Steak vs Tempeh
Side-by-side macro comparison. Steak vs Tempeh per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Steak | Tempeh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 175 cal | 195 cal | -10% Steak |
| Protein | 27g | 20g | +35% Steak |
| Carbs | 0g | 8g | -100% Steak |
| Fat | 7g | 11g | -36% Steak |
Differences shown relative to Steak. Positive = Steak has more.
Quick Take
Steak delivers 175 calories per serving with 27g protein, 0g carbs, and 7g fat. Tempeh delivers 195 calories with 20g protein, 8g carbs, and 11g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 20 calories per serving, so calorie load is essentially equivalent. For protein density per calorie, Steak wins at 62% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Steak gives you 20 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), Steak delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Tempeh brings 195 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Steak delivers 27g 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 Steak and Tempeh are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Steak or Tempeh?
Steak has more protein: 27g vs 20g per serving. That's a difference of 7g.
Which has fewer calories, Steak or Tempeh?
Steak has 175 calories per serving vs 195 calories in Tempeh — a difference of 20 calories.
Is Steak or Tempeh better for keto?
Steak is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 8g carbs in Tempeh.
Is Steak or Tempeh better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Steak gives you more calorie flexibility (20 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Steak delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Steak.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Steak
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Steak
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Steak
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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