Cranberries vs Dates

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

Cranberries

per 1 cup (100g)

46 cal
0.4g Protein
12g Carbs
0.1g Fat
Full Cranberries 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 Cranberries Dates Difference
Calories 46 cal 133 cal -65% Cranberries
Protein 0.4g 0.9g -56% Cranberries
Carbs 12g 36g -67% Cranberries
Fat 0.1g 0.1g 0% Cranberries

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

Quick Take

Cranberries delivers 46 calories per serving with 0.4g protein, 12g carbs, and 0.1g fat. Dates delivers 133 calories with 0.9g protein, 36g carbs, and 0.1g fat. The most meaningful difference: Cranberries saves 87 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, Cranberries gives you 87 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), Dates delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.

For Bulking / Muscle Gain

For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Dates brings 133 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Dates delivers 0.9g 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

Cranberries fits cleanly into keto with only 12g carbs. Dates at 36g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.

Frequently Asked

Which has more protein, Cranberries or Dates?

Dates has more protein: 0.9g vs 0.4g per serving. That's a difference of 0.5g.

Which has fewer calories, Cranberries or Dates?

Cranberries has 46 calories per serving vs 133 calories in Dates — a difference of 87 calories.

Is Cranberries or Dates better for keto?

Cranberries is the better keto choice at 12g carbs per serving vs 36g carbs in Dates.

Is Cranberries or Dates better for weight loss?

For weight loss, Cranberries gives you more calorie flexibility (87 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Dates delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Dates.

Which Is Better for Your Goal?

🔥 Weight Loss

Cranberries

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

💪 Muscle Gain

Dates

Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.

🥑 Low-Carb / Keto

Cranberries

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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Related Comparisons

Other ways Cranberries and Dates stack up:

Full Cranberries guideFull Dates guideAll comparisons