Edamame vs Ground Beef
Side-by-side macro comparison. Edamame vs Ground Beef per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Edamame | Ground Beef | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 188 cal | 254 cal | -26% Edamame |
| Protein | 18g | 26g | -31% Edamame |
| Carbs | 14g | 0g | 0% Edamame |
| Fat | 8g | 17g | -53% Edamame |
Differences shown relative to Edamame. Positive = Edamame has more.
Quick Take
Edamame delivers 188 calories per serving with 18g protein, 14g carbs, and 8g fat. Ground Beef delivers 254 calories with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 17g fat. The most meaningful difference: Edamame saves 66 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Ground Beef wins at 41% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Edamame gives you 66 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), Ground Beef delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Ground Beef brings 254 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Ground Beef delivers 26g 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
Ground Beef fits cleanly into keto with only 0g carbs. Edamame at 14g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Edamame or Ground Beef?
Ground Beef has more protein: 26g vs 18g per serving. That's a difference of 8g.
Which has fewer calories, Edamame or Ground Beef?
Edamame has 188 calories per serving vs 254 calories in Ground Beef — a difference of 66 calories.
Is Edamame or Ground Beef better for keto?
Ground Beef is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 14g carbs in Edamame.
Is Edamame or Ground Beef better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Edamame gives you more calorie flexibility (66 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Ground Beef delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Ground Beef.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Edamame
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Ground Beef
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Ground Beef
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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Other ways Edamame and Ground Beef stack up:
Full Edamame guide • Full Ground Beef guide • All comparisons