Basmati Rice vs Black Beans
Side-by-side macro comparison. Basmati Rice vs Black Beans per their standard serving sizes.
Basmati Rice
per 1 cup cooked (158g)
Black Beans
per 1 cup cooked (172g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Basmati Rice | Black Beans | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 191 cal | 227 cal | -16% Basmati |
| Protein | 4g | 15g | -73% Basmati |
| Carbs | 44g | 41g | +7% Basmati |
| Fat | 0.6g | 0.9g | -33% Basmati |
Differences shown relative to Basmati Rice. Positive = Basmati Rice has more.
Quick Take
Basmati Rice delivers 191 calories per serving with 4g protein, 44g carbs, and 0.6g fat. Black Beans delivers 227 calories with 15g protein, 41g carbs, and 0.9g fat. The most meaningful difference: Basmati Rice saves 36 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Black Beans wins at 26% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Basmati Rice gives you 36 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), Black Beans delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Black Beans brings 227 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Black Beans delivers 15g 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
Black Beans fits cleanly into keto with only 41g carbs. Basmati Rice at 44g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Basmati Rice or Black Beans?
Black Beans has more protein: 15g vs 4g per serving. That's a difference of 11g.
Which has fewer calories, Basmati Rice or Black Beans?
Basmati Rice has 191 calories per serving vs 227 calories in Black Beans — a difference of 36 calories.
Is Basmati Rice or Black Beans better for keto?
Black Beans is the better keto choice at 41g carbs per serving vs 44g carbs in Basmati Rice.
Is Basmati Rice or Black Beans better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Basmati Rice gives you more calorie flexibility (36 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Black Beans delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Black Beans.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Black Beans
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Black Beans
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Black Beans
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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Other ways Basmati Rice and Black Beans stack up:
Full Basmati Rice guide • Full Black Beans guide • All comparisons