Everybody has a favorite seafood. It can be hard to decide which is better, so we’ve done the research for you.
In the interests of fairness, I’ve researched calamari and shrimp from all angles: flavor, price, sustainability, nutritional value and more. It’s time to lay down the law on this culinary question that’s been driving us crazy.
Whether you’re a die-hard shrimper or a squid fanatic, this post will give you a clear answer on who wins.
What is calamari?
Calamari is squid, a narrow soft body with long tentacles. Calamari is typically fried in oil, coated in batter and then fried again to make it crispy.
What is shrimp?
Shrimp is a term for a variety of types of shellfish. There are about 400 different species of shrimp, and they all live in salt water. Most shrimp live close to the sea floor and feed on plants and other small animals. They have powerful claws and two pairs of sharp beak-like jaws.
Flavor
In the category of flavor, calamari is a clear winner. Shrimp tastes great, sure, it’s just not as flavorful as squid. One taste tester even described it as “not terrible”.
With that said, this is where shrimp shines right back at calamari. It doesn’t have that fishy taste that a lot of people don’t like. Plus, the meat is firmer and you can actually see it in the dish.
If you’re looking for a more succulent dish with a little more flavor, calamari wins out in this category.
To be fair, I think its a matter of opinion as I personally dont agree with what many people think.
Price
You might be thinking that once you judge by price alone, shrimp is the clear winner. But, when it comes to sustainability and nutrition, calamari rings are much cheaper.
Shrimp are much harder to farm sustainably because they’re in danger of being over fished. Calamari, on the other hand, can be farmed sustainably by catching wild squid and farming them in contained environments.
Also, when it comes to omega 3s, calamari has a whopping 87 milligrams in just two ounces while shrimp only have about 20 milligrams per two ounces.
Sustainability
First up, we’ll tackle the issue of sustainability.
According to Seafood Watch, calamari has a “Good Alternative” status and shrimp has a “Avoid” status. One of the reasons for this is that calamari can be responsibly harvested, but shrimp cannot.
The harvesting process for squid doesn’t harm the environment like the harvesting process for shrimp does. So, if you’re looking for a sustainable alternative to eating shrimp, look no further than calamari!
Nutritional Value
We’ve done the research, and calamari is the clear winner in this category. With an average of about 90 calories per serving, calamari is much lower in calories than shrimp, which averages about 170 calories per serving.
Calamari is also high in protein, with about 20 grams for a 4 ounce serving. Shrimp has about 10 grams of protein for the same sized portion.
Calamari also contains more selenium than shrimp, with people consuming roughly 27 micrograms in one serving of calamari versus only 18 micrograms in one shrimp dish. Selenium is an essential nutrient that supports immune function and skin health.
Shrimp might be higher in cholesterol than calamari, but both types contain cholesterol levels that are relatively low when compared to other seafood options like salmon and lobster.
Winner: Calamari!
Calamari nutrients
Calamari is a great source of protein and selenium.
Selenium is a nutrient that supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and reproductive health. It also helps regulate your body’s metabolism and maintain healthy cells throughout the body. The only other food with as much selenium as calamari is brazil nuts.
Shrimp nutrients.
Shrimp are a great source of protein and selenium, an essential mineral for immune health. The white meat is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Final Summary and Considerations
No matter how you slice it, seafood is a delicious and nutritious source of protein. However, when it comes to choosing between shrimp and calamari, the decision can be tough.
While both seafood options are low in saturated fat and high in vitamins, minerals, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, there are some key differences that you should consider.
For example, while both calamari and shrimp are naturally low in calories and fat, they do contain different amounts of protein. Calamari tends to be richer in protein than shrimp, making it a great option for those who are looking to build muscle or lose weight.
Additionally, while both seafood options are delicious, calamari is more tender and has a milder taste than shrimp. Ultimately, the choice between calamari vs shrimp depends on your personal preferences.
