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
AllowedCollagen 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
Eggs
AllowedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Egg (raw) | 143kcal | 12.6g | 9.5g | 0.7g | 0g | 0.7g |
| Egg White (raw) | 52kcal | 10.9g | 0.2g | 0.7g | 0g | 0.7g |
| Egg Yolk (raw) | 322kcal | 15.9g | 26.5g | 3.6g | 0g | 3.6g |
Gelatin
AllowedGelatin 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
Greek Yogurt
AllowedWith 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain (whole milk) | 97kcal | 9g | 5g | 4g | 0g | 4g |
| Plain (nonfat) | 61kcal | 10.3g | 0.4g | 3.6g | — | 3.6g |
Pea Protein
AllowedWith 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
Protein Powder
AllowedAt 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
Protein Shakes
AllowedAt 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
Soy Protein
AllowedWith 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
Tempeh
AllowedWith 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain | 192kcal | 20.3g | 10.8g | 7.6g | — | 7.6g |
| Cooked | 195kcal | 19.9g | 11.4g | 7.6g | — | 7.6g |
Tofu
AllowedTofu 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firm | 144kcal | 17.3g | 8.7g | 2.8g | 2.3g | 0.5g |
| Soft/Silken | 270kcal | 18.8g | 20.2g | 8.9g | 3.9g | 5g |
Veggie Burger
AllowedAt 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
Whey Protein
AllowedWhey 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
Limited Protein (6)
Black Beans
LimitedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 341kcal | 21.6g | 1.4g | 62.4g | 15.5g | 46.9g |
| Cooked (boiled) | 132kcal | 8.9g | 0.5g | 23.7g | 8.7g | 15g |
| Canned | 91kcal | 4.8g | 1.3g | 15.4g | 6.8g | 8.6g |
Chickpea Flour
LimitedChickpea 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
Edamame
LimitedAt 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
Kidney Beans
LimitedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 337kcal | 22.5g | 1.1g | 61.3g | 15.2g | 46.1g |
| Cooked (boiled) | 127kcal | 8.7g | 0.5g | 22.8g | 7.4g | 15.4g |
Lentil Pasta
LimitedLentil 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
Protein Bars
LimitedProtein 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