Mollusks, clam, mixed species, cooked, breaded and fried
Whole food · Finfish and Shellfish Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Breaded and fried clams are a quintessential coastal indulgence, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to the tender, briny sweetness of the mollusk inside. This preparation transforms the humble clam into a rich, savory treat, with the golden-brown crust providing a textural contrast to the soft seafood. Nutritionally, it delivers a solid punch of protein and fats, making it a more substantial snack or appetizer than its steamed counterpart.
Calorie split: 29% protein · 21% carbs · 51% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore the irresistible contrast between the crispy, seasoned breading and the juicy, sweet clam within, making it a beloved comfort food. It is deeply embedded in coastal culinary traditions, often enjoyed as a casual, shareable dish that evokes the feeling of a seaside vacation.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The deep-frying process significantly increases the fat and calorie content, which can be a concern for those monitoring their intake or managing heart health. Additionally, the breading can cause a rapid blood-sugar spike, and the dish is often high in sodium; pairing it with a fiber-rich side like a green salad or steamed vegetables can help mitigate these effects, and choosing smaller portions is advisable.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of high-quality protein for muscle maintenance
- Provides essential minerals like iron and zinc from the clam meat
- Offers a satisfying source of dietary fat for energy
- Quick and convenient source of calories for active individuals
- Contains B-vitamins, particularly B12, from the seafood
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The iconic fried clam is a relatively modern invention, first created in 1916 at Woodman's of Essex in Massachusetts, where a cook accidentally dropped a shucked clam into hot oil.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 61.5 g |
| Energy | 202 kcal |
| Energy | 845 kj |
| Protein | 14.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 11.2 g |
| Ash | 2.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 10.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 63.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 13.9 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 14.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 188 mg |
| Potassium, K | 326 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 364 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.5 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.36 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.54 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 28.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 10.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.10 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.24 mg |
| Niacin | 2.1 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.43 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.06 mg |
| Folate, total | 36.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 18.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 18.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 48.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 40.3 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 91.0 ug |
| Retinol | 91.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 302 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.7 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.6 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.1 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.5 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 2.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.5 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.16 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.07 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.07 g |
| Cholesterol | 61.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.17 g |
| Threonine | 0.60 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.64 g |
| Leucine | 1.0 g |
| Lysine | 0.99 g |
| Methionine | 0.32 g |
| Cystine | 0.20 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.55 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.46 g |
| Valine | 0.65 g |
| Arginine | 0.98 g |
| Histidine | 0.28 g |
| Alanine | 0.82 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.3 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.2 g |
| Glycine | 0.84 g |
| Proline | 0.69 g |
| Serine | 0.67 g |
FAQ
Are breaded and fried clams healthy?
While they provide good protein and minerals, the deep-frying adds significant fat and calories. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can I make a healthier version at home?
Yes, you can bake or air-fry the breaded clams to reduce the oil content significantly while still achieving a crispy texture.
What is the difference between fried clams and clam strips?
Fried clams are typically whole, shucked clams (including the belly), while clam strips are made from the larger surf clam, sliced into strips before breading and frying.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.02 kcal/g · 28% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.12 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.