Table 2: Vitamin composition of whelk per 100 grams, raw weight
Minerals
Mineral
Amount
% Daily Value
Calcium
57 mg
4.4%
Copper
1.03 mg
114%
Iron
5.03 mg
27.9%
Magnesium
86 mg
20.5%
Manganese
0.447 mg
19.4%
Phosphorus
141 mg
11.3%
Potassium
347 mg
7.4%
Selenium
44.8 mcg
81.5%
Sodium
206 mg
9.0%
Zinc
1.63 mg
14.8%
Table 3: Mineral composition of whelk per 100 grams, raw weight
Key Point: Whelk provides a broad range of nutrients, and it is particularly high in protein, vitamin B12, copper, and selenium.
How Does Whelk Compare To Conch Nutritionally?
For those who might be unaware, whelk is similar to another species of mollusk shellfish called conch.
While whelk belongs to the Buccinidae family of sea snails, conch belongs to the Strombidae family (12).
Both are types of sea snails and share some nutritional characteristics.
Unfortunately, the USDA nutrition database only appears to provide a reliable entry for whelk based on its raw weight, whereas data for conch is available only based on its cooked weight.
As a result, it is difficult to accurately compare the two nutritionally.
However, while it is not a like-for-like comparison, you can get an idea how the two compare per 100 grams in the table below (1, 13):
Nutrient
Conch (cooked weight)
Whelk (raw weight)
Calories
130 kcal
137 kcal
Carbohydrates
1.7 g
7.76 g
Fiber
0 g
0 g
Sugars
0 g
0 g
Fat
1.2 g
0.4 g
Saturated
0.37 g
0.03 g
Monounsaturated
0.33 g
0.03 g
Polyunsaturated
0.27 g
0.02 g
Cholesterol
65 mg
65 mg
Protein
26.3 g
23.8 g
Sodium
153 mg
206 mg
Table 4: Nutritional comparison of whelk (raw weight) and conch (cooked weight) per 100 grams
As indicated in the table, whelk and conch are fairly similar nutritionally.
Based on these values, they should provide a comparable level of calories and protein when both are in the same state (raw or cooked).
Key Point: Whelk has similar nutritional attributes to conch.
Is Whelk High In Mercury?
Mercury is a common concern when it comes to seafood, and levels can vary depending on the specific fish or shellfish.
There is relatively little research on the mercury content of whelk. For example, it was not included in the FDA’s extensive Mercury Monitoring Program (14).
However, some research does exist:
A study published in the ‘Foods’ journal in April 2024 analyzed whelk samples from the sea situated to the east of Korea. The study found that whelk had extremely low levels of heavy metals, with less than 0.01 PPM (parts per million) of mercury, as well as arsenic, cadmium, and lead. These concentrations are well within the range considered to be safe (15).
Another study from 2011 investigated the heavy metal content of mollusk shellfish in France. Based on 39 samples of whelk, the mean mercury level was 0.04 mg per kilogram, which is also within acceptable limits. For instance, the European Union’s maximum level for a fishery product is 0.50 mg of mercury per kilogram (16).
Key Point: Based on available studies, whelk contains low levels of mercury.
Is Whelk An Allergen?
Another important consideration with shellfish is the potential for allergies.
In this regard, yes, whelk can cause allergic reactions in some people who have an allergy to mollusk shellfish. As with other allergens, these reactions can range from mild to severe (17).
However, it is worth noting that mollusk shellfish allergies are less common than allergies to crustacean shellfish, which are more prevalent (18).
Mollusks include clams, oysters, conch, and whelk, whereas crustaceans include crab, lobster, and shrimp.
Individuals who suspect they might have an allergy to whelk or other shellfish should consult with a healthcare professional.
Key Point: While not as common as crustacean allergies, allergies to whelk and other mollusk shellfish do occur.
Final Thoughts
Whelk is a nutrient-rich seafood option that provides significant amounts of protein, copper, selenium, and vitamin B12.
Additionally, research suggests it has very low levels of heavy metals such as mercury.
Aside from its potential to cause allergic reactions in individuals with a mollusk allergy, whelk is a beneficial addition to the diet for those who consume shellfish.
Michael works as a nutritionist in a community setting and holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Nutrition. He is a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition.