Prawns vs Shrimp: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Prawns and shrimp have similar calorie counts but differ in protein content.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Prawns and shrimp both contain 99 calories per 100 g. However, shrimp is higher in protein with 24.0 g compared to prawns' 20.9 g.

Prawns and shrimp are both popular seafood options, often used interchangeably in recipes. This comparison highlights their nutritional differences per 100 g serving.

What Is the Difference Between Prawns and Shrimp?

Prawns are a type of seafood that belong to the suborder Pleocyemata, characterized by their long bodies and large claws. They are commonly found in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Shrimp are small, aquatic crustaceans that are widely consumed around the world. They belong to the order Decapoda and are known for their tender texture and sweet flavor.

Prawns vs Shrimp: Nutrition Side by Side

The following comparison shows the nutritional values of prawns and shrimp side by side for a clearer understanding.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Prawns (cooked) Shrimp (cooked)
Calories 99 kcal 99 kcal
Protein 20.9 g 24.0 g
Carbs 1.5 g 0.2 g
Sugar 0 g 0 g
Fat 1.7 g 0.3 g
Fiber 0 g 0 g
Sodium 150 mg 111 mg

Which Is Better, Prawns or Shrimp?

For weight loss: Both prawns and shrimp contain 99 calories per 100 g, making them equally suitable for weight loss.

For muscle and protein: Shrimp is higher in protein with 24.0 g, while prawns provide 20.9 g per 100 g.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Prawns have 1.5 g of carbs, whereas shrimp have only 0.2 g, with both containing 0 g of sugar.

How to Track Prawns and Shrimp Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macros when consuming seafood, as they can vary significantly. 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 provided are rounded reference values for educational use, not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations. Values are per 100 g: Prawns from Open Food Facts (aggregated plain entries), Shrimp from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein, prawns or shrimp?

Shrimp has more protein with 24.0 g per 100 g, compared to prawns which have 20.9 g.

Which has fewer calories, prawns or shrimp?

Both prawns and shrimp have the same calorie count of 99 per 100 g.

What is the fat content in prawns?

Prawns contain 1.7 g of fat per 100 g.

How much sodium is in shrimp?

Shrimp contains 111 mg of sodium per 100 g.

What are the carbohydrate levels in prawns?

Prawns have 1.5 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

Do prawns or shrimp have more sugar?

Both prawns and shrimp have 0 g of sugar per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

  • Prawns contain 99 calories per 100 g.
  • Shrimp also contain 99 calories per 100 g.
  • Prawns provide 20.9 g of protein per 100 g.
  • Shrimp provide 24.0 g of protein per 100 g.
  • Prawns have 1.5 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.
  • Shrimp have 0.2 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

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