Whole food · Finfish and Shellfish Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Raw trout is a lean, freshwater fish with a delicate, buttery flavor and a firm yet tender texture that practically melts on the tongue. Its flesh ranges from pale pink to deep coral, often marbled with fine lines of fat that promise richness without heaviness. Nutritionally, it's a powerhouse of high-quality protein and heart-healthy fats, with virtually no carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 58% protein · 0% carbs · 42% fat
↓ Full nutritionPeople adore trout for its clean, subtly sweet taste that's more refined than many stronger-flavored fish, making it a gateway for seafood novices. Its versatility allows it to shine in everything from simple pan-sears to elegant smoked preparations.
As a freshwater fish, trout can sometimes carry a mild 'muddy' or earthy flavor if not sourced from clean waters, which some palates find off-putting. It is also a common allergen (fish allergy), and raw preparations carry a risk of parasites, so it must be properly frozen or cooked to ensure safety.
The distinctive pink-orange color of trout flesh comes from astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment they obtain from eating tiny crustaceans like shrimp and krill in the wild.
| Water | 71.4 g |
| Energy | 148 kcal |
| Energy | 619 kj |
| Protein | 20.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 6.6 g |
| Ash | 1.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 43.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 22.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 245 mg |
| Potassium, K | 361 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 52.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.66 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.19 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.85 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 12.6 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.50 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.35 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.33 mg |
| Niacin | 4.5 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 1.9 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.20 mg |
| Folate, total | 13.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 13.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 13.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 65.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 7.8 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 17.0 ug |
| Retinol | 17.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 57.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.20 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 155 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 3.9 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 3.9 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.10 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.1 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.18 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.81 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.15 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 3.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.70 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.28 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.83 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.5 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.17 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.15 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.19 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.20 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.18 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.53 g |
| Cholesterol | 58.0 mg |
| Tryptophan | 0.23 g |
| Threonine | 0.91 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.96 g |
| Leucine | 1.7 g |
| Lysine | 1.9 g |
| Methionine | 0.61 g |
| Cystine | 0.22 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.81 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.70 g |
| Valine | 1.1 g |
| Arginine | 1.2 g |
| Histidine | 0.61 g |
| Alanine | 1.3 g |
| Aspartic acid | 2.1 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.1 g |
| Glycine | 1.00 g |
| Proline | 0.73 g |
| Serine | 0.85 g |
What's the difference between trout and salmon?
Trout and salmon are closely related. Generally, trout are freshwater fish (though some anadromous species like steelhead migrate), tend to be smaller, and have a milder flavor. Salmon are typically anadromous (born in freshwater, live in the ocean), grow larger, and have a richer, more pronounced flavor and higher fat content.
Is it safe to eat trout raw, like in sushi?
It can be, but only if the trout is labeled 'sushi-grade' or 'sashimi-grade,' meaning it has been commercially flash-frozen to kill parasites. Never consume raw trout from a standard grocery store or that hasn't been properly handled and frozen according to food safety guidelines.
How can I tell if fresh trout is good quality?
Look for firm, elastic flesh that springs back when pressed. The eyes should be clear and bright, not cloudy. The gills should be a vibrant red or pink, and the fish should smell clean and briny, like the ocean or a freshwater stream, never 'fishy' or ammonia-like.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.14 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.