Hemp Seeds vs Chia Seeds

Side-by-side nutrition comparison per serving. See which fits your goals better.

Hemp seeds are quietly one of the most impressive plant-based protein sources available, and this comparison makes it obvious. At 31.6g protein per 100g, hemp seeds deliver almost double the protein of chia seeds' 16.5g. Both are calorie-dense (553 vs 486), but if you're looking at protein-per-calorie efficiency from a seed, hemp is in a class of its own.

Where chia dominates is fiber — 34.4g versus hemp's modest showing. Chia seeds are a gut-health powerhouse and satiety tool; hemp seeds are a protein-delivery vehicle. They also bring completely different textures and uses to your kitchen. Hemp seeds have a soft, almost buttery bite with a mild nutty flavor — think of them like tiny pine nuts. They don't gel, they don't need soaking, and they blend invisibly into smoothies. Chia is all about that gel texture, puddings, and water absorption. For a high-protein vegan or vegetarian diet, hemp seeds should probably be your daily driver with chia rotating in for fiber-focused meals.

Pro tip

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds (about 10g protein) on literally anything — toast, salads, pasta, yogurt. They're so mild-flavored that they won't change the taste of your meal, just silently boost the protein.

Quick Verdict

Best for weight loss

Chia Seeds

Best for muscle gain

Hemp Seeds

Best for low-carb

Hemp Seeds

Macro Comparison

Hemp Seeds: 100g (100g)  |  Chia Seeds: 100g (100g)

CaloriesLower is better for weight loss

553

Hemp Seeds

vs

486

Chia Seeds

ProteinHigher supports muscle growth

31.6g

Hemp Seeds

vs

16.5g

Chia Seeds

CarbsLower for low-carb diets

8.67g

Hemp Seeds

vs

42.1g

Chia Seeds

FatLower for calorie control

48.8g

Hemp Seeds

vs

30.7g

Chia Seeds

Protein Efficiency

What percentage of calories come from protein — higher is better for staying lean.

23%

Hemp Seeds

14%

Chia Seeds

Track what you eat automatically

Send a photo of your hemp seeds or chia seeds meal to Sunn on WhatsApp and get instant calorie and macro tracking.

Take the free quiz

Per 100g Comparison

NutrientHemp SeedsChia Seeds
Calories553486
Protein31.6g16.5g
Carbs8.7g42.1g
Fat48.8g30.7g
Fiber4g34.4g
Sugar1.5g
Sodium5mg16mg
Cholesterol0mg0mg
Saturated Fat4.6g3.33g
Potassium1200mg407mg
Vitamin A1mcg
Vitamin C0.5mg1.6mg
Calcium70mg631mg
Iron7.95mg7.72mg

Which Should You Choose?

For weight loss

Choose Chia Seeds. With 486 calories and 16.5g protein, it gives you more protein per calorie — keeping you full while cutting calories.

For muscle gain

Choose Hemp Seeds. Hemp Seeds delivers 31.6g protein per serving — 15.1g more than Chia Seeds.

For low-carb diets

Choose Hemp Seeds with 8.67g carbs per serving.

Plant-based eaters often struggle to hit protein targets without resorting to processed protein bars. Hemp seeds are a whole-food solution that Sunn can help you integrate into meals until it becomes second nature.

Get a plan that fits your goals

Stop guessing. Sunn builds you a personalized nutrition plan based on your body, goals, and food preferences.

Take the free quiz

Common Questions

Is Hemp Seeds or Chia Seeds better for weight loss?

For weight loss, Chia Seeds is the better choice. Hemp Seeds has 553 calories and 31.6g protein per serving, while Chia Seeds has 486 calories and 16.5g protein. Lower calories with higher protein helps you stay full while eating fewer calories.

Which has more protein, Hemp Seeds or Chia Seeds?

Hemp Seeds has more protein per serving. Hemp Seeds provides 31.6g and Chia Seeds provides 16.5g of protein.

Can I eat both hemp seeds and chia seeds together?

Yes! Combining hemp seeds and chia seeds gives you 1039 calories and 48.1g protein. This combination can work well as part of a balanced meal.

Compare More Foods