Calories in Lamb

Updated July 2026 · Reviewed by CaloriesCalc Team · Source: USDA FoodData Central

258
kcal
per 100g
25.6
g
Protein
16.5
g
Fat
0.0
g
Carbs
0
g
Fiber
258
kcal per lamb chop (100g)
219
kcal per 3oz (85g)
72
kcal per oz (28g)
✔ Highest protein of any common meat✔ Zero carbs✔ Gluten free✔ Complete protein
Lamb nutrition facts and calories per 100g
🐑Highest CLA content of any meat
🔴High haem iron — 1.9mg per 100g
🔬Excellent zinc — 4.2mg — 38% DV
💊Vitamin B12 — 44% Daily Value
💪25.6g complete protein
🔥Zero carbs

🥩 Calculate Calories for Any Lamb Weight

Weight100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g (cooked lamb)

* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.


Quick summary: Lamb contains 258 calories per 100g with 25.6g protein and zero carbs. It has the highest CLA content of any common meat (~0.8g/100g — 2-3× more than beef), associated with anti-cancer and body-composition benefits. A 100g serving provides 44% of daily B12, 49% of selenium, and 38% of zinc. Grass-fed lamb has significantly more omega-3s and CLA.

Vitamins & Minerals — per 100g

NutrientAmount% Daily ValueBar
Selenium26.8µg49%
Vitamin B121.06µg44%
Niacin (B3)6.7mg42%
Zinc4.2mg38%
Phosphorus195mg16%
Iron1.9mg11%
Vitamin B60.15mg9%
Potassium310mg7%
Magnesium23mg5%
Riboflavin0.24mg18%

Calories in Lamb by Weight

WeightCaloriesProteinFatCarbs

Calories in Different Lamb Servings

ServingWeightCaloriesProteinFatCarbs
Per 100g100g258 kcal25.6g16.5g0.0g
lamb chop (100g)258 kcal
3oz (85g)219 kcal
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Macronutrient Breakdown — per 100g

Protein25.6g · 40% of calories
Fat16.5g · 58% of calories
Carbohydrates0.0g · 0% of calories

Zero carbs. Calories vary by cut: leg of lamb ~218 kcal/100g, loin chop ~258, rack of lamb ~294, shoulder ~294. Grass-fed lamb has 2-3× more CLA and better omega-3 ratio.

Micronutrient Highlights

🔴
Iron
1.9mg
11% DV
Haem iron — highly bioavailable
🔬
Zinc
4.2mg
38% DV
Immune function and wound healing
💊
Vitamin B12
1.06µg
44% DV
Neurological function
Selenium
26.8µg
49% DV
Antioxidant and thyroid
🧠
Niacin (B3)
6.7mg
42% DV
Energy metabolism
🐑
CLA
~0.8g
Fatty acid
Highest of any common meat

Lamb Health Benefits

CLA — Highest of Any Common Meat

Lamb contains ~0.8g of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) per 100g — the highest of any commonly consumed meat, approximately 2-3× more than beef. CLA is produced in the rumen of grass-eating animals. Research shows CLA reduces body fat, preserves lean mass during caloric restriction, and has anti-cancer properties. Grass-fed lamb has 2-3× more CLA than grain-fed.

Iron and Blood Health

Lamb provides 1.9mg of haem iron/100g — easily absorbed iron superior to plant iron for preventing and treating anaemia. Lamb also enhances absorption of non-haem iron from concurrent plant foods. In many cultures, lamb is considered restorative for people recovering from illness, blood loss, or pregnancy.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids — Grass-Fed Advantage

Grass-fed lamb has a significantly better omega-3:omega-6 ratio (~2:1) than grain-fed meat (~7:1). The omega-3s include ALA with some EPA and DHA from grass. This makes grass-fed lamb one of the better meat sources of anti-inflammatory fatty acids.

Selenium and Thyroid Health

Lamb provides 26.8µg selenium/100g (49% DV). New Zealand and Australian lamb is particularly high in selenium due to naturally selenium-rich soils. Selenium is critical for thyroid hormone conversion (T4 to T3), antioxidant function, and male fertility.

Is Lamb Suitable for Your Diet?

⚠️
Weight loss
In moderation — calorie dense
Keto
Yes — zero carbs, high fat
Paleo
Yes — especially grass-fed
Gluten-free
Yes
⚠️
Diabetic
Yes — zero carbs, watch sat fat
High protein
Excellent — highest CLA
Vegan
No
Vegetarian
No

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in lamb?
Cooked loin chop: 258 calories per 100g. 3oz (85g): 219 kcal. 5oz (143g): 369 kcal. Leg of lamb: ~218 kcal/100g.
Is lamb healthier than beef?
Both are nutritionally similar. Lamb has more CLA (2-3×) and better omega-3 ratio (grass-fed). Beef has slightly more B6 and creatine. Both are excellent red meats.
Is lamb high in saturated fat?
~6-7g saturated fat per 100g cooked — similar to beef (6.8g) and much less than bacon (16g). In a balanced diet, not concerning for most healthy people.
Is lamb good for iron deficiency?
Yes — haem iron (1.9mg/100g) absorbed 2-3× more efficiently than plant iron. Also boosts absorption of non-haem iron from concurrent vegetables.
Is lamb keto?
Yes — zero carbs, fully keto-compatible. Fattier cuts like shoulder align particularly well with keto macros.
What is the leanest cut of lamb?
Leg of lamb: ~218 kcal/100g, ~10g fat. Loin chop: ~258 kcal. Shoulder: ~294 kcal. Rack: ~294 kcal.

Nutrition values from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.