Paleo Seafood Guide
22 items classified under standard Paleo guidelines.
Paleo classifies foods based on whether the food fits pre-agricultural categories. Of the 22 seafood evaluated, 21 are classified as Allowed, 1 as Limited, and 0 as Not Allowed.
Seafood are overwhelmingly compatible with Paleo. Each item listed here is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. The entries below break down the specific nutritional profile so you can choose based on your individual targets — calories, macros, or micronutrients that matter for your goals.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Anchovies | Allowed | 210kcal |
| Calamari | Allowed | 234kcal |
| Canned Salmon | Allowed | 136kcal |
| Catfish | Allowed | 95kcal |
| Clams | Allowed | 86kcal |
| Cod | Allowed | 82kcal |
| Crab | Allowed | 83kcal |
| Halibut | Allowed | 91kcal |
| Lobster | Allowed | 97kcal |
| Mahi Mahi | Allowed | 85kcal |
| Mussels | Allowed | 109kcal |
| Oysters | Allowed | 51kcal |
| Sardines | Allowed | 208kcal |
| Scallops | Allowed | 217kcal |
| Sea Bass | Allowed | 97kcal |
| Smoked Salmon | Allowed | 117kcal |
| Sushi | Allowed | 94kcal |
| Swordfish | Allowed | 121kcal |
| Tilapia | Allowed | 96kcal |
| Trout | Allowed | 148kcal |
| Tuna | Allowed | 206kcal |
| Fish Sticks | Limited | 277kcal |
Classification Breakdown
21 Allowed — These seafood are a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. 1 Limited — These items have a borderline item that fits some interpretations of paleo and not others.
Paleo excludes by category rather than by macro: grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, and seed oils are out regardless of preparation.
Allowed Seafood (21)
Anchovies
AllowedAnchovies is classified as Allowed on Paleo, with 210kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 28.9g protein and 9.7g fat per serving. 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
AllowedCalamari is classified as Allowed on Paleo, with 234kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 13.8g protein and 13.2g fat per serving. 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
AllowedAt 136kcal calories per 100g, Canned Salmon falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. It is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Beyond the primary classification, canned salmon also provides 24.6g protein and 378mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Swordfish and Trout for calories, ranking 15 of 22.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Catfish
AllowedAt 95kcal calories per 100g, Catfish falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 16.4g protein per serving. Within this category, it falls between Sushi and Tilapia for calories, ranking 8 of 22.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Clams
AllowedWith 86kcal calories per 100g, Clams earns a Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Beyond the primary classification, clams also provides 14.7g protein per 100g. Among the 22 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
AllowedCod is classified as Allowed on Paleo, with 82kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 17.8g protein per serving. Among the 22 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
AllowedCrab is classified as Allowed on Paleo, with 83kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. It also contains 17.9g protein and 395mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 22 items in this category, crab sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Mahi Mahi at 85kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Halibut
AllowedAt 91kcal calories per 100g, Halibut falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 18.6g protein per serving. Within this category, it falls between Clams and Sushi for calories, ranking 6 of 22.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Lobster
AllowedAt 97kcal calories per 100g, Lobster falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. It is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. 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 10 of 22.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Mahi Mahi
AllowedAt 85kcal calories per 100g, Mahi Mahi falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 18.5g protein per serving. Among the 22 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
AllowedAt 109kcal calories per 100g, Mussels falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. It is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Beyond the primary classification, mussels also provides 15.1g protein and 362mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Sea Bass and Smoked Salmon for calories, ranking 12 of 22.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Oysters
AllowedWith 51kcal calories per 100g, Oysters earns a Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. It also contains 5.7g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 22 items in this category, oysters sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Cod at 82kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sardines
AllowedWith 208kcal calories per 100g, Sardines earns a Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. It also contains 24.6g protein and 11.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. 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
AllowedScallops is classified as Allowed on Paleo, with 217kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. It also contains 11.1g protein and 12.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Anchovies at 210kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sea Bass
AllowedSea Bass is classified as Allowed on Paleo, with 97kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. It also contains 18.4g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Lobster and Mussels for calories, ranking 11 of 22.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Smoked Salmon
AllowedWith 117kcal calories per 100g, Smoked Salmon earns a Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. It also contains 18.3g protein and 672mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Mussels and Swordfish for calories, ranking 13 of 22.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sushi
AllowedSushi is classified as Allowed on Paleo, with 94kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 428mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Halibut and Catfish for calories, ranking 7 of 22.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Swordfish
AllowedAt 121kcal calories per 100g, Swordfish falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. It is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Beyond the primary classification, swordfish also provides 19.7g protein per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Smoked Salmon and Canned Salmon for calories, ranking 14 of 22.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Tilapia
AllowedAt 96kcal calories per 100g, Tilapia falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. It is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Beyond the primary classification, tilapia also provides 20.1g protein per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Catfish and Lobster for calories, ranking 9 of 22.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Trout
AllowedAt 148kcal calories per 100g, Trout falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. It is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. 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 Tuna for calories, ranking 16 of 22.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Tuna
AllowedWith 206kcal calories per 100g, Tuna earns a Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Beyond the primary classification, tuna also provides 15.3g protein and 14.9g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Trout at 148kcal.
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 |
Limited Seafood (1)
Fish Sticks
LimitedAt 277kcal calories per 100g, Fish Sticks falls into the Limited category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a borderline item that fits some interpretations of paleo and not others. 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. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central