Sardines Nutrition Facts
Complete sardines nutrition breakdown with 208 kcal per 100g, glycemic index, and diet compatibility.
Written by Victura Nutrition TeamReviewed by Victura Editorial ReviewLast updated Aug 11, 2026
208
Calories
24.6g
Protein
0.0g
Carbs
Generally yes
Is it healthy?
per 100g · per panel values
Track this food in VicturaQuick answer
A 100g serving of sardines provides about 208 kcal. Per 100g you get about 0g carbs and 24.62g protein.
Sardines is a whole food with approximately 208 calories per 100g, tracked in Victura for macro-aware meal logging.
- Calories (100g serving)
- 208 kcal
- Carbs (100g)
- 0.0g
- Protein (100g)
- 24.62g
- Serving reference
- 100g · 100g serving
Serving calculator
How much did you eat or drink — Sardines?
208
Calories
24.6g
Protein
0.0g
Carbs
11.4g
Fat
Nutrition facts
per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central (seeded Phase 0)
208 kcal
Calories
Vitamins
- Vitamin D: 4.8mcg
- Vitamin B12: 8.94mcg
Minerals
- Calcium: 382mg
Scientific explanation
Research-backedSardines provides approximately 208 kcal per 100g with 24.62g of high-quality protein, 0.0g of carbohydrates, and 11.45g of dietary fat. Sourced directly from the USDA FoodData Central database, these values represent drained Atlantic sardines canned in oil with bones. Because they are consumed whole—including the soft, calcium-rich bones and nutrient-dense organs—sardines offer an unparalleled micronutrient profile compared to larger fish fillets. They are an exceptional source of highly bioavailable calcium (382mg per 100g, or 29% of the Daily Value), which works synergistically with their natural Vitamin D content (4.8mcg, or 24% DV) to optimize bone mineralization and density. Additionally, a single 100g serving delivers an astounding 8.94mcg of Vitamin B12 (373% DV), essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. From a lipid perspective, the 11.45g of fat is predominantly composed of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These essential fatty acids are widely documented in clinical literature to reduce systemic inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, and support cognitive health. Because sardines occupy a low trophic level in the marine food web, they accumulate significantly fewer heavy metals, such as methylmercury, than larger predatory fish like tuna or swordfish, making them a safer choice for frequent consumption.
Community insights
Community insightAmong Victura meal logs, sardines appears frequently as a portable, shelf-stable protein source favored by endurance athletes, keto practitioners, and busy professionals alike. Users pairing it with avocado, leafy greens, or whole-grain sourdough report highly stable energy levels and prolonged satiety, avoiding the mid-afternoon energy crashes associated with high-carbohydrate meals. While some community members initially express hesitation regarding the strong aroma and distinct flavor profile of canned sardines, many find success by incorporating simple culinary modifications. Popular preparations logged in the Victura app include mashing sardines with fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley to create a nutrient-dense spread, or tossing them into Mediterranean-style salads with olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese. For those tracking strict macronutrient ratios, logging the exact canning medium (water-packed versus oil-packed) is a common tip shared among users to maintain precise daily fat and calorie targets.
Pros
- Sardines is a whole food with measurable macro nutrients
- Extremely high in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and bioavailable Calcium
- Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
- Low heavy metal accumulation due to low trophic level
Cons
- Portion size still matters for calorie goals, especially when packed in oil
- Strong flavor and aroma may require culinary adjustment for some users
- Canned varieties can be relatively high in sodium
Best time to eat
Excellent for breakfast, lunch, or as a post-workout recovery meal to support muscle repair and sustained energy.
Good windows
- With main meals
- Post-workout recovery window
Consider avoiding
- Immediately before high-intensity, short-duration workouts due to slower digestion of fats
Diet compatibility
Weight loss
Friendly
Though moderately energy-dense at 208 kcal per 100g, their exceptional protein and fat content promotes powerful satiety.
Keto
Friendly
Net carbs are 0.0g per 100g, making them highly compatible with strict ketogenic diets.
Diabetic friendly
Friendly
Glycemic index is 0 with 0.0g sugar, supporting stable blood glucose levels.
Frequently asked questions
People also ask
Is a sardines healthy?
Yes — a sardines is a whole food with measurable nutrients. Healthiness depends on overall diet, portions, and your goals.
Can I eat a sardines every day?
Most people can include a sardines daily as part of a balanced diet, as long as total calories and carbs fit their plan.
Are Sardineses good for weight loss?
Though moderately energy-dense at 208 kcal per 100g, their exceptional protein and fat content promotes powerful satiety.
How many calories are in a sardines?
A typical medium serving of sardines has about 208 calories, while 100g contains about 208 calories (USDA reference).
Are Sardineses good before a workout?
Sardineses can work before activity when you want easy carbs; pair a sardines with protein if your session is long.
Are Sardineses high in sugar?
Sardineses contain about 0.0g sugar per 100g — mostly natural sugars when whole.
Is sardines good for weight loss?
Yes, sardines are excellent for weight loss. The combination of high-quality protein (24.62g) and healthy fats (11.45g) triggers satiety signals in the brain, reducing cravings and overall daily calorie intake. Opting for water-packed sardines can further reduce caloric density while keeping protein intake high.
Is sardines keto-friendly?
Absolutely. With 0.0g of net carbohydrates, sardines are a perfect food for strict ketogenic and low-carb diets. Their natural ratio of high protein and moderate-to-high healthy fats aligns seamlessly with keto macronutrient targets.
What is the glycemic index of sardines?
The glycemic index of sardines is 0. Because they contain zero carbohydrates, they have no measurable impact on blood glucose levels and do not trigger an insulin response, making them an ideal food for metabolic health.
Is sardines safe for people with diabetes?
Yes, sardines are highly safe and beneficial for people with diabetes. Their zero-carb profile prevents blood sugar spikes, while their rich omega-3 fatty acid content helps improve insulin sensitivity and combat the cardiovascular risks often associated with diabetes.
How many calories does sardines have?
Sardines contain 208 calories (kcal) per 100 grams when canned in oil and drained. A typical standard drained can (92g) contains about 191 calories, delivering a highly concentrated dose of protein, calcium, and essential vitamins.
How we review this guide
- Written by
- Victura Nutrition Team
- Reviewed by
- Victura Editorial Review
- Reference sources
- 4
- Last updated
- Aug 11, 2026
References
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