Early version. Nutrient values from USDA FoodData Central; dietitian review in progress. Not medical advice.

Kidney beans vs split peas: which is healthier?

They are about equally nutrient-dense: kidney beans scores 65/100 and split peas 62/100, so pick by your goal. Both can be part of a healthy diet; the table below shows where each one is stronger. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Kidney beans

65/100High nutrient density

127 kcal per 100 g. 1 cup cooked: 177 g

Split peas

62/100High nutrient density

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

Which to pick for your goal

  • Fewer caloriesAbout even127 vs 118 kcal per 100 g
  • More proteinAbout even8.7 vs 8.3 g per 100 g
  • More fiberSplit peas7.4 vs 8.3 g per 100 g
  • Less sugarKidney beans0.3 vs 2.9 g per 100 g
  • More potassiumKidney beans403 vs 362 mg per 100 g
  • Less saturated fatAbout even<0.1 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.
NutrientKidney beans, 100 gSplit peas, 100 gKidney beans, 177 gSplit peas, 196 g
Calories127 kcal118 kcal225 kcal231 kcal
Protein8.7 g8.3 g15 g16 g
Carbohydrates23 g21 g40 g41 g
Sugars0.3 g2.9 g0.6 g5.7 g
Fiber7.4 g8.3 g13 g16 g
Fat0.5 g0.4 g0.9 g0.8 g
Saturated fat<0.1 g<0.1 g0.1 g0.1 g
Vitamin C1.2 mg0.4 mg2.1 mg0.8 mg
Vitamin A0 µg0 µg0 µg0 µg
Potassium403 mg362 mg713 mg710 mg
Iron2.9 mg1.3 mg5.2 mg2.5 mg
Calcium28 mg14 mg50 mg27 mg
Magnesium45 mg36 mg80 mg71 mg
Sodium2 mg2 mg3.5 mg3.9 mg

Last updated . Scores use the HowHealthyIs Score method.

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