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Most protein per calorie

These are the foods that give you the most protein for every calorie you eat. If you are trying to hit a protein goal without blowing your calories, start at the top.

A tin of tuna in water on a white plateThree cooked egg whites on a white plate
1Prawns100 g prawns, cooked · 99 kcal24.2g protein per 100 kcal2Turkey breastA portion of roast breast (about 150 g) · 195 kcal22.6g protein per 100 kcal3Tuna1 tin of tuna in water, drained (about 120 g) · 102 kcal22.5g protein per 100 kcal4CodOne cod fillet, baked or steamed, one piece · 135 kcal22.2g protein per 100 kcal5Egg whitesThree egg whites (about 100 g) · 50 kcal22g protein per 100 kcal6Whey proteinOne scoop (30 g) · 120 kcal20g protein per 100 kcal7BiltongA portion, about 50 g · 140 kcal20g protein per 100 kcal8Chicken breast1 cooked chicken breast fillet (about 150 g) · 248 kcal18.5g protein per 100 kcal9SkyrA 150 g pot · 95 kcal17.9g protein per 100 kcal10QuarkOne tub (250 g, fat free) · 170 kcal17.6g protein per 100 kcal11Smoked salmonA portion (about 100 g, a small packet) · 120 kcal16.7g protein per 100 kcal12Ham2 slices of ham · 55 kcal16.4g protein per 100 kcal13SashimiEight slices, salmon and tuna · 250 kcal12.8g protein per 100 kcal14CevicheA starter portion (about 200 g) · 200 kcal12.5g protein per 100 kcal15Duck breastOne duck breast, skin on (about 150 g cooked) · 300 kcal12.3g protein per 100 kcal16Tofu1 block of firm tofu (about 150 g) · 216 kcal12g protein per 100 kcal17SardinesOne tin, drained (about 100 g) · 210 kcal11.9g protein per 100 kcal18HalászléA bowl, about 450 g · 300 kcal11.7g protein per 100 kcal19Pork chopOne pork chop, grilled, one piece · 280 kcal11.4g protein per 100 kcal20Half roast chicken (Hendl)Half a chicken, skin on · 720 kcal11.4g protein per 100 kcal21Cottage cheeseA 200 g tub · 196 kcal11.2g protein per 100 kcal22MusselsA pot, about 500 g in the shell · 270 kcal11.1g protein per 100 kcal23OystersSix oysters, raw · 45 kcal11.1g protein per 100 kcal24SuyaA portion, about 100 g of meat · 230 kcal10.9g protein per 100 kcal25Roast chickenA whole leg, thigh and drumstick, with skin · 350 kcal10.9g protein per 100 kcal

Numbers for the portion shown, the same as on each food's page. Sports are for someone of about 70 kg.

Protein per 100 kcal is the fairest way to compare foods when calories matter. A steak has loads of protein, but it also brings a lot of fat with it. Shrimp, white fish and chicken breast give you almost pure protein.

You do not have to eat only what is at the top. Swapping one meal a day for something from this list already moves the needle.

Every number here is for the portion shown, the same one you see on each food's page.

Questions

Which food has the most protein per calorie?

Lean seafood and white fish, like shrimp, tuna and cod, followed by turkey and chicken breast.

Is protein per calorie the same as protein per gram?

No. Per calorie tells you how much protein you get for your daily budget, which matters more if you are counting.

Are dairy foods good for protein per calorie?

Skyr and cottage cheese are near the top. Regular cheese has a lot of protein but more fat, so it ranks lower.

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