Raw LentilsVSRaw Red Beans

Raw Lentils has 3.3g more protein per 100g than Raw Red Beans — 24.6g vs 21.3g per 100g (USDA). For those watching their calorie intake, Raw Red Beans offers only 270.44 calories per 100g compared to 352 calories in Raw Lentils. In terms of protein efficiency (protein per calorie), Raw Red Beans delivers more protein for fewer calories, making it an efficient protein source.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Data as of Jan 2026

Nutrition comparison per 100g: Raw Lentils vs Raw Red Beans (Source: USDA FoodData Central)
Nutrient (per 100g) Raw LentilsRaw Red Beans
Protein 24.6 g21.3 g
Calories 352 kcal270 kcal
Total fat 1.1 g1.2 g
Carbohydrates 63.4 g43.7 g

Raw Lentils

Plant
May lack some essential amino acids. Good to pair with variety.
Legumes and Legume Products USDA #172420
Top Protein
Protein24.6g
Cals
352
Fat
1.1g
Carbs
63.4g

Raw Red Beans

Plant
May lack some essential amino acids. Good to pair with variety.
Legumes and Legume Products USDA #747431
Protein21.3g
Cals
270
Fat
1.2g
Carbs
43.7g

How does Raw Lentils compare to Raw Red Beans?

Raw Lentils has 3.3g more protein per 100g than Raw Red Beans — 24.6g vs 21.3g per 100g (USDA). For those watching their calorie intake, Raw Red Beans offers only 270.44 calories per 100g compared to 352 calories in Raw Lentils. In terms of protein efficiency (protein per calorie), Raw Red Beans delivers more protein for fewer calories, making it an efficient protein source.

Which food fits which goal?

Muscle Building & Recovery

Raw Lentils

With 24.6g of protein per 100g, Raw Lentils provides the higher protein content needed to support muscle protein synthesis, post-workout recovery, and lean muscle maintenance.

Weight Loss & Calorie Control

Raw Red Beans

At only 270.44 calories per 100g, Raw Red Beans allows you to maintain a calorie deficit while still getting essential nutrients, making it ideal for weight management and fat loss goals.

Maximum Protein per Calorie

Raw Red Beans

Raw Red Beans offers the best protein-to-calorie ratio, delivering 21.3g of protein for just 270.44 calories, perfect for maximizing protein intake while minimizing caloric load.

Vegetarian & Plant-Based Diets

Raw Lentils

Both are excellent plant-based options. Raw Lentils edges ahead with 24.6g of protein per serving, making it slightly better for meeting daily protein requirements on a vegetarian diet.

Low-Carb & Ketogenic Diets

Raw Red Beans

With only 43.7g of carbohydrates per 100g, Raw Red Beans fits perfectly into low-carb and ketogenic meal plans while providing substantial protein to maintain muscle mass during carb restriction.

General Fitness & Balanced Nutrition

Raw Lentils

For everyday fitness enthusiasts seeking balanced nutrition, Raw Lentils offers a good protein content at 24.6g with 352 calories, fitting well into most active lifestyle meal plans.

What are the key nutritional differences?

Protein Gap
3.3g
-14% difference
Calorie Gap
82
-23% difference
Fat Gap
0.1g
Carb Gap
19.6g

Category Winners

💪
Most Protein
Per 100g serving
Raw Lentils
📉
Lowest Calories
For weight loss
Raw Red Beans
Best Efficiency
Protein per calorie
Raw Red Beans