Whole-Food Protein Guide

18 items classified under standard Whole-Food guidelines.

Whole-Food classifies foods based on processing level. Of the 18 protein evaluated, 1 is classified as Allowed, 13 as Limited, and 4 as Not Allowed.

Quick Reference

Food Status Calories (per 100g)
Eggs Allowed 334kcal
Black Beans Limited 181kcal
Chickpea Flour Limited 387kcal
Collagen Peptides Limited 360kcal
Edamame Limited 121kcal
Gelatin Limited 381kcal
Greek Yogurt Limited 105kcal
Kidney Beans Limited 177kcal
Lentil Pasta Limited 111kcal
Protein Powder Limited 388kcal
Tempeh Limited 192kcal
Tofu Limited 94kcal
Veggie Burger Limited 224kcal
Whey Protein Limited 339kcal
Pea Protein Not Allowed 180kcal
Protein Bars Not Allowed 335kcal
Protein Shakes Not Allowed 119kcal
Soy Protein Not Allowed 335kcal

Classification Breakdown

1 Allowed — These protein are minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 13 Limited — These items have moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. 4 Not Allowed — These are an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives.

The target is NOVA group 4 — ultra-processed foods built from extracted components and additives.

Allowed Protein (1)

Eggs

Allowed

At 334kcal calories per 100g, Eggs falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Beyond the primary classification, eggs also provides 16.2g protein and 28.8g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Veggie Burger and Protein Bars for calories, ranking 11 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Whole Egg (raw)143kcal12.6g9.5g0.7g0g
Egg White (raw)52kcal10.9g0.2g0.7g0g
Egg Yolk (raw)322kcal15.9g26.5g3.6g0g

Compare Eggs across all diets

Limited Protein (13)

Black Beans

Limited

With 181kcal calories per 100g, Black Beans earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. It is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Beyond the primary classification, black beans also provides 8.2g protein and 7g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Pea Protein and Tempeh for calories, ranking 8 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

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

Compare Black Beans across all diets

Chickpea Flour

Limited

With 387kcal calories per 100g, Chickpea Flour earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. 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 calories. The nearest lower option is Gelatin at 381kcal. 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

Compare Chickpea Flour across all diets

Collagen Peptides

Limited

At 360kcal calories per 100g, Collagen Peptides falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. The classification reflects that it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 90g protein and 300mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Whey Protein at 339kcal. 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

360kcalCalories
90gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Collagen Peptides across all diets

Edamame

Limited

Edamame is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 121kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It also contains 11.9g protein and 5.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Protein Shakes and Kidney Beans for calories, 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

Compare Edamame across all diets

Gelatin

Limited

With 381kcal calories per 100g, Gelatin earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It also contains 7.8g protein and 466mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Collagen Peptides at 360kcal. 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

381kcalCalories
7.8gProtein
0gFat
90.5gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Gelatin across all diets

Greek Yogurt

Limited

With 105kcal calories per 100g, Greek Yogurt earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It also contains 8.2g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 18 items in this category, greek yogurt sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Lentil Pasta at 111kcal. 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Plain (whole milk)97kcal9g5g4g0g
Plain (nonfat)61kcal10.3g0.4g3.6g

Compare Greek Yogurt across all diets

Kidney Beans

Limited

Kidney Beans is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 177kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8.1g protein and 7g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Edamame and Pea Protein for calories, ranking 6 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

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

Compare Kidney Beans across all diets

Lentil Pasta

Limited

With 111kcal calories per 100g, Lentil Pasta earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. It is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Beyond the primary classification, lentil pasta also provides 5.7g fat and 3.4g fiber per 100g. Among the 18 items in this category, lentil pasta sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Protein Shakes at 119kcal. 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

111kcalCalories
3.7gProtein
5.7gFat
12.3gCarbs
3.4gFiber

Compare Lentil Pasta across all diets

Protein Powder

Limited

At 388kcal calories per 100g, Protein Powder falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. It is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. 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 calories. The nearest lower option is Chickpea Flour at 387kcal. 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

388kcalCalories
55.6gProtein
5.6gFat
28.9gCarbs
6.7gFiber

Compare Protein Powder across all diets

Tempeh

Limited

With 192kcal calories per 100g, Tempeh earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It also contains 20.3g protein and 10.8g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Black Beans and Veggie Burger for calories, ranking 9 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

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

Compare Tempeh across all diets

Tofu

Limited

At 94kcal calories per 100g, Tofu falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Among the 18 items in this category, tofu sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Greek Yogurt at 105kcal. 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Firm144kcal17.3g8.7g2.8g2.3g
Soft/Silken270kcal18.8g20.2g8.9g3.9g

Compare Tofu across all diets

Veggie Burger

Limited

With 224kcal calories per 100g, Veggie Burger earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. It is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Beyond the primary classification, veggie burger also provides 13g protein and 5.2g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Tempeh and Eggs for calories, ranking 10 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

224kcalCalories
13gProtein
5.2gFat
30.8gCarbs
3.5gFiber

Compare Veggie Burger across all diets

Whey Protein

Limited

Whey Protein is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 339kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It also contains 11.7g protein and 968mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Soy Protein at 335kcal. 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

339kcalCalories
11.7gProtein
0.5gFat
73.4gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Whey Protein across all diets

Not Allowed Protein (4)

Pea Protein

Not Allowed

With 180kcal calories per 100g, Pea Protein earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. It also contains 14g fat and 2.7g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Kidney Beans and Black Beans for calories, ranking 7 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

180kcalCalories
3gProtein
14gFat
10.6gCarbs
2.7gFiber

Compare Pea Protein across all diets

Protein Bars

Not Allowed

Protein Bars is classified as Not Allowed on Whole-Food, with 335kcal calories per 100g. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. It also contains 88.3g protein and 1000mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Eggs and Soy Protein for calories, ranking 12 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

335kcalCalories
88.3gProtein
3.4gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Protein Bars across all diets

Protein Shakes

Not Allowed

With 119kcal calories per 100g, Protein Shakes earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Among the 18 items in this category, protein shakes sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Edamame at 121kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

119kcalCalories
3.1gProtein
2.7gFat
21.2gCarbs
0.3gFiber

Compare Protein Shakes across all diets

Soy Protein

Not Allowed

With 335kcal calories per 100g, Soy Protein earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. It is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Beyond the primary classification, soy protein also provides 88.3g protein and 1000mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Protein Bars and Whey Protein for calories, ranking 13 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

335kcalCalories
88.3gProtein
3.4gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Soy Protein across all diets