Banana vs Dates
Side-by-side macro comparison. Banana vs Dates per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Banana | Dates | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 105 cal | 133 cal | -21% Banana |
| Protein | 1.3g | 0.9g | +44% Banana |
| Carbs | 27g | 36g | -25% Banana |
| Fat | 0.4g | 0.1g | +300% Banana |
Differences shown relative to Banana. Positive = Banana has more.
Quick Take
Banana delivers 105 calories per serving with 1.3g protein, 27g carbs, and 0.4g fat. Dates delivers 133 calories with 0.9g protein, 36g carbs, and 0.1g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 28 calories per serving, so calorie load is essentially equivalent. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Banana gives you 28 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Banana delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Dates brings 133 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Banana delivers 1.3g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.
For Keto / Low-Carb
Banana fits cleanly into keto with only 27g carbs. Dates at 36g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Banana or Dates?
Banana has more protein: 1.3g vs 0.9g per serving. That's a difference of 0.4g.
Which has fewer calories, Banana or Dates?
Banana has 105 calories per serving vs 133 calories in Dates — a difference of 28 calories.
Is Banana or Dates better for keto?
Banana is the better keto choice at 27g carbs per serving vs 36g carbs in Dates.
Is Banana or Dates better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Banana gives you more calorie flexibility (28 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Banana delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Banana.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Dates
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Banana
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Banana
Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.
Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.
Find Your Personal Macros
The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:
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