Duck Fat vs Butter: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Duck fat contains 900 calories and 0 g of protein, while butter has 717 calories and 0.8 g of protein. Therefore, duck fat is higher in calories and lower in protein.

Duck fat and butter are both popular cooking fats, each with unique flavors and properties. This comparison highlights their nutritional differences, particularly in calories and macronutrients.

What Is the Difference Between Duck Fat and Butter?

Duck fat is rendered fat from ducks, often used in cooking for its rich flavor and high smoke point. It is primarily composed of fat with no significant amounts of protein or carbohydrates. Butter is a dairy product made by churning cream to separate the butterfat from the buttermilk. It contains fat, some protein, and a small amount of carbohydrates.

Duck Fat vs Butter: Nutrition Side by Side

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of duck fat and butter, focusing on their nutritional profiles.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Duck fat	Butter (salted)
Calories	900 kcal	717 kcal
Protein	0 g	0.8 g
Carbs	0 g	0.1 g
Sugar	0 g	0.1 g
Fat	100 g	81.1 g
Fiber	0 g	0 g
Sodium	0 mg	643 mg

Which Is Better, Duck Fat or Butter?

For weight loss: Duck fat has 900 calories, while butter has 717 calories, making butter a better option for weight loss.

For muscle and protein: Butter contains 0.8 g of protein, whereas duck fat has 0 g of protein, making butter the better choice for protein.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Both duck fat and butter contain negligible carbohydrates and sugars, with duck fat having 0 g and butter having 0.1 g of carbs and sugar.

How to Track Duck fat and Butter Accurately

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How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a professional for dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g: Duck fat from Open Food Facts (aggregated plain entries), Butter from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Butter contains 0.8 g of protein, while duck fat has 0 g of protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Butter has 717 calories, while duck fat has 900 calories, making butter lower in calories.

What is the fat content of duck fat?

Duck fat contains 100 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the fat content of butter?

Butter contains 81.1 g of fat per 100 g.

How much sugar does butter contain?

Butter contains 0.1 g of sugar per 100 g.

How much sodium is in duck fat?

Duck fat contains 0 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

• Duck fat has 900 calories per 100 g.
• Butter has 717 calories per 100 g.
• Duck fat contains 100 g of fat per 100 g.
• Butter contains 81.1 g of fat per 100 g.
• Butter has 0.8 g of protein per 100 g.
• Both contain negligible carbs and sugars.