FoodRef
W

Seafood

White fish

9/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 5.3

Rated by 11 diets

10 approve0 caution1 avoid

The diets react (see scores below)

Approves10
Disapproves1
Is White fish Healthy?

Yes — White fish is broadly considered healthy. 10 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
82kcal
Protein
18g
Carbs
0g
Fat
0.8g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
0g
Sodium
75mg

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

White fish (cod, tilapia, haddock) is zero-carb, high in lean protein (18-20g per 100g), and low in fat. Excellent keto staple; pairs well with added fat sources for proper macro ratios.

VeganAvoid

White fish (e.g., cod, haddock, tilapia) is animal flesh from aquatic vertebrates. It is explicitly excluded from all vegan diets as a direct animal product.

PaleoApproved

White fish (cod, halibut, tilapia, etc.) is unprocessed seafood rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals. Directly available to Paleolithic humans and core paleo staple.

MediterraneanApproved

White fish (such as cod, haddock, sea bass) is a staple of Mediterranean diet, recommended 2-3 times weekly. It is lean, high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients. Central to traditional Mediterranean coastal cuisines.

CarnivoreApproved

White fish (cod, halibut, tilapia, etc.) is an animal-derived protein source that is widely accepted in carnivore diets. Fish and seafood are core carnivore foods. White fish is leaner than fatty fish but still provides complete protein and micronutrients.

Whole30Approved

White fish (such as cod, halibut, tilapia) is a whole seafood product with no excluded ingredients. Fully compliant and encouraged on Whole30.

Low-FODMAPApproved

White fish (cod, haddock, flounder, etc.) is a pure protein source with no carbohydrates and zero FODMAPs. Safe at any serving size during elimination phase and beyond.

DASHApproved

White fish (cod, tilapia, haddock, etc.) is a core DASH protein source. Low in saturated fat, high in lean protein, rich in potassium and B vitamins. NIH DASH guidelines explicitly recommend fish 2-3 times per week. Excellent alternative to red meat. Sodium content depends on preparation (fresh/baked preferred over canned/salted).

ZoneApproved

White fish (cod, halibut, tilapia, etc.) is an ideal Zone protein source: approximately 20-25g protein per 100g, very low saturated fat, minimal carbohydrates. Provides lean protein blocks without excessive fat, allowing flexibility in fat pairing. While lower in omega-3s than fatty fish, it remains a favorable Zone building block. Supports anti-inflammatory protocol when paired with monounsaturated fats.

White fish (e.g., cod, halibut, tilapia, sole) is a lean protein source with anti-inflammatory properties. While lower in omega-3 fatty acids than fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), white fish is still a good source of protein, selenium, and B vitamins. It is low in saturated fat and arachidonic acid compared to red meat. White fish fits squarely within anti-inflammatory diet recommendations as a primary protein source. Regular consumption is associated with reduced inflammatory markers (CRP) in epidemiological studies.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

White fish (e.g., cod, tilapia, halibut) is an ideal GLP-1 companion food: high protein (18-22g per 100g), very low fat, easy to digest, and nutrient-dense per calorie. Supports muscle preservation, satiety, and minimal GI side effects. Versatile and works well in small portions.

Nutritional profile

Six traits that cut across every diet.

Fiber & Plants

How much whole-plant food and fiber it delivers.

1/10

Healthy Fats

The quality of its fats (unsaturated, omega-3).

5/10

Whole / Unprocessed

How close it is to its natural, unprocessed form.

9/10

Gut Gentle

How easy it is on digestion (low FODMAP, few irritants).

9/10

Low Glycemic

How little it spikes your blood sugar.

10/10

Protein Density

How much protein it packs per calorie.

9/10
7-104-61-3

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.3Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for White fish

Keto 9/10
  • 0g net carbs
  • High-quality protein (18-20g per 100g)
  • Low fat (1-2g per 100g)
  • Clean, unprocessed protein source
Paleo 9/10
  • Unprocessed seafood
  • High protein
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Ancestral food source
Mediterranean 9/10
  • Fish and seafood
  • Lean protein
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Recommended 2-3 times weekly
  • Traditional Mediterranean staple
Carnivore 8/10
  • Animal-derived protein
  • Minimally processed
  • Complete amino acid profile
  • Micronutrient-rich
Whole30 10/10
  • Whole seafood
  • No processing or additives
  • Nutrient-dense protein
Low-FODMAP 10/10
  • No fermentable carbohydrates
  • Pure protein source
  • No fructans, GOS, lactose, excess fructose, or polyols
DASH 9/10
  • Lean protein source
  • Low saturated fat
  • Rich in potassium
  • Recommended 2-3 times weekly
  • Preparation method affects sodium
Zone 9/10
  • Lean protein (20-25g per 100g)
  • Low saturated fat
  • Zero carbohydrate
  • Flexible fat pairing
  • Minimal caloric density
  • Lean protein (low saturated fat)
  • Moderate omega-3 content
  • Selenium and B vitamins
  • Low arachidonic acid
  • Associated with reduced CRP in studies
  • very high protein density
  • very low fat
  • easy to digest
  • lean animal protein
  • nutrient-dense per calorie