Dates vs Raisins

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

Dates

per 2 medjool dates (48g)

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

Raisins

per 1 small box (28g)

84 cal
0.9g Protein
22g Carbs
0.1g Fat
Full Raisins macros →

Macro Comparison Table

Macro Dates Raisins Difference
Calories 133 cal 84 cal +58% Dates
Protein 0.9g 0.9g 0% Dates
Carbs 36g 22g +64% Dates
Fat 0.1g 0.1g 0% Dates

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

Quick Take

Dates delivers 133 calories per serving with 0.9g protein, 36g carbs, and 0.1g fat. Raisins delivers 84 calories with 0.9g protein, 22g carbs, and 0.1g fat. The most meaningful difference: Raisins saves 49 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, Raisins gives you 49 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), Raisins 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. Raisins 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

Raisins fits cleanly into keto with only 22g carbs. Dates at 36g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.

Frequently Asked

Which has more protein, Dates or Raisins?

Raisins has more protein: 0.9g vs 0.9g per serving. That's a difference of 0g.

Which has fewer calories, Dates or Raisins?

Raisins has 84 calories per serving vs 133 calories in Dates — a difference of 49 calories.

Is Dates or Raisins better for keto?

Raisins is the better keto choice at 22g carbs per serving vs 36g carbs in Dates.

Is Dates or Raisins better for weight loss?

For weight loss, Raisins gives you more calorie flexibility (49 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Raisins delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Raisins.

Which Is Better for Your Goal?

🔥 Weight Loss

Raisins

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

Raisins

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 Dates and Raisins stack up:

Full Dates guideFull Raisins guideAll comparisons