Head-to-head comparison

Almonds (raw) vs Black Beans (cooked): Which Has More Protein?

Both Almonds (raw) and Black Beans (cooked) are common enough protein choices that they get compared directly all the time — here's what the actual numbers say.

Almonds (raw)

21.2gprotein / 100g

579 cal · 49.9g fat · $$ · Quality 0.4

Black Beans (cooked)

8.9gprotein / 100g

132 cal · 0.5g fat · $ · Quality 0.6

Almonds (raw) is in a different weight class here, protein-wise: 21.2g per 100g vs Black Beans (cooked)'s 8.9g, a 12.3g difference that's more about food category than food quality.

Quality flips the other way, though: Black Beans (cooked) has the stronger amino acid profile (incomplete on its own — low in methionine, pairs well with grains) versus Almonds (raw)'s lit_estimate, low in lysine.

On price, Black Beans (cooked) wins clearly — $ against Almonds (raw)'s $$.

Almonds (raw)'s typical serving also delivers more leucine (1450mg vs Black Beans (cooked)'s 620mg) — relevant if the goal is maximizing the muscle-protein-synthesis trigger per meal, not just total grams.

Verdict

If raw protein density is what you're optimizing for, Almonds (raw) wins clearly. Choose Black Beans (cooked) instead if its lower fat, cost, or prep time matters more to you than the extra grams.

Full nutrition comparison

Per 100gAlmonds (raw)Black Beans (cooked)
Protein21.2g8.9g
Calories579132
Fat49.9g0.5g
Carbs21.6g23.7g
Fiber12.5g8.7g
Quality score0.40.6
Relative cost$$$
Prep time0 min90 min

Frequently asked

Which has more protein, almonds (raw) or black beans (cooked)?

Almonds (raw) has 21.2g of protein per 100g compared to Black Beans (cooked)'s 8.9g.

Which is lower in calories?

Black Beans (cooked) is lower in calories per 100g, at 132 vs the other's 579.