AskCalories
Get the app

Black beans (cooked) vs Lentils (cooked)

Black beans (cooked) vs Lentils (cooked) compared per 100 g — use protein density, fat profile, and the goal of the swap to pick.

Macro table

Metric Black beans (cooked) Lentils (cooked)
Calories 132 kcal 116 kcal
Protein 8.9 g 9 g
Carbs 23 g 20 g
Fat 0.5 g 0.4 g
Fiber 8.7 g 7.9 g
Protein per 100 kcal 6.7 g 7.8 g

Reference macros from AskCalories food pages (USDA FoodData Central where available). Your plate still needs portion and cooking-fat edits.

Decision rule

Pick black beans for Mexican-style bowls and fiber-rich sides. Pick lentils when you want a slightly leaner, higher-protein legume default.

Burrito bowls, soft tacos, and classic rice-and-bean plates.

Soups and meal prep where lentils cook quickly and eat softer.

Caveats

  • Refried beans with oil or lard are a different macro profile than plain black beans.

Food notes

🫘 Black beans (cooked)

High in resistant starch and folate. Pairs especially well with rice for complete protein.

🫘 Lentils (cooked)

Strong iron and folate source. Cheapest plant protein per gram. ~230 kcal per cup with 18g protein.

Track meals with editable AI estimates

Use a photo, type what you ate, or dictate into chat. Review the estimated portions, calories, protein, carbs, fat, and fiber before saving.

FAQ

Are black beans or lentils better for fiber?
Both are high-fiber. Exact grams depend on the cooked entry — check the food pages for the per-100 g numbers we publish.
Black beans or lentils for protein?
Lentils often edge protein per cooked 100 g; black beans are classic for bowls and fiber. Either beats skipping legumes.