Fish & seafood

Fish, pike, northern, raw

FDC 173680oz (85 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 85 · +10 vs Fish & seafood median

Raw northern pike also scores 85 of 100, Strong, sitting at rank 9 of 60 in fish and seafood against a median of 75. Its one clear standout is protein, at 39 percent of the Daily Value per 100 grams, with no other nutrient flagged as excellent or good.

Pike is a freshwater fish more often filleted and pan-fried or baked than served raw, prized for its lean, flaky flesh but notorious for its fine intramuscular bones that need picking out before serving. Per 100 grams it supplies 19.3 grams of protein for just 0.69 grams of fat, sodium is low at 39 milligrams per 100 grams, and a typical serving is about 85 grams.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around fish, pike, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 19.3 g · 93%Carb 0 g · 0%Fat 0.7 g · 7%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories88 kcal4%
Total fat0.69 g1%
Saturated fat0.12 g1%
Cholesterol39 mg13%
Sodium39 mg2%
Carbohydrate0 g0%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars0 g
Protein19 g39%
Potassium259 mg6%
Calcium57 mg4%
Iron0.55 mg3%
Magnesium31 mg7%
Vitamin C3.8 mg4%
Vitamin A21 µg2%
Vitamin E0.2 mg1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 173680

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein39% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the fish & seafood median

Nutrient density85 vs 75 median
Protein / 100 g19 vs 19 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g39 vs 75 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Fish, ling, rawDensity 85 vs 85Mollusks, mussel, blue, rawDensity 86 vs 85Turtle, green, rawDensity 86 vs 85

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Northern pike is a freshwater fish with lean, firm white flesh and a mild flavor, though it is known for a network of small Y-shaped bones that need careful removal before cooking. Traditionally it is deboned and worked into quenelles, the classic French pike dumplings poached in stock, or used in gefilte fish; simpler preparations include pan-frying or baking fillets with butter, dill, and lemon. Because the flesh is delicate, gentle cooking methods suit it better than aggressive searing, and it can dry out quickly if left on the heat too long.

Buy fresh whole fish or fillets that have been checked over for pin bones, and since freshwater fish can spoil faster than saltwater varieties, refrigerate it on ice and cook within a day, or freeze for longer storage. Raw pike is very lean, at 88 calories per 100 grams with about 19.3 grams of protein, roughly 39% of the Daily Value, and only 0.69 grams of fat and 39 milligrams of sodium. That makes it a light, low-sodium option for a simple pan-fried or baked fillet dinner, and its mild flavor lets a squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of herb butter carry most of the seasoning without needing anything more elaborate.

Frequently asked questions about fish, pike

How many calories are in raw northern pike?

88 calories per 100 grams.

Is pike a good source of protein?

Yes, it provides about 19.3 grams of protein per 100 grams, roughly 39% of the Daily Value, with very little fat.

How is pike traditionally prepared?

It's often deboned carefully due to its many small bones and used in dishes like pike quenelles, gefilte fish, or simply pan-fried fillets.

View the USDA source record