Head-to-head comparison

Peanut Butter (natural) vs Black Beans (cooked): Which Has More Protein?

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

Peanut Butter (natural)

25.1gprotein / 100g

588 cal · 50.4g fat · $ · Quality 0.52

Black Beans (cooked)

8.9gprotein / 100g

132 cal · 0.5g fat · $ · Quality 0.6

Peanut Butter (natural) is in a different weight class here, protein-wise: 25.1g per 100g vs Black Beans (cooked)'s 8.9g, a 16.2g 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 Peanut Butter (natural)'s lit_estimate, moderate quality, low in methionine.

Cost is roughly comparable between the two ($), so budget isn't the deciding factor here.

Peanut Butter (natural)'s typical serving also delivers more leucine (1650mg 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, Peanut Butter (natural) 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 100gPeanut Butter (natural)Black Beans (cooked)
Protein25.1g8.9g
Calories588132
Fat50.4g0.5g
Carbs20.0g23.7g
Fiber6.0g8.7g
Quality score0.520.6
Relative cost$$
Prep time0 min90 min

Frequently asked

Which has more protein, peanut butter (natural) or black beans (cooked)?

Peanut Butter (natural) has 25.1g 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 588.