Dark Chocolate (70%) vs Pistachios
Side-by-side macro comparison. Dark Chocolate (70%) vs Pistachios per their standard serving sizes.
Dark Chocolate (70%)
per 1 oz (28g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Dark Chocolate (70%) | Pistachios | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 170 cal | 159 cal | +7% Dark |
| Protein | 2g | 5.7g | -65% Dark |
| Carbs | 13g | 8g | +63% Dark |
| Fat | 12g | 13g | -8% Dark |
Differences shown relative to Dark Chocolate (70%). Positive = Dark Chocolate (70%) has more.
Quick Take
Dark Chocolate (70%) delivers 170 calories per serving with 2g protein, 13g carbs, and 12g fat. Pistachios delivers 159 calories with 5.7g protein, 8g carbs, and 13g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 11 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, Pistachios gives you 11 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), Pistachios delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Dark Chocolate (70%) brings 170 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Pistachios delivers 5.7g 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
Pistachios fits cleanly into keto with only 8g carbs. Dark Chocolate (70%) at 13g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Dark Chocolate (70%) or Pistachios?
Pistachios has more protein: 5.7g vs 2g per serving. That's a difference of 3.7g.
Which has fewer calories, Dark Chocolate (70%) or Pistachios?
Pistachios has 159 calories per serving vs 170 calories in Dark Chocolate (70%) — a difference of 11 calories.
Is Dark Chocolate (70%) or Pistachios better for keto?
Pistachios is the better keto choice at 8g carbs per serving vs 13g carbs in Dark Chocolate (70%).
Is Dark Chocolate (70%) or Pistachios better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Pistachios gives you more calorie flexibility (11 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Pistachios delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Pistachios.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Pistachios
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Pistachios
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Pistachios
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 Dark Chocolate (70%) and Pistachios stack up:
Full Dark Chocolate (70%) guide • Full Pistachios guide • All comparisons