Black Beans vs Quinoa
Side-by-side macro comparison. Black Beans vs Quinoa per their standard serving sizes.
Black Beans
per 1 cup cooked (172g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Black Beans | Quinoa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 227 cal | 120 cal | +89% Black |
| Protein | 15g | 4.4g | +241% Black |
| Carbs | 41g | 21g | +95% Black |
| Fat | 0.9g | 1.9g | -53% 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. Quinoa delivers 120 calories with 4.4g protein, 21g carbs, and 1.9g fat. The most meaningful difference: Quinoa saves 107 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, Quinoa gives you 107 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
Quinoa fits cleanly into keto with only 21g 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 Quinoa?
Black Beans has more protein: 15g vs 4.4g per serving. That's a difference of 10.6g.
Which has fewer calories, Black Beans or Quinoa?
Quinoa has 120 calories per serving vs 227 calories in Black Beans — a difference of 107 calories.
Is Black Beans or Quinoa better for keto?
Quinoa is the better keto choice at 21g carbs per serving vs 41g carbs in Black Beans.
Is Black Beans or Quinoa better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Quinoa gives you more calorie flexibility (107 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
Quinoa
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 Quinoa stack up:
Full Black Beans guide • Full Quinoa guide • All comparisons