Shrimp vs Tilapia
Side-by-side macro comparison. Shrimp vs Tilapia per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Shrimp | Tilapia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 99 cal | 128 cal | -23% Shrimp |
| Protein | 24g | 26g | -8% Shrimp |
| Carbs | 0.2g | 0g | 0% Shrimp |
| Fat | 0.3g | 2.7g | -89% Shrimp |
Differences shown relative to Shrimp. Positive = Shrimp has more.
Quick Take
Shrimp delivers 99 calories per serving with 24g protein, 0.2g carbs, and 0.3g fat. Tilapia delivers 128 calories with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 2.7g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 29 calories per serving, so calorie load is essentially equivalent. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Shrimp gives you 29 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. Tilapia brings 128 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Tilapia delivers 26g 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 Shrimp and Tilapia are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Shrimp or Tilapia?
Tilapia has more protein: 26g vs 24g per serving. That's a difference of 2g.
Which has fewer calories, Shrimp or Tilapia?
Shrimp has 99 calories per serving vs 128 calories in Tilapia — a difference of 29 calories.
Is Shrimp or Tilapia better for keto?
Tilapia is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 0.2g carbs in Shrimp.
Is Shrimp or Tilapia better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Shrimp gives you more calorie flexibility (29 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
Tilapia
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Tilapia
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 Shrimp and Tilapia stack up: