Lentils vs Maple Syrup

Side-by-side macro comparison. Lentils vs Maple Syrup per their standard serving sizes.

Lentils

per 1 cup cooked (198g)

230 cal
18g Protein
40g Carbs
0.8g Fat
Full Lentils macros →
vs

Maple Syrup

per 1 tbsp (20g)

52 cal
0g Protein
13g Carbs
0g Fat
Full Maple Syrup macros →

Macro Comparison Table

Macro Lentils Maple Syrup Difference
Calories 230 cal 52 cal +342% Lentils
Protein 18g 0g 0% Lentils
Carbs 40g 13g +208% Lentils
Fat 0.8g 0g 0% Lentils

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

Quick Take

Lentils delivers 230 calories per serving with 18g protein, 40g carbs, and 0.8g fat. Maple Syrup delivers 52 calories with 0g protein, 13g carbs, and 0g fat. The most meaningful difference: Maple Syrup saves 178 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Lentils wins at 31% of calories from protein.

When to Pick Each

For Cutting / Weight Loss

When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Maple Syrup gives you 178 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), Lentils delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.

For Bulking / Muscle Gain

For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Lentils brings 230 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Lentils 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

Maple Syrup fits cleanly into keto with only 13g carbs. Lentils at 40g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.

Frequently Asked

Which has more protein, Lentils or Maple Syrup?

Lentils has more protein: 18g vs 0g per serving. That's a difference of 18g.

Which has fewer calories, Lentils or Maple Syrup?

Maple Syrup has 52 calories per serving vs 230 calories in Lentils — a difference of 178 calories.

Is Lentils or Maple Syrup better for keto?

Maple Syrup is the better keto choice at 13g carbs per serving vs 40g carbs in Lentils.

Is Lentils or Maple Syrup better for weight loss?

For weight loss, Maple Syrup gives you more calorie flexibility (178 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Lentils delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Lentils.

Which Is Better for Your Goal?

🔥 Weight Loss

Lentils

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

💪 Muscle Gain

Lentils

Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.

🥑 Low-Carb / Keto

Maple Syrup

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 Lentils and Maple Syrup stack up:

Full Lentils guideFull Maple Syrup guideAll comparisons