Head-to-head comparison

Venison (loin) vs Tempeh: Which Has More Protein?

Venison (loin) and Tempeh show up in a lot of the same meal-planning conversations, and the honest comparison depends on which specific number you're optimizing for.

Venison (loin)

30.2gprotein / 100g

158 cal · 3.2g fat · $$$$ · Quality 0.91

Tempeh

19.0gprotein / 100g

192 cal · 11.0g fat · $$ · Quality 0.85

This isn't close. Venison (loin) packs 30.2g of protein per 100g against Tempeh's 19.0g — a 11.2g gap driven mostly by how concentrated or diluted each food naturally is.

On protein quality specifically, Venison (loin) scores higher — lit_estimate, complete animal protein — compared to Tempeh, which is DIAAS-adjusted, complete plant protein.

Tempeh is the more budget-friendly pick ($$ vs $$$$ for Venison (loin)), worth weighing if cost matters more than the other differences here.

If you're eating plant-based, this comparison is moot — Tempeh fits, Venison (loin) doesn't.

Venison (loin)'s typical serving also delivers more leucine (2400mg vs Tempeh's 1450mg) — relevant if the goal is maximizing the muscle-protein-synthesis trigger per meal, not just total grams.

Verdict

The real deciding factor is dietary fit, not macros: choose Tempeh if you need it to be plant-based, choose Venison (loin) otherwise — the protein numbers are close enough that diet compatibility should lead.

Full nutrition comparison

Per 100gVenison (loin)Tempeh
Protein30.2g19.0g
Calories158192
Fat3.2g11.0g
Carbs0.0g9.4g
Fiber0.0g9.0g
Quality score0.910.85
Relative cost$$$$$$
Prep time15 min15 min

Frequently asked

Which has more protein, venison (loin) or tempeh?

Venison (loin) has 30.2g of protein per 100g compared to Tempeh's 19.0g.

Which is lower in calories?

Venison (loin) is lower in calories per 100g, at 158 vs the other's 192.