Head-to-head comparison

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

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

Soy Protein Isolate

90.0gprotein / 100g

375 cal · 1.0g fat · $$ · Quality 0.9

Pinto Beans (cooked)

9.0gprotein / 100g

143 cal · 0.7g fat · $ · Quality 0.6

Soy Protein Isolate is in a different weight class here, protein-wise: 90.0g per 100g vs Pinto Beans (cooked)'s 9.0g, a 81.0g difference that's more about food category than food quality.

Soy Protein Isolate also carries the stronger amino acid profile (one of the highest-quality plant proteins, near-complete on its own), while Pinto Beans (cooked) is incomplete on its own — low in methionine, pairs well with grains.

On price, Pinto Beans (cooked) wins clearly — $ against Soy Protein Isolate's $$.

Soy Protein Isolate's typical serving also delivers more leucine (2450mg vs Pinto Beans (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 Pinto Beans (cooked) instead if its lower fat, cost, or prep time matters more to you than the extra grams.

Full nutrition comparison

Per 100gSoy Protein IsolatePinto Beans (cooked)
Protein90.0g9.0g
Calories375143
Fat1.0g0.7g
Carbs2.0g26.2g
Fiber1.5g9.0g
Quality score0.90.6
Relative cost$$$
Prep time1 min90 min

Frequently asked

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

Soy Protein Isolate has 90.0g of protein per 100g compared to Pinto Beans (cooked)'s 9.0g.

Which is lower in calories?

Pinto Beans (cooked) is lower in calories per 100g, at 143 vs the other's 375.