Chickpeas vs split peas: which is healthier?

Split peas are more nutrient-dense, scoring 62/100 against 56/100 for chickpeas. Both can be part of a healthy diet; the table below shows where each one is stronger. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Chickpeas

56/100Moderate nutrient density

164 kcal per 100 g. 1 cup cooked: 164 g

Split peas

62/100High nutrient density

118 kcal per 100 g. 1 cup cooked: 196 g

Higher score

Which to pick for your goal

Fewer caloriesSplit peas164 vs 118 kcal per 100 g
More proteinAbout even8.9 vs 8.3 g per 100 g
More fiberAbout even7.6 vs 8.3 g per 100 g
Less sugarSplit peas4.8 vs 2.9 g per 100 g
More potassiumSplit peas291 vs 362 mg per 100 g
Less saturated fatAbout even0.3 vs <0.1 g per 100 g

Nutrition side by side

Per 100 g and per typical portion. Bold marks the better value for each row.
Nutrient	Chickpeas, 100 g	Split peas, 100 g	Chickpeas, 164 g	Split peas, 196 g
Calories	164 kcal	118 kcal	269 kcal	231 kcal
Protein	8.9 g	8.3 g	15 g	16 g
Carbohydrates	27 g	21 g	45 g	41 g
Sugars	4.8 g	2.9 g	7.9 g	5.7 g
Fiber	7.6 g	8.3 g	12 g	16 g
Fat	2.6 g	0.4 g	4.2 g	0.8 g
Saturated fat	0.3 g	<0.1 g	0.4 g	0.1 g
Vitamin C	1.3 mg	0.4 mg	2.1 mg	0.8 mg
Vitamin A	1 µg	0 µg	1.6 µg	0 µg
Potassium	291 mg	362 mg	477 mg	710 mg
Iron	2.9 mg	1.3 mg	4.7 mg	2.5 mg
Calcium	49 mg	14 mg	80 mg	27 mg
Magnesium	48 mg	36 mg	79 mg	71 mg
Sodium	7 mg	2 mg	11 mg	3.9 mg

Last updated October 8, 2026. Scores use the HowHealthyIs Score method.

All about chickpeas All about split peas Open in compare tool