Mushrooms vs Parmesan Cheese
Side-by-side macro comparison. Mushrooms vs Parmesan Cheese per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Mushrooms | Parmesan Cheese | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 15 cal | 122 cal | -88% Mushrooms |
| Protein | 2.2g | 11g | -80% Mushrooms |
| Carbs | 2.3g | 1g | +130% Mushrooms |
| Fat | 0.2g | 8g | -97% Mushrooms |
Differences shown relative to Mushrooms. Positive = Mushrooms has more.
Quick Take
Mushrooms delivers 15 calories per serving with 2.2g protein, 2.3g carbs, and 0.2g fat. Parmesan Cheese delivers 122 calories with 11g protein, 1g carbs, and 8g fat. The most meaningful difference: Mushrooms saves 107 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Mushrooms wins at 59% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Mushrooms gives you 107 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), Mushrooms 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 Mushrooms and Parmesan Cheese are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Mushrooms or Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan Cheese has more protein: 11g vs 2.2g per serving. That's a difference of 8.8g.
Which has fewer calories, Mushrooms or Parmesan Cheese?
Mushrooms has 15 calories per serving vs 122 calories in Parmesan Cheese — a difference of 107 calories.
Is Mushrooms or Parmesan Cheese better for keto?
Parmesan Cheese is the better keto choice at 1g carbs per serving vs 2.3g carbs in Mushrooms.
Is Mushrooms or Parmesan Cheese better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Mushrooms gives you more calorie flexibility (107 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Mushrooms delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Mushrooms.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Mushrooms
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
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Other ways Mushrooms and Parmesan Cheese stack up:
Full Mushrooms guide • Full Parmesan Cheese guide • All comparisons