Peanuts vs Pumpkin Seeds
Side-by-side macro comparison. Peanuts vs Pumpkin Seeds per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Peanuts | Pumpkin Seeds | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 161 cal | 158 cal | +2% Peanuts |
| Protein | 7g | 8.5g | -18% Peanuts |
| Carbs | 5g | 3g | +67% Peanuts |
| Fat | 14g | 14g | 0% Peanuts |
Differences shown relative to Peanuts. Positive = Peanuts has more.
Quick Take
Peanuts delivers 161 calories per serving with 7g protein, 5g carbs, and 14g fat. Pumpkin Seeds delivers 158 calories with 8.5g protein, 3g carbs, and 14g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 3 calories per serving, so calorie load is essentially equivalent. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Pumpkin Seeds gives you 3 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), Pumpkin Seeds delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Peanuts brings 161 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Pumpkin Seeds delivers 8.5g 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 Peanuts and Pumpkin Seeds are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Peanuts or Pumpkin Seeds?
Pumpkin Seeds has more protein: 8.5g vs 7g per serving. That's a difference of 1.5g.
Which has fewer calories, Peanuts or Pumpkin Seeds?
Pumpkin Seeds has 158 calories per serving vs 161 calories in Peanuts — a difference of 3 calories.
Is Peanuts or Pumpkin Seeds better for keto?
Pumpkin Seeds is the better keto choice at 3g carbs per serving vs 5g carbs in Peanuts.
Is Peanuts or Pumpkin Seeds better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Pumpkin Seeds gives you more calorie flexibility (3 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Pumpkin Seeds delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Pumpkin Seeds.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Pumpkin Seeds
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Pumpkin Seeds
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Pumpkin Seeds
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 Peanuts and Pumpkin Seeds stack up:
Full Peanuts guide • Full Pumpkin Seeds guide • All comparisons