Scallop Nutrition Benefits and Facts

Nutritional summary

Scallops are categorized as a low-mercury seafood choice, making them a safer option for frequent consumption and for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women or young children .
Scallops provide a lean source of protein with a high concentration of essential minerals, including phosphorus (important for bone health) and selenium (a key component of antioxidant enzymes), while remaining naturally low in calories and fat.
Scallops contain significant amounts of choline (a nutrient essential for brain function and lipid metabolism) and magnesium, contributing to the overall nutrient density of a seafood-inclusive dietary pattern .

Interesting fact

Unlike most other bivalves, scallops are active swimmers that use jet propulsion to escape predators by rapidly clapping their shells together.

Standout nutrients

SUPER

SOURCE

Vitamin B12

SUPER

SOURCE

Selenium

ELITE

SOURCE

Phosphorus

ELITE

SOURCE

Choline

103

kcal per 100g

Protein19.2g

Fat1.01g

Carbs3.71g

Fat breakdown

Polyunsat0.28g

Monounsat0.08g

Saturated0.28g

Seasonality

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeakIn seasonOther months

Diet

PescatarianGluten FreeDairy FreeKetoLow FodmapPaleo

Sustainability

Lighter footprint

Farmed scallops are often restorative for ecosystems as they filter water and require no external feed.

Confidencehigh

Storage

Refrigerate

1–2 days

Store on ice in the coldest part of the fridge

Freeze

3–6 months

Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn

Flavour

Data & Sources

Harmonized from 2 validated sources

McCance & Widdowson

1 contributing source food

USDA

USDA FoodData Central

1 contributing source food

Claim citations

What is the relationship between dietary patterns consumed and risk of cardiovascular disease? | Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review

[2]nesr.usda.gov

Aquatic Foods - The Nutrition Source

[8]nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu

[PDF] Healthy Living Guide 2020-2021 - The Nutrition Source

[9]nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu

Coverage

Nutrients

FoodCompass

73.0

Version

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