Lamb Shank vs Lamb: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Lamb shank has 32.5 g of protein and 196 calories per 100 g, while lamb has 26.4 g of protein and 225 calories. Thus, lamb shank is higher in protein and lower in calories.

When comparing lamb shank and lamb, it's important to look at their nutritional values. Both are rich sources of protein but differ in calorie and fat content.

What Is the Difference Between Lamb Shank and Lamb?

Lamb shank is a cut of meat from the leg of a lamb, known for its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. It is often used in braised dishes and stews. Lamb refers to the meat of young sheep, typically less than one year old. It is a versatile meat used in various cuisines around the world.

Lamb Shank vs Lamb: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of lamb shank and lamb, highlighting their nutritional differences.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Lamb shank (braised)	Lamb leg (roasted)
Calories	196 kcal	225 kcal
Protein	32.5 g	26.4 g
Carbs	0 g	0 g
Sugar	0 g	0 g
Fat	7.4 g	12.4 g
Fiber	0 g	0 g
Sodium	72 mg	65 mg

Which Is Better, Lamb Shank or Lamb?

For weight loss: Lamb shank contains 196 calories, while lamb has 225 calories. Choosing lamb shank may be more beneficial for those focusing on calorie reduction.

For muscle and protein: Lamb shank offers 32.5 g of protein, compared to 26.4 g in lamb. Therefore, lamb shank is a better option for those seeking higher protein intake.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Both lamb shank and lamb contain 0 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar. Thus, both options are suitable for low-carb and low-sugar diets.

How to Track Lamb shank and Lamb Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macros, especially with rich meats like lamb. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers presented are rounded reference values for educational use, not medical advice. Always consider individual dietary needs when evaluating nutrition. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein, lamb shank or lamb?

Lamb shank has 32.5 g of protein, while lamb has 26.4 g of protein. Therefore, lamb shank has more protein.

Which has fewer calories, lamb shank or lamb?

Lamb shank contains 196 calories, while lamb contains 225 calories. Thus, lamb shank has fewer calories.

What is the fat content in lamb shank?

Lamb shank has 7.4 g of fat per 100 g.

How much sodium is in lamb?

Lamb contains 65 mg of sodium per 100 g.

What is the carbohydrate content in both meats?

Both lamb shank and lamb contain 0 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

How much sugar is in lamb shank?

Lamb shank has 0 g of sugar per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

• Lamb shank has 196 calories per 100 g.
• Lamb has 225 calories per 100 g.
• Lamb shank contains 32.5 g of protein.
• Lamb contains 26.4 g of protein.
• Both lamb shank and lamb have 0 g of carbs.
• Lamb shank has 7.4 g of fat, while lamb has 12.4 g.