Whole30 Seafood Guide

27 items classified under standard Whole30 guidelines.

How do seafood fare on the Whole30 diet? The answer depends on whether the food contains anything on Whole30's exclusion list. This guide breaks down all 27 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.

Quick Reference

Food Status Calories (per 100g)
Anchovies Allowed 210kcal
Calamari Allowed 234kcal
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
Sushi Allowed 94kcal
Swordfish Allowed 121kcal
Tilapia Allowed 96kcal
Trout Allowed 148kcal
Tuna Allowed 206kcal
Canned Salmon Limited 136kcal
Canned Tuna Limited 85kcal
Canned Tuna in Oil Limited 198kcal
Canned Tuna in Water Limited 128kcal
Smoked Salmon Limited 117kcal
Fish Sticks Not Allowed 277kcal

Classification Breakdown

21 Allowed — These seafood are free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. 5 Limited — These items have usually compatible but easy to find in non-compliant forms with added sugar, dairy, or hidden grains. 1 Not Allowed — These are a member of one of the categories Whole30 explicitly excludes for the full 30 days.

Whole30 is binary by design: a single intentional slip resets the 30-day clock.

Allowed Seafood (21)

Anchovies

Allowed

With 210kcal calories per 100g, Anchovies earns a Allowed classification on Whole30. This means it is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. It also contains 28.9g protein and 9.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Sardines at 208kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

210kcalCalories
28.9gProtein
9.7gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Anchovies across all diets

Calamari

Allowed

Calamari is classified as Allowed on Whole30, with 234kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. 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

234kcalCalories
13.8gProtein
13.2gFat
14.1gCarbs
0.5gFiber

Compare Calamari across all diets

Catfish

Allowed

Catfish is classified as Allowed on Whole30, with 95kcal calories per 100g. This means it is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. 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

95kcalCalories
16.4gProtein
2.8gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Catfish across all diets

Clams

Allowed

At 86kcal calories per 100g, Clams falls into the Allowed category under Whole30 guidelines. It is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. 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

86kcalCalories
14.7gProtein
1gFat
3.6gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Clams across all diets

Cod

Allowed

With 82kcal calories per 100g, Cod earns a Allowed classification on Whole30. It is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. Beyond the primary classification, cod also provides 17.8g protein per 100g. 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Atlantic (raw)82kcal17.8g0.7g0g0g
Pacific (raw)84kcal20.4g0.3g0g

Compare Cod across all diets

Crab

Allowed

At 83kcal calories per 100g, Crab falls into the Allowed category under Whole30 guidelines. It is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. Beyond the primary classification, crab also provides 17.9g protein and 395mg sodium per 100g. Among the 27 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

83kcalCalories
17.9gProtein
0.7gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Crab across all diets

Halibut

Allowed

With 91kcal calories per 100g, Halibut earns a Allowed classification on Whole30. It is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. Beyond the primary classification, halibut also provides 18.6g protein per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Clams and Sushi for calories, ranking 7 of 27.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

91kcalCalories
18.6gProtein
1.3gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Halibut across all diets

Lobster

Allowed

At 97kcal calories per 100g, Lobster falls into the Allowed category under Whole30 guidelines. The classification reflects that it is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. Nutritionally, it also delivers 20.9g protein and 535mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Tilapia and Sea Bass for calories, ranking 11 of 27.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

97kcalCalories
20.9gProtein
1gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Lobster across all diets

Mahi Mahi

Allowed

Mahi Mahi is classified as Allowed on Whole30, with 85kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. 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 Canned Tuna at 85kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

85kcalCalories
18.5gProtein
0.7gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Mahi Mahi across all diets

Mussels

Allowed

At 109kcal calories per 100g, Mussels falls into the Allowed category under Whole30 guidelines. It is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. 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 13 of 27.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

109kcalCalories
15.1gProtein
2.8gFat
4.7gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Mussels across all diets

Oysters

Allowed

At 51kcal calories per 100g, Oysters falls into the Allowed category under Whole30 guidelines. It is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. Beyond the primary classification, oysters also provides 5.7g protein per 100g. 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

51kcalCalories
5.7gProtein
1.7gFat
2.7gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Oysters across all diets

Salmon

Allowed

At 213kcal calories per 100g, Salmon falls into the Allowed category under Whole30 guidelines. It is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. Beyond the primary classification, salmon also provides 10.8g protein and 17.4g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Anchovies at 210kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Atlantic (raw)142kcal19.8g6.3g0g0g
Atlantic (farmed, raw)208kcal20.4g13.4g0g0g
FAQ (6 questions)
Is salmon Whole30 compliant?
Salmon is classified as compliant under standard Whole30 guidelines. Fish and seafood are listed as compliant protein sources in published Whole30 materials.
Is canned salmon Whole30 compliant?
Canned salmon in water or with no added non-compliant ingredients is generally classified as compliant. Some canned salmon products include added salt, which is permitted. Products with added sugar, soy, or other non-compliant ingredients require label review.
Is smoked salmon Whole30 compliant?
Smoked salmon is classified as Limited in practice. Many commercial smoked salmon products are cured with added sugar. Plain smoked salmon with no added sugar — cured only with salt — is generally classified as compliant. Label review is applicable for all commercial smoked salmon.
Is farmed salmon treated differently from wild-caught salmon on Whole30?
Published Whole30 guidelines do not draw a compliance distinction between farmed and wild-caught salmon. Both are classified as compliant. The distinction may be referenced in Whole30 resource materials in the context of fish quality, but it does not affect the classification.
Is salmon with added seasoning or marinade Whole30 compliant?
Salmon seasoned with compliant herbs, spices, lemon juice, or salt is classified as compliant. Commercial marinades and seasonings applied before sale may contain added sugar, soy sauce, or other non-compliant ingredients and require label review.
Is salmon roe (fish eggs) Whole30 compliant?
Salmon roe (fish eggs) is generally classified as compliant under standard Whole30 guidelines, provided the product contains no added non-compliant ingredients such as added sugar or MSG. Label review applies for commercial salmon roe products.

Compare Salmon across all diets

Sardines

Allowed

With 208kcal calories per 100g, Sardines earns a Allowed classification on Whole30. It is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. Beyond the primary classification, sardines also provides 24.6g protein and 11.5g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Tuna at 206kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

208kcalCalories
24.6gProtein
11.5gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Sardines across all diets

Scallops

Allowed

At 217kcal calories per 100g, Scallops falls into the Allowed category under Whole30 guidelines. It is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. 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

217kcalCalories
11.1gProtein
12.5gFat
14.1gCarbs
0.5gFiber

Compare Scallops across all diets

Sea Bass

Allowed

Sea Bass is classified as Allowed on Whole30, with 97kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. Nutritionally, it also delivers 18.4g protein per serving. Within this category, it falls between Lobster and Mussels for calories, ranking 12 of 27.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

97kcalCalories
18.4gProtein
2gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Sea Bass across all diets

Shrimp

Allowed

At 426kcal calories per 100g, Shrimp falls into the Allowed category under Whole30 guidelines. It is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Raw100kcal20.4g1.4g0g0g
Cooked87kcal17.5g1.3g0g0g
FAQ (3 questions)
Is shrimp Whole30 compliant?
Yes. Plain shrimp is fully allowed on Whole30. Shellfish are not an excluded food category.
Is frozen shrimp compliant on Whole30?
Yes. Most plain frozen shrimp is compliant. Products with added breading, marinades, or seasoning sauces require label review and are frequently not compliant.
Can I eat cocktail shrimp on Whole30?
The shrimp itself is usually compliant. Most commercial cocktail sauces contain sugar and are not compliant. A compliant dipping sauce made from compliant ingredients is an alternative.

Compare Shrimp across all diets

Sushi

Allowed

Sushi is classified as Allowed on Whole30, with 94kcal calories per 100g. This means it is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. 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

94kcalCalories
2.9gProtein
0.7gFat
18.4gCarbs
1gFiber

Compare Sushi across all diets

Swordfish

Allowed

With 121kcal calories per 100g, Swordfish earns a Allowed classification on Whole30. This means it is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. It also contains 19.7g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. 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

121kcalCalories
19.7gProtein
4gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Swordfish across all diets

Tilapia

Allowed

With 96kcal calories per 100g, Tilapia earns a Allowed classification on Whole30. This means it is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. It also contains 20.1g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Catfish and Lobster for calories, ranking 10 of 27.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

96kcalCalories
20.1gProtein
1.7gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Tilapia across all diets

Trout

Allowed

At 148kcal calories per 100g, Trout falls into the Allowed category under Whole30 guidelines. It is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. 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

148kcalCalories
20.8gProtein
6.6gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Trout across all diets

Tuna

Allowed

Tuna is classified as Allowed on Whole30, with 206kcal calories per 100g. This means it is free of sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and Whole30-prohibited additives. It also contains 15.3g protein and 14.9g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Canned Tuna in Oil and Sardines for calories, ranking 20 of 27.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Fresh (raw)144kcal23.3g4.9g0g0g
Canned in Water90kcal19g0.9g0.1g
Canned in Oil198kcal29.1g8.2g0g0g

Compare Tuna across all diets

Limited Seafood (5)

Canned Salmon

Limited

Canned Salmon is classified as Limited on Whole30, with 136kcal calories per 100g. This means it is usually compatible but easy to find in non-compliant forms with added sugar, dairy, or hidden grains. 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. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

136kcalCalories
24.6gProtein
4.2gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Canned Salmon across all diets

Canned Tuna

Limited

With 85kcal calories per 100g, Canned Tuna earns a Limited classification on Whole30. It is usually compatible but easy to find in non-compliant forms with added sugar, dairy, or hidden grains. 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 Clams at 86kcal. 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

85kcalCalories
19gProtein
0.9gFat
0.1gCarbs
0gFiber
FAQ (3 questions)
Is canned tuna Whole30 compliant?
Canned tuna is classified as Limited under standard Whole30 guidelines. Plain tuna packed in water or olive oil with no excluded additives is generally compliant. Many commercial products contain added soy or other excluded ingredients.
What ingredients in canned tuna are non-compliant on Whole30?
Vegetable broth (often soy-based), hydrolyzed soy protein, added sugar, canola oil, and non-compliant natural flavors are the most common disqualifying ingredients in canned tuna.
Are flavored tuna pouches Whole30 compliant?
Most flavored tuna pouches are not compliant. They typically contain soy sauce, added sugar, or other excluded seasonings. Plain tuna pouches in water or olive oil may be compliant — label review is required.

Compare Canned Tuna across all diets

Canned Tuna in Oil

Limited

At 198kcal calories per 100g, Canned Tuna in Oil falls into the Limited category under Whole30 guidelines. It is usually compatible but easy to find in non-compliant forms with added sugar, dairy, or hidden grains. 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. 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

198kcalCalories
29.1gProtein
8.2gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber
FAQ (5 questions)
Is canned tuna in oil Whole30 compliant?
Canned tuna in oil is classified as Limited under standard Whole30 guidelines. The compliance depends entirely on the type of oil used. Tuna packed in olive oil is generally compliant. Tuna packed in soybean oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil is excluded due to the oil exclusion.
Is tuna in soybean oil Whole30 compliant?
No. Tuna packed in soybean oil is excluded under standard Whole30 guidelines. Soybean oil is derived from soy — an excluded ingredient. The majority of commercially available oil-packed tuna uses soybean oil or vegetable oil (primarily soy-derived).
Is tuna in olive oil Whole30 compliant?
Canned tuna in olive oil is generally classified as compliant when the full ingredient list contains no other excluded ingredients. Olive oil is a permitted oil on Whole30. Tuna in olive oil (tuna, olive oil, salt) is compliant. Verify that 'olive oil' in the ingredient list is not blended with soybean oil.
Is 'packed in vegetable oil' compliant on Whole30?
No. 'Vegetable oil' used in canned tuna is typically soybean oil or a soybean-canola blend — both excluded on Whole30. The generic label 'vegetable oil' is treated as non-compliant unless the manufacturer specifies a compliant oil source. Olive oil packed tuna explicitly lists 'olive oil,' not 'vegetable oil.'
Should the packing oil from oil-packed tuna be drained for Whole30?
Draining the packing oil from non-compliant tuna does not make the tuna compliant. The tuna has absorbed the packing oil during the canning process. The oil is an ingredient in the product as consumed — draining does not reclassify an excluded oil as compliant. The ingredient list of the product determines compliance.

Compare Canned Tuna in Oil across all diets

Canned Tuna in Water

Limited

With 128kcal calories per 100g, Canned Tuna in Water earns a Limited classification on Whole30. This means it is usually compatible but easy to find in non-compliant forms with added sugar, dairy, or hidden grains. 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. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

128kcalCalories
23.6gProtein
3gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber
FAQ (5 questions)
Is canned tuna in water Whole30 compliant?
Canned tuna packed in water is classified as Limited under standard Whole30 guidelines. Most plain water-packed tuna contains only tuna, water, and salt — a generally compliant formulation. Some products include soy, vegetable broth (which may contain soy or sugar), or pyrophosphate. Label review is required for each specific product.
Does canned tuna contain soy?
Some canned tuna contains soy — typically as vegetable broth or as hydrolyzed soy protein, which are used as flavor enhancers. Soy is excluded on Whole30. Plain canned tuna (tuna, water, salt) does not contain soy. The presence of 'broth,' 'vegetable broth,' or 'natural flavors' in the ingredient list warrants verification of the soy content.
Is 'tuna in spring water' different from 'tuna in water' for Whole30?
The distinction between spring water and regular water as the packing medium does not affect Whole30 compliance. Both formulations use water as the packing liquid. Compliance depends on whether other excluded additives (soy, broth with soy, added sugar) are present, not on the specific water type.
Is tuna with vegetable broth Whole30 compliant?
Tuna with vegetable broth requires additional label scrutiny. Vegetable broth in canned tuna often contains hydrolyzed soy protein or soy-derived flavor components — which would make the product non-compliant due to the soy exclusion. Some vegetable broth ingredients are soy-free. Contact the manufacturer if the ingredient list includes 'vegetable broth' without further specification.
What is the simplest compliant canned tuna for Whole30?
The simplest compliant canned tuna contains only: tuna, water, and salt. This three-ingredient formulation has no excluded additives. Albacore and skipjack tuna in this format are widely available. Read the full ingredient list — some products labeled simply add broth or pyrophosphate.

Compare Canned Tuna in Water across all diets

Smoked Salmon

Limited

At 117kcal calories per 100g, Smoked Salmon falls into the Limited category under Whole30 guidelines. The classification reflects that it is usually compatible but easy to find in non-compliant forms with added sugar, dairy, or hidden grains. 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. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

117kcalCalories
18.3gProtein
4.3gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Smoked Salmon across all diets

Not Allowed Seafood (1)

Fish Sticks

Not Allowed

Fish Sticks is classified as Not Allowed on Whole30, with 277kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a member of one of the categories Whole30 explicitly excludes for the full 30 days. 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

277kcalCalories
11gProtein
16.2gFat
21.7gCarbs
1.5gFiber

Compare Fish Sticks across all diets