Edamame vs Ricotta Cheese

Side-by-side macro comparison. Edamame vs Ricotta Cheese per their standard serving sizes.

Edamame

per 1 cup shelled (155g)

188 cal
18g Protein
14g Carbs
8g Fat
Full Edamame macros →
vs

Ricotta Cheese

per 1/2 cup (124g)

216 cal
14g Protein
4g Carbs
16g Fat
Full Ricotta Cheese macros →

Macro Comparison Table

Macro Edamame Ricotta Cheese Difference
Calories 188 cal 216 cal -13% Edamame
Protein 18g 14g +29% Edamame
Carbs 14g 4g +250% Edamame
Fat 8g 16g -50% 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. Ricotta Cheese delivers 216 calories with 14g protein, 4g carbs, and 16g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 28 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, Edamame gives you 28 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), Edamame delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.

For Bulking / Muscle Gain

For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Ricotta Cheese brings 216 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Edamame delivers 18g 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

Ricotta Cheese fits cleanly into keto with only 4g carbs. Edamame at 14g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20g carb budget.

Frequently Asked

Which has more protein, Edamame or Ricotta Cheese?

Edamame has more protein: 18g vs 14g per serving. That's a difference of 4g.

Which has fewer calories, Edamame or Ricotta Cheese?

Edamame has 188 calories per serving vs 216 calories in Ricotta Cheese — a difference of 28 calories.

Is Edamame or Ricotta Cheese better for keto?

Ricotta Cheese is the better keto choice at 4g carbs per serving vs 14g carbs in Edamame.

Is Edamame or Ricotta Cheese better for weight loss?

For weight loss, Edamame gives you more calorie flexibility (28 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Edamame delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Edamame.

Which Is Better for Your Goal?

🔥 Weight Loss

Edamame

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

💪 Muscle Gain

Edamame

Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.

🥑 Low-Carb / Keto

Ricotta Cheese

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

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Full Edamame guideFull Ricotta Cheese guideAll comparisons