Protein in lentils
Lentils has 17.9 g of protein per 1 cup (198 g), which is 36% of the Daily Value. Per 100 g it contains 9 g. Among legumes it ranks #7 of 40 for protein per serving, and #66 of 100 across all whole foods.
Protein by portion size
| Portion | Weight | Protein (g) | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 198 g | 17.9 | |
| 1 tbsp | 12 g | 1.1 | |
| 100 g | 100 g | 9 |
About protein
Protein supplies the amino acids used to build and repair muscle, skin, enzymes and hormones. The Daily Value is 50 g; needs rise with body weight, age and training.
Foods with more protein than lentils
- Tempeh: 33.7 g per 1 cup (67% DV)
- Soybeans, mature cooked (boiled, without salt): 31.3 g per 1 cup (63% DV)
- Game meat, deer (shoulder clod, separable lean only, cooked, braised): 30.8 g per 3 oz (62% DV)
- Beef, round (top round, separable lean only, trimmed to 0" fat, select, cooked, braised): 30.7 g per 3 oz (61% DV)
- Lamb, shoulder (arm, separable lean only, trimmed to 1/4" fat, choice, cooked, braised): 30.2 g per 3 oz (60% DV)
All foods high in protein · Full lentils nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
How much protein is in lentils?
Lentils has 17.9 g of protein per 1 cup (198 g), which is 36% of the Daily Value. Per 100 g it contains 9 g.
Is lentils high in protein?
Yes. At 36% of the Daily Value per serving, lentils counts as an excellent source under FDA labeling rules (10% is 'good', 20% is 'high'). Among legumes it ranks #7 of 40 for protein per serving, and #66 of 100 across all whole foods.
How much protein do I need a day?
The FDA Daily Value is 50 g. One 1 cup of lentils covers 36% of it.
Source: USDA FoodData Central #172421.
Nutrient values are from USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy, April 2018; Foundation Foods, April 2026) and shown per serving as described on each page. %DV uses the FDA Daily Values for adults and children aged 4 and over. This is nutrition data for general information, not medical or dietary advice; talk to a clinician or registered dietitian about your own needs. How the numbers are calculated.