Chicken VS Pad Thai
A detailed nutritional comparison
Chicken
Pad Thai
🎯 Quick Verdict
Chicken is significantly higher in protein and lower in calories, making it an excellent choice for muscle building and weight management. Pad Thai, on the other hand, is richer in carbohydrates and fiber, and includes a variety of ingredients that provide well-rounded nutrition, particularly for energy needs. Choose chicken for lean, focused nutrition and Pad Thai for a more indulgent, hearty meal option.
Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie
📊 Nutritional Comparison
Macronutrients
| Nutrient | Food 1 | Food 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 165 (per 100g) | 356 (per 1 serving, ~300g) | ✓ |
| Protein | 31g | 12g | ✓ |
| Carbs | 0g | 40g | ✓ |
| Fat | 3.6g | 17g | ✓ |
| Fiber | 0g | 3.5g | ✓ |
Vitamins & Minerals
| Nutrient | Food 1 | Food 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 13 IU | 587 IU | ✓ |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 9mg | ✓ |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 1.5mg | ✓ |
| Calcium | 11mg | 64mg | ✓ |
🏆 Category Winners
Protein
Chicken contains nearly three times more protein per serving than Pad Thai.
Fiber
Pad Thai includes 3.5g of fiber, whereas chicken contains no fiber.
Calories
Chicken is much lower in calories, with just 165 calories per 100g compared to 356 calories in a serving of Pad Thai.
Vitamins
Pad Thai is a richer source of vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and calcium, compared to chicken.
🥗 Diet Compatibility
Keto
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Chicken is extremely low in carbs, whereas Pad Thai is carbohydrate-heavy.
Vegan
Food 1: Not Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Chicken is animal-derived; Pad Thai often contains eggs and fish sauce.
Gluten Free
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Partially Compatible
Chicken is naturally gluten-free, but Pad Thai may include soy sauce or noodles containing gluten unless specified otherwise.
Paleo
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Chicken fits within paleo guidelines, while Pad Thai often includes processed ingredients like rice noodles.
Low Carb
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Chicken is carb-free, while Pad Thai contains a high amount of carbohydrates per serving.
💪 Health Benefits Comparison
Food 1 Benefits
- High lean protein content aids in muscle maintenance and repair
- Low in calories, supporting weight management and fat loss
- Rich in essential amino acids for overall bodily functions
Food 2 Benefits
- Rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick source of energy
- Supplies essential vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin C
- Contains fiber for improved digestion and satiety
✅ The Bottom Line
Chicken is the better choice for those seeking a low-calorie, high-protein food optimized for lean muscle retention, weight loss, or a keto/low-carb diet. Pad Thai, while less protein-dense, delivers more carbs and fiber, making it suitable for those needing energy or a more diverse mix of vitamins and minerals in their meal.
Choose Food 1 for: Low-calorie diets, high-protein diets, muscle building or recovery
Choose Food 2 for: Energy-intensive activities, well-rounded meals, satisfying comfort food that includes fiber and vitamins
