Clam Cakes or Fritters
Clam cakes, also known as clam fritters, are a beloved coastal snack made by folding chopped clams into a savory, slightly sweet batter and deep-frying them into golden, irregular balls. The classic batter typically includes flour, milk or clam juice, eggs, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and sometimes parsley or onion. This dish is a signature treat of New England, particularly popular in Rhode Island and coastal Massachusetts.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
As a deep-fried food, clam cakes are high in carbohydrates and fat, with a moderate amount of protein from the clams. A typical serving of 3-4 fritters provides a good source of iron and B vitamins from the clams, but also contains a significant amount of calories, often ranging from 400 to 600 calories per serving depending on size and recipe.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Iron | 3.2 mg |
| Selenium | 28 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 18 mcg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Manganese | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.1 mg |
Per 3 pieces (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, clam cakes are a staple of summer fairs, clam shacks, and seaside festivals in New England, often served with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon. Nutritionally, while they are an indulgent treat, the clams themselves are a surprisingly nutrient-dense ingredient, packed with minerals like zinc and selenium.
