734 kcal F 81.5g
🐟 Finfish and Shellfish Products
Calories in Snow crab, legs only
Snow crabs survive sub-zero ocean depths using built-in antifreeze proteins that prevent ice crystals from forming in their blood.
69 kcal
What makes snow crab so powerful?
Snow crabs (Chionoecetes opilio) thrive in the freezing, deep waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. One of the most fascinating biological aspects of this species is its molting cycle. To grow, a snow crab must shed its hard exoskeleton and rapidly absorb water to expand its soft new shell, which then hardens over several weeks. During this vulnerable post-molt period, the crab is known as a soft-shell, and its meat is highly watery. Fishery regulations strictly prohibit harvesting these soft crabs to protect the population. Furthermore, to survive in habitats that frequently drop below freezing, snow crabs rely on specialized antifreeze proteins. These proteins bind to small ice crystals in their bodily fluids, inhibiting further growth and preventing catastrophic cellular damage. The meat inside their remarkably long legs—which can span up to three feet—is naturally sweet and fibrous. This distinct flavor profile is largely driven by high concentrations of the amino acid glycine, which activates sweet taste receptors on the human tongue despite the crab living in a harsh, icy environment.
Built-in antifreeze proteins
Snow crabs produce specialized proteins that prevent ice crystals from damaging their cells in freezing waters.
Extreme molting cycle
They must shed their entire exoskeleton and absorb water to expand before their new shell hardens.
Glycine-driven sweetness
The distinct sweet flavor of the leg meat comes largely from high concentrations of the amino acid glycine.
💡 When & how to use it
Snow crab legs are almost always sold pre-cooked and frozen, so they only need gentle reheating. Steam them for 4 to 5 minutes or boil briefly to avoid making the meat rubbery. Since crab is extremely low in fat, serving it alongside a source of healthy fats like avocado or olive oil helps slow digestion and improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Melted butter also provides the necessary dietary fats to balance this high-protein, nearly fat-free shellfish.
Calories by Serving Size
100g
69 kcal
P 15.5g C 1.11g F 0.29g
200g
138 kcal
P 31g C 2.2g F 0.6g
50g
35 kcal
P 7.8g C 0.6g F 0.1g
Full Nutrition Facts
Per 100g — daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 100g
Calories 69
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.29g 0%
Sodium 728mg 32%
Total Carbohydrate 1.11g 0%
Protein 15.5g 31%
Calcium 97.8mg 8%
Iron 0.28mg 2%
Potassium 193mg 4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
How does Snow crab fit your daily goals?
14 min
Walking to burn 69 kcal
3%
of 2,000 kcal daily goal
15.5g
protein (31% of daily 50g)
29
servings until 2,000 kcal
Log Snow crab in CalRay — just snap a photo
CalRay's AI recognizes snow crab and hundreds of thousands of other foods from a photo. No manual lookup needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Snow crab, legs only?
Snow crab, legs only contains 69 calories per 100g. It is a moderate-calorie food that can fit into most healthy diets.
How much protein does Snow crab, legs only have?
Snow crab, legs only provides 15.5g of protein per 100g, which is 31% of the 50g daily recommended value. It is a good source of protein.
How many carbs are in Snow crab, legs only?
Snow crab, legs only contains 1.11g of carbohydrates per 100g .
Is Snow crab, legs only good for weight loss?
Snow crab, legs only has 69 kcal per 100g, which is relatively moderate. It can fit into a weight-loss diet as long as portion sizes are managed. Its high protein content (15.5g/100g) helps with satiety.
How do I track Snow crab, legs only calories accurately?
The easiest way to track snow crab is with CalRay. Simply snap a photo of your meal and the AI will automatically identify the food and calculate calories and macros based on the estimated portion size — no manual lookup required. You can also search by name and adjust gram weight manually.
🍽️ Perfectly Pairs With Snow crab
See all → 734 kcal 
223 kcal P 1.81g C 8.32g F 20.3g
28 kcal P 1.44g C 5.1g F 0.22g