Black Beans vs Kodiak Cakes
Side-by-side macro comparison. Black Beans vs Kodiak Cakes per their standard serving sizes.
Black Beans
per 1 cup cooked (172g)
Kodiak Cakes
per 1/2 cup dry mix (50g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Black Beans | Kodiak Cakes | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 227 cal | 190 cal | +19% Black |
| Protein | 15g | 14g | +7% Black |
| Carbs | 41g | 30g | +37% Black |
| Fat | 0.9g | 2.5g | -64% Black |
Differences shown relative to Black Beans. Positive = Black Beans has more.
Quick Take
Black Beans delivers 227 calories per serving with 15g protein, 41g carbs, and 0.9g fat. Kodiak Cakes delivers 190 calories with 14g protein, 30g carbs, and 2.5g fat. The most meaningful difference: Kodiak Cakes saves 37 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Kodiak Cakes gives you 37 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), Kodiak Cakes 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
Kodiak Cakes fits cleanly into keto with only 30g carbs. Black Beans at 41g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Black Beans or Kodiak Cakes?
Black Beans has more protein: 15g vs 14g per serving. That's a difference of 1g.
Which has fewer calories, Black Beans or Kodiak Cakes?
Kodiak Cakes has 190 calories per serving vs 227 calories in Black Beans — a difference of 37 calories.
Is Black Beans or Kodiak Cakes better for keto?
Kodiak Cakes is the better keto choice at 30g carbs per serving vs 41g carbs in Black Beans.
Is Black Beans or Kodiak Cakes better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Kodiak Cakes gives you more calorie flexibility (37 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Kodiak Cakes delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Kodiak Cakes.
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
Kodiak Cakes
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:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Black Beans and Kodiak Cakes stack up:
Full Black Beans guide • Full Kodiak Cakes guide • All comparisons