High-Protein Legumes Guide

12 items classified under standard High-Protein guidelines.

High-Protein classifies foods based on protein density per serving. Of the 12 legumes evaluated, 12 are classified as Allowed, 0 as Limited, and 0 as Not Allowed.

Legumes are universally compatible with High-Protein. Each item listed here is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. The entries below break down the specific nutritional profile so you can choose based on your individual targets — calories, macros, or micronutrients that matter for your goals.

Quick Reference

Food Status Protein (per 100g)
Black-Eyed Peas Allowed 7.2g
Canned Beans Allowed 8.3g
Chickpeas Allowed 20.5g
Hummus Allowed 7.8g
Lentils Allowed 24.6g
Lima Beans Allowed 6.8g
Mung Beans Allowed 23.9g
Navy Beans Allowed 22.3g
Peanut Butter Allowed 25.1g
Pinto Beans Allowed 8.4g
Soybeans Allowed 13g
White Beans Allowed 9g

Classification Breakdown

12 Allowed — These legumes are protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target.

High-protein targets are typically 1.6 to 2.2g of protein per kg of body weight per day.

Allowed Legumes (12)

Black-Eyed Peas

Allowed

Black-Eyed Peas is classified as Allowed on High-Protein, with 7.2g protein per 100g. This means it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. It also contains 7.2g protein and 7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 12 items in this category, black-eyed peas sits at the low end for protein — next closest is Hummus at 7.8g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

166kcalCalories
7.2gProtein
7gFat
19.3gCarbs
6gFiber

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Canned Beans

Allowed

Canned Beans is classified as Allowed on High-Protein, with 8.3g protein per 100g. This means it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. It also contains 8.3g protein and 7.1g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Hummus and Pinto Beans for protein, ranking 4 of 12.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

189kcalCalories
8.3gProtein
7.1gFat
23.8gCarbs
8.3gFiber

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Chickpeas

Allowed

Chickpeas is classified as Allowed on High-Protein, with 20.5g protein per 100g. The classification reflects that it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 20.5g protein and 6g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Soybeans and Navy Beans for protein, ranking 8 of 12.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Dry378kcal20.5g6g63g12.2g
Cooked (boiled)164kcal8.9g2.6g27.4g7.6g
Canned139kcal7.1g2.5g22.6g5.4g

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Hummus

Allowed

Hummus is classified as Allowed on High-Protein, with 7.8g protein per 100g. This means it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. It also contains 7.8g protein and 17.8g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 12 items in this category, hummus sits at the low end for protein — next closest is Canned Beans at 8.3g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

237kcalCalories
7.8gProtein
17.8gFat
15gCarbs
5.5gFiber

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Lentils

Allowed

With 24.6g protein per 100g, Lentils earns a Allowed classification on High-Protein. It is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Beyond the primary classification, lentils also provides 24.6g protein and 10.7g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for protein. The nearest lower option is Mung Beans at 23.9g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Dry352kcal24.6g1.1g63.4g10.7g
Cooked (boiled)114kcal9g0.4g19.5g7.9g

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Lima Beans

Allowed

At 6.8g protein per 100g, Lima Beans falls into the Allowed category under High-Protein guidelines. It is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Beyond the primary classification, lima beans also provides 6.8g protein and 4.9g fiber per 100g. Among the 12 items in this category, lima beans sits at the low end for protein — next closest is Black-Eyed Peas at 7.2g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

113kcalCalories
6.8gProtein
0.9gFat
20.2gCarbs
4.9gFiber

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Mung Beans

Allowed

Mung Beans is classified as Allowed on High-Protein, with 23.9g protein per 100g. This means it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. It also contains 23.9g protein and 16.3g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for protein. The nearest lower option is Navy Beans at 22.3g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

347kcalCalories
23.9gProtein
1.2gFat
62.6gCarbs
16.3gFiber

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Peanut Butter

Allowed

At 25.1g protein per 100g, Peanut Butter falls into the Allowed category under High-Protein guidelines. The classification reflects that it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 25.1g protein and 50.4g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for protein. The nearest lower option is Lentils at 24.6g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Smooth598kcal22.2g51.4g22.3g5g
Smooth (no salt)598kcal22.2g51.4g22.3g5g

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Pinto Beans

Allowed

With 8.4g protein per 100g, Pinto Beans earns a Allowed classification on High-Protein. It is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Beyond the primary classification, pinto beans also provides 8.4g protein and 7.1g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Canned Beans and White Beans for protein, ranking 5 of 12.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Dry62kcal5.3g0.9g11.6g
Cooked (boiled)143kcal9g0.7g26.2g9g

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Soybeans

Allowed

With 13g protein per 100g, Soybeans earns a Allowed classification on High-Protein. It is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Beyond the primary classification, soybeans also provides 13g protein and 6.8g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between White Beans and Chickpeas for protein, ranking 7 of 12.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

147kcalCalories
13gProtein
6.8gFat
11gCarbs
4.2gFiber

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White Beans

Allowed

White Beans is classified as Allowed on High-Protein, with 9g protein per 100g. The classification reflects that it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 9g protein and 6.8g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Pinto Beans and Soybeans for protein, ranking 6 of 12.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

188kcalCalories
9gProtein
6.8gFat
23.3gCarbs
5.9gFiber

Compare White Beans across all diets