Red Lobster Nutrition Guide 2026: Calories, Facts & Healthy Choices

Reviewed by Emily Carter, Senior Menu Research Editor

Prices Verified July 2026 Against Official Restaurant Sources

Quick answer

Red Lobster nutrition facts range from 0 calories for coffee and unsweetened iced tea to over 1900 calories for the Sailor’s Platter. Grilled and steamed items like Live Maine Lobster and Grilled Atlantic Salmon are the lightest entrees on the menu. Fried platters, cream-based pasta, and family feasts carry the highest calorie and sodium counts. Every number in this guide comes directly from Red Lobster’s official nutrition data.

How to read this Red Lobster nutrition guide

This nutrition guide organizes Red Lobster’s dietary information by menu category, matching how items appear on the real menu. Each table lists calories, total fat, carbohydrates, protein, and sodium for a standard serving.

Full and lighter portion figures are shown separately wherever Red Lobster offers both options. If a dish comes with a choice of sauce, such as Crab Your Way or a seasoned seafood boil, the seafood and the sauce are listed as separate lines. Add them together to get a full nutritional value for that order.

If you are managing allergens or looking for a Gluten Free Menu at Red Lobster, pair this page with our Allergen and Ingredients Guide for a fuller picture before you order.

Nutrition at a Glance

If you’re short on time, here are the most important nutrition highlights from the Red Lobster menu.

Nutrition HighlightQuick Answer
Lowest calorie entréeLive Maine Lobster
Highest protein entréeSalmon New Orleans
Lowest calorie appetizerShrimp Cocktail
Best grilled seafoodGrilled Atlantic Salmon
One Cheddar Bay Biscuit160 calories
Zero calorie drinksCoffee, Hot Tea, Unsweetened Iced Tea, Pepsi Zero Sugar
Family meal nutritionValues apply to the complete meal, not one serving

Red Lobster nutrition comparisons

Comparing similar dishes side by side makes it easier to choose a meal that fits your goals, whether you are counting calories, watching sodium, or chasing protein. Here are four popular comparisons based on Red Lobster’s official nutrition data.

Grilled Atlantic Salmon vs fried flounder

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Grilled Atlantic Salmon 51034147680
Wild Caught Crunch Fried Flounder, full11707478443130

Grilled Atlantic Salmon and Wild Caught Crunch Fried Flounder both deliver similar protein, at 47 grams and 44 grams. The difference shows up everywhere else. The fried version has more than double the calories, over twice the fat, and more than four times the sodium of the grilled option. If you want the same protein with far fewer calories and less sodium, Grilled Atlantic Salmon is the clear winner.

Lobster vs shrimp nutrition

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Live Maine Lobster44034033290
Grilled Shrimp with rice250729161130

Live Maine Lobster carries more calories and fat than Grilled Shrimp, but it also delivers more than double the protein at 33 grams versus 16 grams, and far less sodium. Grilled Shrimp is the lighter choice by calories, while lobster is the stronger pick if protein and low sodium matter more to you than total calories.

Crab vs lobster nutrition

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Snow Crab Legs380340191070
Maine Lobster Tail420370141020

Snow Crab Legs and Maine Lobster Tail land close together on calories, fat, and sodium. Crab legs edge ahead on protein at 19 grams compared to 14 grams for lobster tail. Both are naturally low in carbohydrates, so the real deciding factor between these two usually comes down to taste and price rather than nutrition.

Alfredo vs grilled seafood

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, full9304581502690
Grilled Shrimp with rice250729161130

This is the widest gap on the menu. Shrimp Linguini Alfredo has almost four times the calories of Grilled Shrimp and more than six times the fat, driven by the cream-based alfredo sauce. If you love the flavor but want to manage calories, ordering the lighter portion of the alfredo or splitting the dish are practical ways to close that gap.

Starters and soups nutrition

Starters at Red Lobster range from the 180-calorie Shrimp Cocktail to the 1010-calorie Crispy Dragon Shrimp. Cream-based soups and dips, including Lobster Bisque and Lobster Dip, run higher in sodium and fat than broth-based options like New England Clam Chowder.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops450379231400
Calamari, Hand Breaded10007044472070
Crab Queso9305676312100
Crispy Dragon Shrimp10107267252010
Lobster Bisque, Cup34027176800
Lobster Bisque, Bowl6305227111520
Lobster Dip8903582301910
Lobster Flatbread8003877392310
Mozzarella Cheesesticks7304158312130
New England Clam Chowder, Cup28017218780
New England Clam Chowder, Bowl5003335151490
Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp660415520910
Popcorn Shrimp8205155331300
Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms3602317241000
Shrimp Cocktail180410231180

Entrées nutrition

Entrée calories vary widely depending on preparation. Grilled and steamed seafood stays under 550 calories. Linguini alfredo dishes and fried platters can exceed 1500 calories per serving. Lighter portion options are available for several signature pastas and fried dishes, which is one of the easiest ways to manage calories without changing what you order.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Admiral’s Feast167099131574820
Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo, full10605087662960
Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo, lighter portion7603264551880
Cheeseburger with fries145072130643220
Cheeseburger with bacon and fries155080130743540
Classic Chicken Linguini Alfredo, full10105077642460
Classic Chicken Linguini Alfredo, lighter portion7103154531390
Crab and Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, full10305683492970
Crab and Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, lighter portion6002957281520
Bairdi Crab, 1 lb. with crispy potatoes6502755503800
Snow Crab, 1 lb. with crispy potatoes6102655423490
Crunch Fried Flounder Sandwich with fries158083169363720
Fish and Chips, full152091133373480
Fish and Chips, lighter portion116068112222690
Garlic Lover’s 6 oz. Filet34022334960
Garlic Lover’s 7 oz. Sirloin400233461090
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries119050130503020
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with bacon and fries129057130603340
Grilled Lobster, Shrimp and Salmon11807647762830
Live Maine Lobster44034033290
Lobster Lover’s Duo600511251150
Lobster and Shrimp Linguini, full12407485633190
Lobster and Shrimp Linguini, lighter portion10006367442680
Parmesan Crusted Chicken6503534471620
Sailor’s Platter with Chesapeake fries1910110160585240
Salmon, Grilled51034147680
Salmon New Orleans11607791021180
Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, full9304581502690
Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, lighter portion5802657281380
Steak, 6 oz. Filet Mignon26014134850
Steak, 7 oz. Sirloin32015146980
Surf and Turf, Lobster Tail and 6 oz. Filet680542471590
Surf and Turf, Lobster Tail and 7 oz. Sirloin740561591720
Ultimate Feast12809835524180
Wild Caught Crunch Fried Flounder, full11707478443130
Wild Caught Crunch Fried Flounder, lighter portion7004840221690

Seafood boils

Seafood boil calories shown below cover the seafood and broth only. Add a signature sauce from the seasoning options to get the full nutritional value for a seasoned boil. Visit our Seafood Boils Menu guide.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Crabfest Boil610483632380
Mariner’s Seafood Boil600480602160
Sailor’s Seafood Boil13207191834570

Create your own Ultimate Feast options

The Ultimate Feast and other build-your-own entrees let you combine proteins. Use this table to total up nutrition for whichever combination you choose, and pair it with the comparisons above if you are deciding between crab, lobster, or shrimp. The Ultimate Feast and other build-your-own entrees let you combine proteins. Several items in this table Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp, and Walt’s Favorite Shrimp- are also served as part of Red Lobster’s Endless Shrimp promotion when it’s running. Use this table to total up nutrition for whichever combination you choose, and pair it with the comparisons above if you are deciding between crab, lobster, or shrimp. Visit our Shrimp Meals Menu

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Crispy Dragon Teriyaki Lobster3601932161740
Garlic Shrimp Scampi22018412970
Grilled Atlantic Salmon51034147680
Grilled Shrimp250729161130
Lobster Pasta au Gratin6703945341520
Maine Lobster Tail420370141020
Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp470294113620
Shrimp Linguini Alfredo6203156271230
Sirloin, 7 oz.32015146980
Snow Crab Legs380340191070
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp2601031101560

Pasta and bowls nutrition

Red Lobster’s rice and salad bowls sit between 700 and 1140 calories. The Sesame Soy Salmon Bowl carries the highest sodium of the three at 2320 mg, so it is worth checking if you are watching your sodium intake.visit our Pasta and bowls menu.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Chicken Caesar Bowl with rice7203846501920
Sesame Soy Salmon Bowl11406186622320
Southwest Shrimp Bowl7004553242320

Sides nutrition

Roasted Asparagus is the lightest side at just 90 calories. Bacon Mac and Cheese and Crispy Brussels Sprouts run closer to 400 to 600 calories. A single Cheddar Bay Biscuit adds 160 calories and 380 milligrams of sodium, small on its own but easy to add up if you have a few.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Asparagus, Roasted90684310
Bacon Mac and Cheese6103448251590
Baked Potato27045571730
Baked Potato, Fully Loaded5202657172170
Baked Potato, Lobster Topped4501859182310
Caesar Salad360301411700
Cheddar Bay Biscuit, each16010163380
Chesapeake Fries510207471170
Coleslaw1108102140
Crispy Brussels Sprouts380174812980
House Salad1609128230
Hush Puppies, 6 count42026404760
Lobster Pasta au Gratin6703945341520
Mashed Potatoes21010274670
Mashed Potatoes, Lobster Topped3502225151120
Orzo Rice3106576880
Seasoned Broccoli1901694400

Desserts nutrition

All four individual desserts at Red Lobster exceed 500 calories, and three of the four exceed 1000 calories. Chocolate Wave and Strawberry Cheesecake Bliss are the richest options, each carrying over 90 grams of sugar, so sharing is a practical way to enjoy them. Visit our

Red Lobster Desserts Menu

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Brownie Overboard10205712113360
Chocolate Wave11106213411720
Key Lime Pie580277610270
Strawberry Cheesecake Bliss11706910214780

Kids menu nutrition

On the kids menu, Grilled Chicken and Garlic Grilled Shrimp are the lightest entrees, both under 200 calories. Crispy Chicken Tenders is the highest calorie kids option at 690 calories, which is still lighter than most adult entrees on the menu.Visit our Kids menu.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Crispy Chicken Tenders6905429251150
Crunchy Popcorn Shrimp430253317940
Garlic Grilled Shrimp804111580
Golden Fried Fish5302553221920
Grilled Chicken1705031120
Macaroni and Cheese31094411830
Petite Maine Lobster Tail36035010580
Broccoli1901694400
Surf’s Up Sundae2001025350

Family meals nutrition

Family meals are portioned to feed four or more people, so the totals below reflect the entire platter rather than a single serving. Divide by the number of people sharing the meal to estimate an individual portion.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Admiral’s Family Feast559032842817915410
Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo Family Meal31801502611988880
Snow Crab, 3 lb. Family Meal with crispy potatoes18307816512610470
Fish Fry Family Meal759042372821220710
Mariner’s Seafood Boil Family Meal1800122401806480
Sailor’s Seafood Boil Family Meal396021327324913710
Shrimp Linguini Alfredo Family Meal27901352431508070
Ultimate Family Feast431032015320416870

Family size desserts

Family desserts are priced and portioned by the slice or piece. Totals below cover the entire cake, pie, or brownie tray, so use the slice count to estimate a single serving.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Cheesecake, 10 slices98706187051307820
Chocolate Wave Cake, 14 slices1302074615641189400
Key Lime Pie, 8 slices4160176568802160
Triple Chocolate Brownie, 24 pieces6220360720782330

Drinks nutrition

Non alcoholic drinks range from 0 calories for coffee, iced tea, and diet soda to 460 calories for the Raspberry Fruit Smoothie. Fruit smoothies carry the most sugar among the non alcoholic options.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Boston Iced Tea, Classic Cranberry80019025
Boston Iced Tea, Mango110026010
Coffee00005
Diet Pepsi000055
Dr Pepper140039045
Iced Tea001015
Lemonade140037010
Mango Fruit Smoothie3806887240
Pepsi150041030
Pepsi Zero Sugar000065
Strawberry Fruit Smoothie4506908300
Strawberry Lemonade2000470130
Zero Proof Mocktail, Coastal Colada310273130
Zero Proof Mocktail, Strawberry Breeze180047120

Alcoholic drinks

Frozen and fruit-forward cocktails carry the most sugar and carbohydrates. Spirit-forward drinks like the Old Fashioned stay lower in carbs. Margaritas served with a salt or sugar rim will run higher in sodium than the base numbers shown here.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Blackberry Bourbon Smash160020010
Grand Patron Margarita21001802850
Guava Chili Margarita31004831360
Henny Margarita360055010
Lava Flow Margarita170019020
Magical Blue Hawaiian130020030
Triple Berry Sangria210047110
Wine, 6 oz.1500505
Regular Beer, 12 oz.150013215
Light Beer, 12 oz.10006015

Dressings and condiments nutrition

Dressings and sauces add up quickly. Caesar Dressing and Blue Cheese Dressing carry the most fat per serving. Pico de Gallo and Marinara Sauce are the lightest condiment options on the menu, a good swap if you are trying to cut calories without cutting flavor.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Blue Cheese Dressing2102322360
Caesar Dressing3003202590
Cocktail Sauce500111580
Honey Mustard Dressing2001970370
Ketchup600150480
Marinara Sauce30141260
Pico de Gallo10020170
Ranch Dressing1501620320
Tartar Sauce2302320250

Party platters nutrition

Party platters are built for groups and sized well beyond a single entree. Use these totals for event planning rather than individual serving estimates.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Half Dozen9705995182250
Cheddar Bay Biscuits, One Dozen1940118191364500
Crab Queso Platter448028232816712240
Crispy Chicken Tenders Platter48503751941948590
Crispy Dragon Shrimp Platter4010288263998010
Mozzarella Cheesestick Platter2200137167864950
Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp Platter2660162222803630
Popcorn Shrimp Platter2490154182994840
Shrimp Cocktail, Large Platter101015711596560
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp Platter122050148477380

What to order based on your goals

After comparing every category on the menu, a few practical patterns stand out. If you are counting calories, stick with grilled or steamed seafood and skip the linguini alfredo dishes, which run two to four times higher in calories than their grilled counterparts. If sodium is your main concern, Live Maine Lobster and Grilled Atlantic Salmon are the two lowest-sodium entrees on the entire menu.

For high protein without excess calories, Salmon New Orleans and Live Maine Lobster both deliver strong protein per calorie. Families ordering from the kids menu can lean on Grilled Chicken or Garlic Grilled Shrimp for the lightest options at the table.

For more detail, visit Red Lobster Menu with Prices,

Best Overall Healthy Meal

Grilled Atlantic Salmon

A balanced choice with high-quality protein and fewer calories than many fried seafood dishes.

Best High Protein Meal

Salmon New Orleans

One of the highest protein entrées on the menu.

Best Seafood Choice

Live Maine Lobster

Naturally high in protein while staying relatively low in calories and sodium.

Best Family Meal

Ultimate Family Feast

A popular option for sharing with a group.

Best Side Dish

Roasted Asparagus

A lighter side that pairs well with grilled seafood.

Common nutrition mistakes at Red Lobster

A meal can look reasonable on paper and still land far higher in calories, fat, and sodium than expected. That usually comes down to a handful of extras that guests do not mentally count as part of the entree. Here are the six most commonly overlooked add-ons, based on Red Lobster’s own nutrition data.

ItemCaloriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Sodium (mg)
Cheddar Bay Biscuit, each16010163380
Butter, 100% Pure Melted3003300290
Caesar Dressing3003202590
Lemonade140037010
Key Lime Pie580277610270
Chesapeake Fries510207471170

Extra biscuits:

A single Cheddar Bay Biscuit is only 160 calories, so two or three at the table feel harmless. Three biscuits add up to nearly 500 calories and over 1100 milligrams of sodium before the meal even arrives.

Butter sauce:

Steamed lobster and crab legs are often ordered as the lighter choice on the menu. The 100% Pure Melted Butter served alongside adds 300 calories and 33 grams of fat per serving, which can undo most of the savings from choosing steamed seafood in the first place.

Dressings:

A salad reads as the healthy option, but a full serving of Caesar Dressing carries 300 calories and 32 grams of fat, close to what a fried side dish contains. Asking for dressing on the side is a simple way to control the actual total.

Lemonade:

Lemonade feels lighter than soda, but it carries 140 calories and 35 grams of sugar per serving, which is in the same range as most regular sodas on the menu. Iced tea or water are lower sugar alternatives if that matters to you.

Desserts:

Even the lightest individual dessert on the menu, Key Lime Pie, still runs 580 calories and 76 grams of carbohydrates. Sharing a dessert across the table is a practical way to enjoy it without taking on the full total yourself.

Fried side dishes:

Chesapeake Fries add 510 calories and 1170 milligrams of sodium as a side, often more than the seafood entree it is served with. Swapping a fried side for a steamed or roasted option, like Seasoned Broccoli or a Baked Potato, makes a bigger difference than most guests expect.

This section is based on Red Lobster’s published nutrition figures for standard add-ons and sides. It is meant as general guidance, not a diet plan. Individual needs vary, so check with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Healthy Ordering Tips

Small changes can make a big difference.

  • Choose grilled seafood whenever possible.
  • Order sauces and dressings on the side.
  • Share desserts.
  • Replace fried sides with vegetables or a baked potato.
  • Drink water, coffee, or unsweetened tea instead of sugary beverages.
  • Review nutrition information before ordering if you have dietary goals.

Nutrition highlights

Lowest calorie entrees:

Live Maine Lobster, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and Garlic Shrimp Scampi all come in at or under 510 calories, making them the lightest full entree options on the menu.

Highest protein picks:

Salmon New Orleans leads the entree lineup with 102 grams of protein, followed by Grilled Lobster, Shrimp and Salmon at 76 grams and Admiral’s Feast at 57 grams.

Lowest sodium choices:

Live Maine Lobster and Grilled Atlantic Salmon both stay near 290 to 680 milligrams of sodium. That is well below most linguini and fried entrees, which often exceed 2500 milligrams.

“Best for Endless Shrimp days

Best for Endless Shrimp days: Garlic Shrimp Scampi is the lightest Endless Shrimp flavor at 220 calories per serving, while Shrimp Linguini Alfredo is the richest at 620 calories per serving. Nutrition for both is shown in the Create Your Own Ultimate Feast table above.

For more details, visit the official website

Nutrition disclaimer

All nutrition figures on this page come from Red Lobster’s official published nutrition guide, valid beginning June 29, 2026. Due to the handcrafted nature of the food and natural size variation in seafood, actual nutrition content may vary slightly by location and by serving. Values include fixed sides and sauces that come with a dish but not optional side choices. Regional items may not be available everywhere.

For the most current nutrition information or questions about specific allergens, contact Red Lobster directly at 800-562-7837, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. Nutrition Glossary

Calories

Calories measure the energy food provides.

Protein

Protein supports muscle growth and helps you stay full.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide the body’s primary source of energy.

Total Fat

Fat supplies energy and supports many body functions.

Sodium

Sodium is an essential mineral, but many people choose to limit it.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol occurs naturally in seafood and other animal foods.

Frequently asked questions

What is the lowest calorie item at Red Lobster?

Among non alcoholic drinks, coffee, unsweetened iced tea, and organic hot tea all come in at 0 calories. For a full entree, Live Maine Lobster and Grilled Atlantic Salmon are the lightest choices, both at or under 510 calories.

What is the highest calorie item at Red Lobster?

The Fish Fry Family Meal tops the menu at 7590 calories, but that total feeds an entire family. For a single serving item, the Sailor’s Platter with Chesapeake fries is the highest at 1910 calories.

Which Red Lobster entree has the most protein?

Salmon New Orleans has the most protein of any single entree at 102 grams, followed by Grilled Lobster, Shrimp and Salmon at 76 grams.

Is lobster or shrimp better for a high protein, low sodium meal?

Live Maine Lobster delivers more protein per serving than most shrimp dishes and carries far less sodium than sauced or fried shrimp preparations. Grilled Shrimp is the lighter pick by total calories.

Are Red Lobster nutrition facts the same at every location?

Red Lobster states that nutrition content may vary because of the handcrafted nature of the food and natural size differences in seafood. The published figures represent standard preparation and are the most reliable estimate available.

Does Red Lobster have low sodium options?

Live Maine Lobster, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and most Simply Steamed seafood boil options carry the lowest sodium on the menu, generally under 700 milligrams per serving. Fried platters and family feasts tend to run highest in sodium.

Where can I find official Red Lobster nutrition information?

Red Lobster publishes nutrition information on its official website and updates it periodically. Guests with specific allergen or nutrition questions can also call 800-562-7837, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.

Conclusion

Understanding Red Lobster nutrition helps you choose meals that match your personal health goals without giving up your favorite seafood.

This guide combines official nutrition information with practical tips, comparisons, and expert recommendations to help you order with confidence. Because menu items and nutrition values can change, we review this guide regularly and update it whenever Red Lobster publishes new nutrition information.

Before your next visit, explore our related guides on the Red Lobster Menu, Lunch Menu, Dinner Menu, Gluten Free Menu, Kids Menu, Family Meals, Desserts, and Ingredients & Allergens Guide for even more helpful information.

Nutrition Guide Schema