Chicken Tenderloin vs Shrimp
Side-by-side macro comparison. Chicken Tenderloin vs Shrimp per their standard serving sizes.
Chicken Tenderloin
per 100g cooked
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Chicken Tenderloin | Shrimp | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 153 cal | 99 cal | +55% Chicken |
| Protein | 30g | 24g | +25% Chicken |
| Carbs | 0g | 0.2g | -100% Chicken |
| Fat | 3g | 0.3g | +900% Chicken |
Differences shown relative to Chicken Tenderloin. Positive = Chicken Tenderloin has more.
Quick Take
Chicken Tenderloin delivers 153 calories per serving with 30g protein, 0g carbs, and 3g fat. Shrimp delivers 99 calories with 24g protein, 0.2g carbs, and 0.3g fat. The most meaningful difference: Shrimp saves 54 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Shrimp wins at 97% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Shrimp gives you 54 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Shrimp delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Chicken Tenderloin brings 153 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Chicken Tenderloin delivers 30g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.
For Keto / Low-Carb
Both Chicken Tenderloin and Shrimp are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Chicken Tenderloin or Shrimp?
Chicken Tenderloin has more protein: 30g vs 24g per serving. That's a difference of 6g.
Which has fewer calories, Chicken Tenderloin or Shrimp?
Shrimp has 99 calories per serving vs 153 calories in Chicken Tenderloin — a difference of 54 calories.
Is Chicken Tenderloin or Shrimp better for keto?
Chicken Tenderloin is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 0.2g carbs in Shrimp.
Is Chicken Tenderloin or Shrimp better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Shrimp gives you more calorie flexibility (54 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Shrimp delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Shrimp.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Shrimp
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Chicken Tenderloin
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Chicken Tenderloin
Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.
Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.
Find Your Personal Macros
The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Chicken Tenderloin and Shrimp stack up:
Full Chicken Tenderloin guide • Full Shrimp guide • All comparisons