Tempeh vs Tilapia
Side-by-side macro comparison. Tempeh vs Tilapia per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Tempeh | Tilapia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 195 cal | 128 cal | +52% Tempeh |
| Protein | 20g | 26g | -23% Tempeh |
| Carbs | 8g | 0g | 0% Tempeh |
| Fat | 11g | 2.7g | +307% Tempeh |
Differences shown relative to Tempeh. Positive = Tempeh has more.
Quick Take
Tempeh delivers 195 calories per serving with 20g protein, 8g carbs, and 11g fat. Tilapia delivers 128 calories with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 2.7g fat. The most meaningful difference: Tilapia saves 67 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Tilapia wins at 81% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Tilapia gives you 67 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), Tilapia 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. Tilapia delivers 26g 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 Tempeh and Tilapia are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Tempeh or Tilapia?
Tilapia has more protein: 26g vs 20g per serving. That's a difference of 6g.
Which has fewer calories, Tempeh or Tilapia?
Tilapia has 128 calories per serving vs 195 calories in Tempeh — a difference of 67 calories.
Is Tempeh or Tilapia better for keto?
Tilapia is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 8g carbs in Tempeh.
Is Tempeh or Tilapia better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Tilapia gives you more calorie flexibility (67 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Tilapia delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Tilapia.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Tilapia
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Tilapia
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Tilapia
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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