Exotic

Snails (escargot)

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 19 July 2026 · Editorial policy

Land molluscs, usually served in garlic butter.

Effect on the body: the snail itself is lean and mineral-rich, but the buttery preparation is where most of the fat and calories come from.

Benefits

  • Lean protein
  • Iron
  • Magnesium

Pros

  • Very lean in themselves
  • Good iron and magnesium

Cons

  • Mollusc allergen
  • Usually drenched in butter (adds fat and calories)
  • Must be purged and cooked properly

Sources & references

  1. WHO — Q&A on red/processed meat
  2. British Nutrition Foundation

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