Head-to-head comparison

Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) vs Chickpeas (cooked): Which Has More Protein?

On paper, Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) and Chickpeas (cooked) solve a similar problem — protein intake — but they get there differently enough to be worth a direct look.

Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas)

30.2gprotein / 100g

559 cal · 49.1g fat · $$ · Quality 0.6

Chickpeas (cooked)

8.9gprotein / 100g

164 cal · 2.6g fat · $ · Quality 0.65

This isn't close. Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) packs 30.2g of protein per 100g against Chickpeas (cooked)'s 8.9g — a 21.3g gap driven mostly by how concentrated or diluted each food naturally is.

Chickpeas (cooked) pulls ahead on protein quality specifically (incomplete on its own — low in methionine, pairs well with grains), even in categories where Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) wins on raw grams.

Chickpeas (cooked) is the more budget-friendly pick ($ vs $$ for Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas)), worth weighing if cost matters more than the other differences here.

Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas)'s typical serving also delivers more leucine (1900mg vs Chickpeas (cooked)'s 640mg) — 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, Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) wins clearly. Choose Chickpeas (cooked) instead if its lower fat, cost, or prep time matters more to you than the extra grams.

Full nutrition comparison

Per 100gPumpkin Seeds (pepitas)Chickpeas (cooked)
Protein30.2g8.9g
Calories559164
Fat49.1g2.6g
Carbs10.7g27.4g
Fiber6.0g7.6g
Quality score0.60.65
Relative cost$$$
Prep time0 min90 min

Frequently asked

Which has more protein, pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or chickpeas (cooked)?

Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) has 30.2g of protein per 100g compared to Chickpeas (cooked)'s 8.9g.

Which is lower in calories?

Chickpeas (cooked) is lower in calories per 100g, at 164 vs the other's 559.