Mushroom vs Parmesan Cheese
Side-by-side macro comparison. Mushroom vs Parmesan Cheese per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Mushroom | Parmesan Cheese | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 21 cal | 122 cal | -83% Mushroom |
| Protein | 3g | 11g | -73% Mushroom |
| Carbs | 3g | 1g | +200% Mushroom |
| Fat | 0.3g | 8g | -96% Mushroom |
Differences shown relative to Mushroom. Positive = Mushroom has more.
Quick Take
Mushroom delivers 21 calories per serving with 3g protein, 3g carbs, and 0.3g fat. Parmesan Cheese delivers 122 calories with 11g protein, 1g carbs, and 8g fat. The most meaningful difference: Mushroom saves 101 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Mushroom wins at 57% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Mushroom gives you 101 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), Mushroom delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Parmesan Cheese brings 122 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Parmesan Cheese delivers 11g 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
Both Mushroom and Parmesan Cheese are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Mushroom or Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan Cheese has more protein: 11g vs 3g per serving. That's a difference of 8g.
Which has fewer calories, Mushroom or Parmesan Cheese?
Mushroom has 21 calories per serving vs 122 calories in Parmesan Cheese — a difference of 101 calories.
Is Mushroom or Parmesan Cheese better for keto?
Parmesan Cheese is the better keto choice at 1g carbs per serving vs 3g carbs in Mushroom.
Is Mushroom or Parmesan Cheese better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Mushroom gives you more calorie flexibility (101 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Mushroom delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Mushroom.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Mushroom
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Parmesan Cheese
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Parmesan 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:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Mushroom and Parmesan Cheese stack up:
Full Mushroom guide • Full Parmesan Cheese guide • All comparisons