Calories in Razor Clam: Nutritional facts for Razor Clam Types

A 100g serving of raw razor clams contains 74 calories, while a 100g serving of cooked razor clams contains 148 calories.

One kilogram (1000g) of raw razor clams contains 740 calories, whereas one kilogram (1000g) of cooked razor clams contains 1480 calories.

One raw Pacific razor clam (45 grams or 1.6 oz) contains 33 calories, while one cooked Pacific razor clam (45 grams or 1.6 oz) contains 67 calories. A serving of Bumble Bee Whole Baby Clams (64 grams or 2.25 oz) contains 30 calories, and a serving of Snow's Chopped Clams (64 grams or 2.25 oz) provides 30 calories.

Razor clams provide notable health benefits such as supporting neurological function and enhancing oxygen transport through a rich profile of vitamins and minerals. A breakdown of these positive attributes of razor clams appears below.

• Supports Neurological Function: The high concentration of Vitamin B12 preserves nerve sheath integrity and cognitive performance. A study by Gille, D., & Schmid, A. (2015), "Vitamin B12 in meat and dairy products," confirmed that B12 from animal sources maintains optimal nervous system health.
• Enhances Oxygen Transport: The substantial iron content facilitates the production of hemoglobin, preventing fatigue and anemia. Research by Abbaspour, N., et al. (2014), "Review on iron and its importance for human health," demonstrated that heme iron found in shellfish absorbs more efficiently than plant-based sources.
• Promotes Muscle Maintenance: The dense protein profile aids in the repair and growth of muscle tissue without adding excessive fat. A study by Paddon-Jones, D., et al. (2008), "Protein, weight management, and satiety," established that high-protein diets support lean body mass retention.

Razor clams pose potential downsides including the risk of marine toxin exposure and high sodium intake. The list below outlines these specific dangers.

• Increases Toxin Exposure Risk: The consumption of razor clams harvested during algal blooms leads to Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning due to domoic acid accumulation. A study by Todd, E., et al. (1993), " Domoic Acid and Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning - A Review," noted that this neurotoxin causes severe brain damage and memory loss. A safer alternative is cod or tilapia. A suggested daily limit is 85g to 170g.
• Elevates Sodium Intake: The natural sodium content combined with saline processing raises blood pressure in sensitive individuals. Research by Grillo, A., et al. (2019), "Sodium Intake and Hypertension," found that reducing dietary sodium lowers cardiovascular risk.

Yes, razor clams are good for the body because the high protein content supports muscle maintenance and the rich mineral profile aids metabolic function. Heart health improves through the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient linked to reduced cardiovascular inflammation by Swanson, D., et al. (2012), "Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits Throughout Life." Brain health benefits from the substantial Vitamin B12 concentration, which supports neurological preservation as confirmed by O'Leary, F., & Samman, S. (2010), "Vitamin B12 in Health and Disease." Blood health relies on the high iron availability to prevent anemia, a mechanism detailed in research by Camaschella, C. (2015), "Iron-Deficiency Anemia."

The removal of moisture determines the calorie count of razor clam varieties. Dried razor clams possess the highest calorie value at 340 calories per 100 grams due to the concentration of nutrients and lack of water. Raw Pacific razor clams contain the lowest calorie value at 74 calories per 100 grams. Canned varieties range between 100 and 110 calories per 100 grams depending on the packing liquid.

No, razor clams are not higher in calories than regular clams, as both species offer comparable energy densities. A 100g serving of cooked razor clams contains 148 calories. A 100g serving of cooked mixed species clams contains 148 calories. The nutritional profiles remain nearly identical across these bivalve categories.

No, razor clams do not contain more fat than other shellfish, as the lipid content remains consistently low across bivalve species. A 100g serving of cooked razor clams contains 3.4g of fat. Cooked blue mussels contain 4.5g of fat per 100g. Cooked eastern oysters contain 2.5g of fat per 100g. The fat content in razor clams falls within the standard range for lean shellfish.

Razor clams do not function as ingredients in dessert courses due to the inherent salinity and savory umami profile of the meat. Culinary professionals and home cooks utilize this bivalve exclusively for appetizers, soups, and main entrees rather than sweet confections. No established recipes or restaurant menus feature razor clams in sugar-based or frozen dessert preparations.

The origin of the razor clam traces back to the sandy intertidal zones of the Northern Hemisphere, where the species evolved a unique elongated shell to burrow rapidly into the sediment. Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest utilized the Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula) as a vital protein source for millennia, harvesting the mollusks during low tides with specialized digging sticks. The Atlantic razor clam (Ensis directus), native to the North American East Coast, eventually spread to Europe in the 20th century, establishing colonies in the North Sea. Commercial harvesting expanded in the late 19th century with the advent of canning technology, allowing the preservation and transport of the delicate meat to inland markets. The distinct sweet flavor and tender texture solidified the status of the razor clam as a prized delicacy in global seafood markets.