Black Beans vs Kidney Beans
Side-by-side macro comparison. Black Beans vs Kidney Beans per their standard serving sizes.
Black Beans
per 1 cup cooked (172g)
Kidney Beans
per 1 cup cooked (177g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Black Beans | Kidney Beans | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 227 cal | 225 cal | +1% Black |
| Protein | 15g | 15g | 0% Black |
| Carbs | 41g | 40g | +3% Black |
| Fat | 0.9g | 0.9g | 0% Black |
Differences shown relative to Black Beans. Positive = Black Beans has more.
Quick Take
Black Beans delivers 227 calories per serving with 15g protein, 41g carbs, and 0.9g fat. Kidney Beans delivers 225 calories with 15g protein, 40g carbs, and 0.9g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 2 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, Kidney Beans gives you 2 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), Kidney Beans delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Black Beans brings 227 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Kidney Beans delivers 15g 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
Kidney Beans fits cleanly into keto with only 40g carbs. Black Beans at 41g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Black Beans or Kidney Beans?
Kidney Beans has more protein: 15g vs 15g per serving. That's a difference of 0g.
Which has fewer calories, Black Beans or Kidney Beans?
Kidney Beans has 225 calories per serving vs 227 calories in Black Beans — a difference of 2 calories.
Is Black Beans or Kidney Beans better for keto?
Kidney Beans is the better keto choice at 40g carbs per serving vs 41g carbs in Black Beans.
Is Black Beans or Kidney Beans better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Kidney Beans gives you more calorie flexibility (2 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Kidney Beans delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Kidney Beans.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Kidney Beans
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
tie
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Kidney Beans
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
The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Black Beans and Kidney Beans stack up:
Full Black Beans guide • Full Kidney Beans guide • All comparisons