protein and 11.5g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Tuna at 206kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Scallops
Not AllowedWith 217kcal calories per 100g, Scallops earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, scallops also provides 11.1g protein and 12.5g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Salmon at 213kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sea Bass
Not AllowedAt 97kcal calories per 100g, Sea Bass falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, sea bass also provides 18.4g protein per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Lobster and Mussels for calories, ranking 12 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Shrimp
Not AllowedAt 426kcal calories per 100g, Shrimp falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, shrimp also provides 7.1g protein and 17.9g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Fish Sticks at 277kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | 100kcal | 20.4g | 1.4g | 0g | 0g |
| Cooked | 87kcal | 17.5g | 1.3g | 0g | 0g |
Smoked Salmon
Not AllowedAt 117kcal calories per 100g, Smoked Salmon falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, smoked salmon also provides 18.3g protein and 672mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Mussels and Swordfish for calories, ranking 14 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sushi
Not AllowedWith 94kcal calories per 100g, Sushi earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, sushi also provides 428mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Halibut and Catfish for calories, ranking 8 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Swordfish
Not AllowedAt 121kcal calories per 100g, Swordfish falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 19.7g protein per serving. Within this category, it falls between Smoked Salmon and Canned Tuna in Water for calories, ranking 15 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Tilapia
Not AllowedTilapia is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 96kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 20.1g protein per serving. Within this category, it falls between Catfish and Lobster for calories, ranking 10 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Trout
Not AllowedAt 148kcal calories per 100g, Trout falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, trout also provides 20.8g protein and 6.6g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Canned Salmon and Canned Tuna in Oil for calories, ranking 18 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Tuna
Not AllowedAt 206kcal calories per 100g, Tuna falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 15.3g protein and 14.9g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Canned Tuna in Oil and Sardines for calories, ranking 20 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh (raw) | 144kcal | 23.3g | 4.9g | 0g | 0g |
| Canned in Water | 90kcal | 19g | 0.9g | 0.1g | — |
| Canned in Oil | 198kcal | 29.1g | 8.2g | 0g | 0g |