Chickpeas vs Beef, grass-fed, ground
Side-by-side nutrition comparison per serving. See which fits your goals better.
Chickpeas and ground beef represent two approaches to protein that differ in cost, environmental impact, and nutritional profile. Cooked chickpeas deliver 8.86g protein at 164 calories per 100g with 2.59g fat and 7.6g fiber. Ground beef (85% lean) provides 19.4g protein at 198 calories with 12.7g fat and zero fiber.
Ground beef offers more than double the protein per serving, but chickpeas bring fiber, folate, and iron in a plant-based package that costs a fraction of the price. The iron in chickpeas is non-heme and less bioavailable than beef's heme iron, but pairing chickpeas with vitamin C (tomatoes, lemon, bell pepper) significantly enhances absorption.
Chickpeas' versatility is underappreciated. Blended into hummus, roasted for crunchy snacking, added to salads and soups, or mashed into falafel — they adapt to more preparations than ground beef. The environmental argument is also compelling: chickpea production generates a fraction of beef's greenhouse gases and water usage. Alternating between chickpea-based and beef-based meals is a practical compromise that addresses nutrition, budget, and sustainability simultaneously.
Pro tip
Make a chickpea 'meatball' by blending cooked chickpeas with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, cumin, and parsley. Form into balls and bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. They are not identical to beef meatballs, but they deliver a satisfying, protein-rich alternative at a third of the cost.
Quick Verdict
Best for weight loss
Chickpeas
Best for muscle gain
Beef, grass-fed, ground
Best for low-carb
Beef, grass-fed, ground
Macro Comparison
Chickpeas: 100g (100g) | Beef, grass-fed, ground: 100g (100g)
164
Chickpeas
198
Beef, grass-fed, ground
8.86g
Chickpeas
19.4g
Beef, grass-fed, ground
27.4g
Chickpeas
0g
Beef, grass-fed, ground
2.59g
Chickpeas
12.7g
Beef, grass-fed, ground
Protein Efficiency
What percentage of calories come from protein — higher is better for staying lean.
22%
Chickpeas
39%
Beef, grass-fed, ground
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| Nutrient | Chickpeas | Beef, grass-fed, ground |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 164 | 198 |
| Protein | 8.9g | 19.4g |
| Carbs | 27.4g | 0g |
| Fat | 2.6g | 12.7g |
| Fiber | 7.6g | 0g |
| Sugar | 4.8g | 0g |
| Sodium | 243mg | 68mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 62mg |
| Saturated Fat | 0.27g | 5.34g |
| Potassium | 291mg | 289mg |
| Vitamin A | 1mcg | 0mcg |
| Vitamin C | 1.3mg | 0mg |
| Calcium | 49mg | 12mg |
| Iron | 2.89mg | 1.99mg |
Which Should You Choose?
For weight loss
Choose Chickpeas. With 164 calories and 8.86g protein, it gives you more protein per calorie — keeping you full while cutting calories.
For muscle gain
Choose Beef, grass-fed, ground. Beef, grass-fed, ground delivers 19.4g protein per serving — 10.5g more than Chickpeas.
For low-carb diets
Choose Beef, grass-fed, ground with 0g carbs per serving.
Building meals around both animal and plant proteins across the week optimizes cost, nutrition, and variety. Sunn tracks your protein sources so you can balance your intake across different food categories.
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Take the free quizCommon Questions
Is Chickpeas or Beef, grass-fed, ground better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Chickpeas is the better choice. Chickpeas has 164 calories and 8.86g protein per serving, while Beef, grass-fed, ground has 198 calories and 19.4g protein. Lower calories with higher protein helps you stay full while eating fewer calories.
Which has more protein, Chickpeas or Beef, grass-fed, ground?
Beef, grass-fed, ground has more protein per serving. Chickpeas provides 8.86g and Beef, grass-fed, ground provides 19.4g of protein.
Can I eat both chickpeas and beef, grass-fed, ground together?
Yes! Combining chickpeas and beef, grass-fed, ground gives you 362 calories and 28.259999999999998g protein. This combination can work well as part of a balanced meal.