Lentils vs Raisins

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

Lentils

per 1 cup cooked (198g)

230 cal
18g Protein
40g Carbs
0.8g Fat
Full Lentils 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 Lentils Raisins Difference
Calories 230 cal 84 cal +174% Lentils
Protein 18g 0.9g +1900% Lentils
Carbs 40g 22g +82% Lentils
Fat 0.8g 0.1g +700% 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. Raisins delivers 84 calories with 0.9g protein, 22g carbs, and 0.1g fat. The most meaningful difference: Raisins saves 146 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, Raisins gives you 146 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

Raisins fits cleanly into keto with only 22g carbs. Lentils at 40g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.

Frequently Asked

Which has more protein, Lentils or Raisins?

Lentils has more protein: 18g vs 0.9g per serving. That's a difference of 17.1g.

Which has fewer calories, Lentils or Raisins?

Raisins has 84 calories per serving vs 230 calories in Lentils — a difference of 146 calories.

Is Lentils or Raisins better for keto?

Raisins is the better keto choice at 22g carbs per serving vs 40g carbs in Lentils.

Is Lentils or Raisins better for weight loss?

For weight loss, Raisins gives you more calorie flexibility (146 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

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 Lentils and Raisins stack up:

Full Lentils guideFull Raisins guideAll comparisons