Chickpeas vs Dates

Side-by-side macro comparison. Chickpeas vs Dates per their standard serving sizes.

Chickpeas

per 1 cup cooked (164g)

269 cal
15g Protein
45g Carbs
4.2g Fat
Full Chickpeas macros →
vs

Dates

per 2 medjool dates (48g)

133 cal
0.9g Protein
36g Carbs
0.1g Fat
Full Dates macros →

Macro Comparison Table

Macro Chickpeas Dates Difference
Calories 269 cal 133 cal +102% Chickpeas
Protein 15g 0.9g +1567% Chickpeas
Carbs 45g 36g +25% Chickpeas
Fat 4.2g 0.1g +4100% Chickpeas

Differences shown relative to Chickpeas. Positive = Chickpeas has more.

Quick Take

Chickpeas delivers 269 calories per serving with 15g protein, 45g carbs, and 4.2g fat. Dates delivers 133 calories with 0.9g protein, 36g carbs, and 0.1g fat. The most meaningful difference: Dates saves 136 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Chickpeas wins at 22% of calories from protein.

When to Pick Each

For Cutting / Weight Loss

When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Dates gives you 136 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), Chickpeas delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.

For Bulking / Muscle Gain

For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Chickpeas brings 269 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Chickpeas 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

Dates fits cleanly into keto with only 36g carbs. Chickpeas at 45g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.

Frequently Asked

Which has more protein, Chickpeas or Dates?

Chickpeas has more protein: 15g vs 0.9g per serving. That's a difference of 14.1g.

Which has fewer calories, Chickpeas or Dates?

Dates has 133 calories per serving vs 269 calories in Chickpeas — a difference of 136 calories.

Is Chickpeas or Dates better for keto?

Dates is the better keto choice at 36g carbs per serving vs 45g carbs in Chickpeas.

Is Chickpeas or Dates better for weight loss?

For weight loss, Dates gives you more calorie flexibility (136 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Chickpeas delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Chickpeas.

Which Is Better for Your Goal?

🔥 Weight Loss

Dates

Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.

💪 Muscle Gain

Chickpeas

Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.

🥑 Low-Carb / Keto

Dates

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 Chickpeas and Dates stack up:

Full Chickpeas guideFull Dates guideAll comparisons