Edamame vs Spinach
Side-by-side macro comparison. Edamame vs Spinach per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Edamame | Spinach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 188 cal | 7 cal | +2586% Edamame |
| Protein | 18g | 0.9g | +1900% Edamame |
| Carbs | 14g | 1.1g | +1173% Edamame |
| Fat | 8g | 0.1g | +7900% 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. Spinach delivers 7 calories with 0.9g protein, 1.1g carbs, and 0.1g fat. The most meaningful difference: Spinach saves 181 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Spinach wins at 51% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Spinach gives you 181 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), Spinach delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Edamame brings 188 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
Spinach fits cleanly into keto with only 1.1g carbs. Edamame at 14g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Edamame or Spinach?
Edamame has more protein: 18g vs 0.9g per serving. That's a difference of 17.1g.
Which has fewer calories, Edamame or Spinach?
Spinach has 7 calories per serving vs 188 calories in Edamame — a difference of 181 calories.
Is Edamame or Spinach better for keto?
Spinach is the better keto choice at 1.1g carbs per serving vs 14g carbs in Edamame.
Is Edamame or Spinach better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Spinach gives you more calorie flexibility (181 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Spinach delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Spinach.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Spinach
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
Spinach
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
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