Protein Content of Common Foods

Use this as a cheat sheet to calculate your protein intake. This is an estimated amount of protein that serves as a quick reference.

Another option for calculating your protein intake is to use an online program such as My Fitness Pal.

Legumes

  • Firm Tofu (1/2 cup) - 20g

  • Tofu (1/2 cup) - 10g

  • Tempeh (1/2 cup) - 16g

  • Lentils (1/2 cup, cooked) - 9g

  • Chickpeas (1 cup, cooked) - 14g

  • Black beans (1/2 cup, cooked) 7g

Grains

  • Quinoa (1/2 cup) - 11g

  • Barley (1/2 cup) - 10g

  • Dark rye flour (1/2 cup) - 9g

  • Millet (1/2 cup) - 4g

  • Oats (1/2 cup) - 3g

  • Brown rice (1/2 cup) - 3g

  • White rice (1/2 cup) - 3g

Nuts

  • Almonds, Walnuts, Brazil, Macadamia, etc (1/4 cup) - approx. 8g

  • Seeds: Sunflower, pumpkin (2 Tbsp) - 3g

  • Nut butter (2 Tbsp) - 8g

  • Seed butter (2 Tbsp) - 5g

Milk Products

  • Cottage cheese (1/2 cup) - 12g

  • Greek Yogurt (1/2 cup) - 9-15g (depending on brand)

Eggs

  • 1 whole egg - 7g

Other

  • Protein powder (1 scoop) - 20-30g, depending on brand

  • Wild fish (3 oz) - approx 21g

  • Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Pork (3 oz) - approx 21g

  • Collagen powder (10g) - 9g - depending on brand

Portion control - Visual cues

  • 3 oz of any fish or meat = a deck of playing cards

  • 1/2 cup cooked grain = a small fist

  • 1 oz of cheese = a thumb

  • 1 oz of nuts = a golf ball

  • 1 Tbsp nut butter = a walnut