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
AllowedWith 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
Calamari
AllowedCalamari 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
Catfish
AllowedCatfish 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
Clams
AllowedAt 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
Cod
AllowedWith 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic (raw) | 82kcal | 17.8g | 0.7g | 0g | 0g |
| Pacific (raw) | 84kcal | 20.4g | 0.3g | 0g | — |
Crab
AllowedAt 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
Halibut
AllowedWith 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
Lobster
AllowedAt 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
Mahi Mahi
AllowedMahi 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
Mussels
AllowedAt 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
Oysters
AllowedAt 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
Salmon
AllowedAt 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
| 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 |
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.
Sardines
AllowedWith 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
Scallops
AllowedAt 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
Sea Bass
AllowedSea 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
Shrimp
AllowedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | 100kcal | 20.4g | 1.4g | 0g | 0g |
| Cooked | 87kcal | 17.5g | 1.3g | 0g | 0g |
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.
Sushi
AllowedSushi 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
Swordfish
AllowedWith 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
Tilapia
AllowedWith 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
Trout
AllowedAt 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
Tuna
AllowedTuna 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
| 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 (5)
Canned Salmon
LimitedCanned 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
Canned Tuna
LimitedWith 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
Full Canned Tuna classification →
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.
Canned Tuna in Oil
LimitedAt 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
Full Canned Tuna in Oil classification →
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.
Canned Tuna in Water
LimitedWith 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
Full Canned Tuna in Water classification →
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.
Smoked Salmon
LimitedAt 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
Not Allowed Seafood (1)
Fish Sticks
Not AllowedFish 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