Chicken VS Lentils
A detailed nutritional comparison
Chicken
Lentils
🎯 Quick Verdict
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein with fewer calories, making it ideal for muscle-building and weight loss. Lentils provide substantial fiber and carbohydrates, along with a variety of minerals and are better suited for sustained energy and digestive health. Both foods excel in their own nutritional domains and can complement different dietary needs and goals.
Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie
📊 Nutritional Comparison
Macronutrients
| Nutrient | Food 1 | Food 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 165 per 100g | 116 per 100g | ✓ |
| Protein | 31g per 100g | 9g per 100g | ✓ |
| Carbs | 0g per 100g | 20g per 100g | ✓ |
| Fat | 3.6g per 100g | 0.3g per 100g | ✓ |
| Fiber | 0g per 100g | 8g per 100g | ✓ |
Vitamins & Minerals
| Nutrient | Food 1 | Food 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6mg per 100g | 0.17mg per 100g | ✓ |
| Iron | 0.9mg per 100g | 3.3mg per 100g | ✓ |
| Magnesium | 26mg per 100g | 36mg per 100g | ✓ |
| Potassium | 256mg per 100g | 369mg per 100g | ✓ |
🏆 Category Winners
Protein
Chicken provides over three times the protein content per 100g compared to lentils.
Fiber
Lentils are rich in fiber with 8g per 100g, while chicken contains none.
Calories
Chicken is slightly lower in calories, with 165 per 100g compared to 116 per 100g in lentils.
Vitamins
Lentils contain higher levels of minerals like iron and magnesium, making them a more nutrient-dense option overall.
🥗 Diet Compatibility
Keto
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Chicken is low in carbs, whereas lentils are high in carbohydrates, making them unsuitable for keto diets.
Vegan
Food 1: Not Compatible
Food 2: Compatible
Chicken is an animal product, while lentils are plant-based.
Gluten Free
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Compatible
Neither food contains gluten.
Paleo
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Chicken aligns with paleo dietary principles, whereas lentils are excluded due to their classification as legumes.
Low Carb
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Chicken is carb-free, while lentils are high in carbohydrates.
💪 Health Benefits Comparison
Food 1 Benefits
- High-quality protein supports muscle growth and repair
- Low in calories and fat, ideal for weight management
- Provides vitamin B6 for brain health and energy production
Food 2 Benefits
- Rich in fiber for improved digestion and gut health
- Contains iron and magnesium, supporting red blood cell production and muscle function
- Offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy levels
✅ The Bottom Line
Chicken is the better option for those seeking high-protein, low-carb meals, especially for keto, paleo, or post-workout diets. Lentils, on the other hand, are a nutrient-dense plant-based choice ideal for digestive health, sustained energy, and vegan diets.
Choose Food 1 for: Muscle-building, weight loss, and low-carb diets
Choose Food 2 for: Vegan and vegetarian diets, heart health, and digestive health
