Chickpeas vs Pinto Beans
Side-by-side macro comparison. Chickpeas vs Pinto Beans per their standard serving sizes.
Pinto Beans
per 1 cup cooked (171g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Chickpeas | Pinto Beans | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 269 cal | 245 cal | +10% Chickpeas |
| Protein | 15g | 15g | 0% Chickpeas |
| Carbs | 45g | 45g | 0% Chickpeas |
| Fat | 4.2g | 1.1g | +282% 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. Pinto Beans delivers 245 calories with 15g protein, 45g carbs, and 1.1g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 24 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, Pinto Beans gives you 24 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), Pinto Beans 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. Pinto 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
Pinto Beans fits cleanly into keto with only 45g carbs. Chickpeas at 45g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Chickpeas or Pinto Beans?
Pinto Beans has more protein: 15g vs 15g per serving. That's a difference of 0g.
Which has fewer calories, Chickpeas or Pinto Beans?
Pinto Beans has 245 calories per serving vs 269 calories in Chickpeas — a difference of 24 calories.
Is Chickpeas or Pinto Beans better for keto?
Pinto Beans is the better keto choice at 45g carbs per serving vs 45g carbs in Chickpeas.
Is Chickpeas or Pinto Beans better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Pinto Beans gives you more calorie flexibility (24 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Pinto Beans delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Pinto Beans.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Pinto Beans
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
tie
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
tie
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 Pinto Beans stack up:
Full Chickpeas guide • Full Pinto Beans guide • All comparisons