Ricotta Cheese vs Tempeh
Side-by-side macro comparison. Ricotta Cheese vs Tempeh per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Ricotta Cheese | Tempeh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 216 cal | 195 cal | +11% Ricotta |
| Protein | 14g | 20g | -30% Ricotta |
| Carbs | 4g | 8g | -50% Ricotta |
| Fat | 16g | 11g | +45% Ricotta |
Differences shown relative to Ricotta Cheese. Positive = Ricotta Cheese has more.
Quick Take
Ricotta Cheese delivers 216 calories per serving with 14g protein, 4g carbs, and 16g fat. Tempeh delivers 195 calories with 20g protein, 8g carbs, and 11g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 21 calories per serving, so calorie load is essentially equivalent. For protein density per calorie, Tempeh wins at 41% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Tempeh gives you 21 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), Tempeh delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Ricotta Cheese brings 216 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Tempeh delivers 20g 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 Ricotta Cheese and Tempeh are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Ricotta Cheese or Tempeh?
Tempeh has more protein: 20g vs 14g per serving. That's a difference of 6g.
Which has fewer calories, Ricotta Cheese or Tempeh?
Tempeh has 195 calories per serving vs 216 calories in Ricotta Cheese — a difference of 21 calories.
Is Ricotta Cheese or Tempeh better for keto?
Ricotta Cheese is the better keto choice at 4g carbs per serving vs 8g carbs in Tempeh.
Is Ricotta Cheese or Tempeh better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Tempeh gives you more calorie flexibility (21 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Tempeh delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Tempeh.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Tempeh
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Tempeh
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Ricotta 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 Ricotta Cheese and Tempeh stack up:
Full Ricotta Cheese guide • Full Tempeh guide • All comparisons