Head-to-head comparison

Peanut Butter (natural) vs Lentils (cooked): Which Has More Protein?

Both Peanut Butter (natural) and Lentils (cooked) are common enough protein choices that they get compared directly all the time — here's what the actual numbers say.

Peanut Butter (natural)

25.1gprotein / 100g

588 cal · 50.4g fat · $ · Quality 0.52

Lentils (cooked)

9.0gprotein / 100g

116 cal · 0.4g fat · $ · Quality 0.63

Peanut Butter (natural) is in a different weight class here, protein-wise: 25.1g per 100g vs Lentils (cooked)'s 9.0g, a 16.1g difference that's more about food category than food quality.

Quality flips the other way, though: Lentils (cooked) has the stronger amino acid profile (incomplete on its own — low in methionine, pairs well with grains) versus Peanut Butter (natural)'s lit_estimate, moderate quality, low in methionine.

Cost is roughly comparable between the two ($), so budget isn't the deciding factor here.

Peanut Butter (natural)'s typical serving also delivers more leucine (1650mg vs Lentils (cooked)'s 650mg) — relevant if the goal is maximizing the muscle-protein-synthesis trigger per meal, not just total grams.

Verdict

If raw protein density is what you're optimizing for, Peanut Butter (natural) wins clearly. Choose Lentils (cooked) instead if its lower fat, cost, or prep time matters more to you than the extra grams.

Full nutrition comparison

Per 100gPeanut Butter (natural)Lentils (cooked)
Protein25.1g9.0g
Calories588116
Fat50.4g0.4g
Carbs20.0g20.1g
Fiber6.0g7.9g
Quality score0.520.63
Relative cost$$
Prep time0 min25 min

Frequently asked

Which has more protein, peanut butter (natural) or lentils (cooked)?

Peanut Butter (natural) has 25.1g of protein per 100g compared to Lentils (cooked)'s 9.0g.

Which is lower in calories?

Lentils (cooked) is lower in calories per 100g, at 116 vs the other's 588.