Whole-Food Seafood Guide
27 items classified under standard Whole-Food guidelines.
Whole-Food classifies foods based on processing level. Of the 27 seafood evaluated, 26 are classified as Allowed, 0 as Limited, and 1 as Not Allowed.
Good news for Whole-Food followers: almost all seafood fit the diet. These foods are minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. The nutrition details below help you compare within the category to find the best options for your specific needs.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Anchovies | Allowed | 210kcal |
| Calamari | Allowed | 234kcal |
| Canned Salmon | Allowed | 136kcal |
| Canned Tuna | Allowed | 85kcal |
| Canned Tuna in Oil | Allowed | 198kcal |
| Canned Tuna in Water | Allowed | 128kcal |
| 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 |
| Salmon | Allowed | 213kcal |
| Sardines | Allowed | 208kcal |
| Scallops | Allowed | 217kcal |
| Sea Bass | Allowed | 97kcal |
| Shrimp | Allowed | 426kcal |
| Smoked Salmon | Allowed | 117kcal |
| Sushi | Allowed | 94kcal |
| Swordfish | Allowed | 121kcal |
| Tilapia | Allowed | 96kcal |
| Trout | Allowed | 148kcal |
| Tuna | Allowed | 206kcal |
| Fish Sticks | Not Allowed | 277kcal |
Classification Breakdown
26 Allowed — These seafood are minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 1 Not Allowed — These are an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives.
The target is NOVA group 4 — ultra-processed foods built from extracted components and additives.
Allowed Seafood (26)
Anchovies
AllowedAt 210kcal calories per 100g, Anchovies falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. The classification reflects that it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 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 Whole-Food, with 234kcal calories per 100g. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 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
AllowedCanned Salmon is classified as Allowed on Whole-Food, with 136kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Nutritionally, it also delivers 24.6g protein and 378mg sodium per serving. 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
AllowedWith 85kcal calories per 100g, Canned Tuna earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Beyond the primary classification, canned tuna also provides 19g protein and 219mg sodium per 100g. 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
AllowedWith 198kcal calories per 100g, Canned Tuna in Oil earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Beyond the primary classification, canned tuna in oil also provides 29.1g protein and 8.2g fat per 100g. 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
AllowedCanned Tuna in Water is classified as Allowed on Whole-Food, with 128kcal calories per 100g. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. It also contains 23.6g protein and 377mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Swordfish and Canned Salmon for calories, ranking 16 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Catfish
AllowedWith 95kcal calories per 100g, Catfish earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Beyond the primary classification, catfish also provides 16.4g protein per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Sushi and Tilapia for calories, ranking 9 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Clams
AllowedWith 86kcal calories per 100g, Clams earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Beyond the primary classification, clams also provides 14.7g protein per 100g. 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
AllowedWith 82kcal calories per 100g, Cod earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 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
AllowedCrab is classified as Allowed on Whole-Food, with 83kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 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
Halibut
AllowedHalibut is classified as Allowed on Whole-Food, with 91kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 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
AllowedWith 97kcal calories per 100g, Lobster earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 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
AllowedAt 85kcal calories per 100g, Mahi Mahi falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Beyond the primary classification, mahi mahi also provides 18.5g protein per 100g. 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
AllowedAt 109kcal calories per 100g, Mussels falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. The classification reflects that it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Nutritionally, it also delivers 15.1g protein and 362mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Sea Bass and Smoked Salmon for calories, ranking 13 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Oysters
AllowedWith 51kcal calories per 100g, Oysters earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. It also contains 5.7g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. 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
AllowedSalmon is classified as Allowed on Whole-Food, with 213kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 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
AllowedSardines is classified as Allowed on Whole-Food, with 208kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 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
AllowedWith 217kcal calories per 100g, Scallops earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 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 Salmon at 213kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sea Bass
AllowedAt 97kcal calories per 100g, Sea Bass falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 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
AllowedWith 426kcal calories per 100g, Shrimp earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. It also contains 7.1g protein and 17.9g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. 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
AllowedAt 117kcal calories per 100g, Smoked Salmon falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. The classification reflects that it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Nutritionally, it also delivers 18.3g protein and 672mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Mussels and Swordfish for calories, ranking 14 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sushi
AllowedWith 94kcal calories per 100g, Sushi earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. It also contains 428mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Halibut and Catfish for calories, ranking 8 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Swordfish
AllowedAt 121kcal calories per 100g, Swordfish falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Beyond the primary classification, swordfish also provides 19.7g protein per 100g. 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
AllowedAt 96kcal calories per 100g, Tilapia falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Beyond the primary classification, tilapia also provides 20.1g protein per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Catfish and Lobster for calories, ranking 10 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Trout
AllowedWith 148kcal calories per 100g, Trout earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 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
AllowedWith 206kcal calories per 100g, Tuna earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Beyond the primary classification, tuna also provides 15.3g protein and 14.9g fat per 100g. 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 |
Not Allowed Seafood (1)
Fish Sticks
Not AllowedWith 277kcal calories per 100g, Fish Sticks earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. It also contains 11g protein and 16.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Calamari at 234kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central