Super source
Protein
19.2 g · 38% DV target
A prized bivalve mollusk known for its sweet, buttery flavor and tender texture, the scallop serves as a lean, mineral-dense protein source within a seafood-inclusive diet.
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 .89
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 .29
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
19.2 g · 38% DV target
0.14 g · 57% DV target
5.25 μg · 219% DV target
241 mg · 10% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
1.88 mg · 17% DV target
Store on ice in the coldest part of the fridge
Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn
Farmed scallops are often restorative for ecosystems as they filter water and require no external feed.
Unlike most other bivalves, scallops are active swimmers that use jet propulsion to escape predators by rapidly clapping their shells together.