Head-to-head comparison

Soy Protein Isolate vs Chickpeas (cooked): Which Has More Protein?

Soy Protein Isolate and Chickpeas (cooked) show up in a lot of the same meal-planning conversations, and the honest comparison depends on which specific number you're optimizing for.

Soy Protein Isolate

90.0gprotein / 100g

375 cal · 1.0g fat · $$ · Quality 0.9

Chickpeas (cooked)

8.9gprotein / 100g

164 cal · 2.6g fat · $ · Quality 0.65

This isn't close. Soy Protein Isolate packs 90.0g of protein per 100g against Chickpeas (cooked)'s 8.9g — a 81.1g gap driven mostly by how concentrated or diluted each food naturally is.

On protein quality specifically, Soy Protein Isolate scores higher — one of the highest-quality plant proteins, near-complete on its own — compared to Chickpeas (cooked), which is incomplete on its own — low in methionine, pairs well with grains.

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

Soy Protein Isolate's typical serving also delivers more leucine (2450mg 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, Soy Protein Isolate 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 100gSoy Protein IsolateChickpeas (cooked)
Protein90.0g8.9g
Calories375164
Fat1.0g2.6g
Carbs2.0g27.4g
Fiber1.5g7.6g
Quality score0.90.65
Relative cost$$$
Prep time1 min90 min

Frequently asked

Which has more protein, soy protein isolate or chickpeas (cooked)?

Soy Protein Isolate has 90.0g 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 375.