Catfish is a lean, protein-rich fish that fits easily into low-carb, keto, and diabetic-friendly meal plans. But if you're tracking every gram of carbohydrate, you might wonder exactly how much sugar a serving of catfish actually contains. This calculator gives you the precise sugar content per 100 grams of catfish, based on USDA nutrition data, and lets you scale it to any portion size you're cooking.
Simply enter the weight of your catfish (raw or cooked), choose the preparation method, and the tool will instantly show you the sugar grams, total carbs, and net carbs. You'll also see how catfish compares to other common proteins, so you can make informed choices for your diet. Whether you're meal prepping, counting macros, or just curious about the nutritional profile of your dinner, this calculator is a quick and reliable reference.
🐟 Catfish Sugar Calculator
How to Use This Tool
Using the catfish sugar calculator is straightforward. Start by entering the weight of your catfish in grams, ounces, or pounds. If you're working from a recipe, you can use the quick-fill buttons to instantly set common portion sizes like 100 g, 150 g, or 4 oz. Next, select whether your catfish is raw or cooked (dry heat). The calculator then applies the appropriate USDA nutrition values to compute the sugar content, total carbohydrates, and net carbohydrates for your exact portion.
For example, if you enter 200 g of raw catfish, the tool will show that it contains 0 g of sugar, 0 g of total carbs, and 0 g of net carbs. This makes it easy to log your meals accurately in apps like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer, where even trace amounts can matter for strict keto or diabetic diets.
How It Works
Catfish is naturally a zero-carb food. According to the USDA FoodData Central, raw catfish contains 0 g of sugar and 0 g of total carbohydrate per 100 g. The same is true for cooked catfish prepared with dry heat (such as baking or grilling without added breading or sauces). Because fish muscle tissue stores glycogen, which is broken down after harvest, the residual carbohydrate content is negligible and rounds to zero in standard nutrition databases.
The calculator uses a simple proportional formula: sugar = (sugar per 100 g) × (weight in grams) / 100. Since the base value is 0, the result is always 0 g for plain catfish. However, the tool is still useful for verifying that your portion fits your macro targets, and it can serve as a reference when comparing catfish to other proteins that may contain small amounts of carbs.
Worked Examples
Example 1: You plan to eat a 150 g fillet of baked catfish. Enter 150 in the weight field, select grams, choose "Cooked (dry heat)", and click Calculate. The result shows 0 g sugar, 0 g total carbs, and 0 g net carbs. This confirms catfish is a carb-free protein source.
Example 2: A recipe calls for 8 oz of raw catfish. Convert to grams (8 oz × 28.35 = 226.8 g) and enter that value. The calculator returns 0 g sugar and 0 g carbs, so you can confidently add it to your low-carb meal plan.
Tips & Best Practices
- Always weigh your catfish raw before cooking, as moisture loss during cooking concentrates nutrients but does not change the carbohydrate content.
- Be cautious with breaded or marinated catfish — coatings and sauces often add sugar and carbs. This calculator only applies to plain, unseasoned fish.
- If you're tracking net carbs, remember that catfish has zero carbs, so net carbs are also zero. This makes it an excellent choice for keto and low-carb diets.
- For accurate logging, use the same food entry (raw vs. cooked) in your tracking app to avoid double-counting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does catfish contain any sugar?
No. Plain catfish contains 0 g of sugar per 100 g, according to USDA data. This applies to both raw and cooked (dry heat) preparations. Any sugar would come from added ingredients like marinades, breading, or sauces.
Is catfish keto-friendly?
Absolutely. With zero carbohydrates and zero sugar, catfish is a perfect protein for ketogenic and low-carb diets. It also provides high-quality protein and healthy fats, though the fat content varies by species and cooking method.
How does catfish compare to other fish?
Most fish, including tilapia, salmon, and cod, are also carb-free. The main differences lie in fat and calorie content. For example, salmon is higher in omega-3 fats, while catfish is leaner. You can use our tilapia calorie calculator to compare another popular white fish.
Can I use this calculator for fried catfish?
No. Fried catfish typically has a breading that adds significant carbohydrates and sugar. This calculator is intended for plain, unseasoned catfish. For fried versions, you would need to account for the coating separately.
Additional Resources
For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult the USDA FoodData Central database, which provides comprehensive nutrient profiles for thousands of foods. If you're planning a low-carb diet, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans offer evidence-based advice on healthy eating patterns.