Low-Carb Protein Guide

18 items classified under standard Low-Carb guidelines.

Low-Carb classifies foods based on carbohydrate content. Of the 18 protein evaluated, 12 are classified as Allowed, 6 as Limited, and 0 as Not Allowed.

Quick Reference

Food Status Net carbs (per 100g)
Collagen Peptides Allowed 0g
Eggs Allowed 1g
Gelatin Allowed 90.5g
Greek Yogurt Allowed 11.3g
Pea Protein Allowed 7.9g
Protein Powder Allowed 22.2g
Protein Shakes Allowed 20.9g
Soy Protein Allowed 0g
Tempeh Allowed 7.6g
Tofu Allowed 15.8g
Veggie Burger Allowed 27.3g
Whey Protein Allowed 73.4g
Black Beans Limited 13.9g
Chickpea Flour Limited 47g
Edamame Limited 3.7g
Kidney Beans Limited 14.3g
Lentil Pasta Limited 8.9g
Protein Bars Limited 0g

Classification Breakdown

12 Allowed — These protein are low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. 6 Limited — These items have a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones.

Low-carb spans from about 150g/day down to 20g/day, so the same food can be in or out depending on which end of the spectrum.

Allowed Protein (12)

Collagen Peptides

Allowed

Collagen Peptides is classified as Allowed on Low-Carb, with 0g net carbs per 100g. The classification reflects that it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 90g protein and 300mg sodium per serving. Among the 18 items in this category, collagen peptides sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Soy Protein at 0g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

360kcalCalories
90gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber
0gNet Carbs

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Eggs

Allowed

At 1g net carbs per 100g, Eggs falls into the Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 16.2g protein and 28.8g fat per serving. Among the 18 items in this category, eggs sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Edamame at 3.7g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Whole Egg (raw)143kcal12.6g9.5g0.7g0g0.7g
Egg White (raw)52kcal10.9g0.2g0.7g0g0.7g
Egg Yolk (raw)322kcal15.9g26.5g3.6g0g3.6g

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Gelatin

Allowed

Gelatin is classified as Allowed on Low-Carb, with 90.5g net carbs per 100g. The classification reflects that it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.8g protein and 466mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Whey Protein at 73.4g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

381kcalCalories
7.8gProtein
0gFat
90.5gCarbs
0gFiber
90.5gNet Carbs

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Greek Yogurt

Allowed

With 11.3g net carbs per 100g, Greek Yogurt earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 8.2g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Lentil Pasta and Black Beans for net carbs, ranking 9 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Plain (whole milk)97kcal9g5g4g0g4g
Plain (nonfat)61kcal10.3g0.4g3.6g3.6g

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Pea Protein

Allowed

With 7.9g net carbs per 100g, Pea Protein earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. It is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Beyond the primary classification, pea protein also provides 14g fat and 2.7g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Tempeh and Lentil Pasta for net carbs, ranking 7 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

180kcalCalories
3gProtein
14gFat
10.6gCarbs
2.7gFiber
7.9gNet Carbs

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Protein Powder

Allowed

At 22.2g net carbs per 100g, Protein Powder falls into the Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Beyond the primary classification, protein powder also provides 55.6g protein and 5.6g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Protein Shakes at 20.9g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

388kcalCalories
55.6gProtein
5.6gFat
28.9gCarbs
6.7gFiber
22.2gNet Carbs

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Protein Shakes

Allowed

At 20.9g net carbs per 100g, Protein Shakes falls into the Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Within this category, it falls between Tofu and Protein Powder for net carbs, ranking 13 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

119kcalCalories
3.1gProtein
2.7gFat
21.2gCarbs
0.3gFiber
20.9gNet Carbs

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Soy Protein

Allowed

With 0g net carbs per 100g, Soy Protein earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 88.3g protein and 1000mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 18 items in this category, soy protein sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Protein Bars at 0g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

335kcalCalories
88.3gProtein
3.4gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber
0gNet Carbs

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Tempeh

Allowed

With 7.6g net carbs per 100g, Tempeh earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. It is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Beyond the primary classification, tempeh also provides 20.3g protein and 10.8g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Edamame and Pea Protein for net carbs, ranking 6 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Plain192kcal20.3g10.8g7.6g7.6g
Cooked195kcal19.9g11.4g7.6g7.6g

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Tofu

Allowed

Tofu is classified as Allowed on Low-Carb, with 15.8g net carbs per 100g. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Within this category, it falls between Kidney Beans and Protein Shakes for net carbs, ranking 12 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Firm144kcal17.3g8.7g2.8g2.3g0.5g
Soft/Silken270kcal18.8g20.2g8.9g3.9g5g

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Veggie Burger

Allowed

At 27.3g net carbs per 100g, Veggie Burger falls into the Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Beyond the primary classification, veggie burger also provides 13g protein and 5.2g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Protein Powder at 22.2g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

224kcalCalories
13gProtein
5.2gFat
30.8gCarbs
3.5gFiber
27.3gNet Carbs

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Whey Protein

Allowed

Whey Protein is classified as Allowed on Low-Carb, with 73.4g net carbs per 100g. The classification reflects that it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.7g protein and 968mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Chickpea Flour at 47g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

339kcalCalories
11.7gProtein
0.5gFat
73.4gCarbs
0gFiber
73.4gNet Carbs

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Limited Protein (6)

Black Beans

Limited

At 13.9g net carbs per 100g, Black Beans falls into the Limited category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8.2g protein and 7g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Greek Yogurt and Kidney Beans for net carbs, ranking 10 of 18. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Dry341kcal21.6g1.4g62.4g15.5g46.9g
Cooked (boiled)132kcal8.9g0.5g23.7g8.7g15g
Canned91kcal4.8g1.3g15.4g6.8g8.6g

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Chickpea Flour

Limited

Chickpea Flour is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 47g net carbs per 100g. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. It also contains 22.4g protein and 6.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Veggie Burger at 27.3g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

387kcalCalories
22.4gProtein
6.7gFat
57.8gCarbs
10.8gFiber
47gNet Carbs

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Edamame

Limited

At 3.7g net carbs per 100g, Edamame falls into the Limited category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Beyond the primary classification, edamame also provides 11.9g protein and 5.2g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Eggs and Tempeh for net carbs, ranking 5 of 18. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

121kcalCalories
11.9gProtein
5.2gFat
8.9gCarbs
5.2gFiber
3.7gNet Carbs

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Kidney Beans

Limited

At 14.3g net carbs per 100g, Kidney Beans falls into the Limited category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8.1g protein and 7g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Black Beans and Tofu for net carbs, ranking 11 of 18. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Dry337kcal22.5g1.1g61.3g15.2g46.1g
Cooked (boiled)127kcal8.7g0.5g22.8g7.4g15.4g

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Lentil Pasta

Limited

Lentil Pasta is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 8.9g net carbs per 100g. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. It also contains 5.7g fat and 3.4g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Pea Protein and Greek Yogurt for net carbs, ranking 8 of 18. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

111kcalCalories
3.7gProtein
5.7gFat
12.3gCarbs
3.4gFiber
8.9gNet Carbs

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Protein Bars

Limited

Protein Bars is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 0g net carbs per 100g. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. It also contains 88.3g protein and 1000mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 18 items in this category, protein bars sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Eggs at 1g. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

335kcalCalories
88.3gProtein
3.4gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber
0gNet Carbs

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