Fava Beans vs Edamame: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Fava beans contain 110 calories and 7.6 g of protein, while edamame has 121 calories and 11.9 g of protein. Edamame is higher in protein and calories.

Fava beans and edamame are popular legumes that offer various nutritional benefits. This comparison highlights their calorie content, protein levels, and other key nutrients.

What Is the Difference Between Fava Beans and Edamame?

Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are a type of legume that is high in fiber and protein. They are commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Edamame are young soybeans that are harvested before they fully mature. They are often served as a snack or appetizer in Asian cuisine and are rich in protein.

Fava Beans vs Edamame: Nutrition Side by Side

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of fava beans and edamame.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Fava beans (cooked)	Edamame (prepared)
Calories	110 kcal	121 kcal
Protein	7.6 g	11.9 g
Carbs	19.6 g	8.9 g
Sugar	1.8 g	2.2 g
Fat	0.4 g	5.2 g
Fiber	5.4 g	5.2 g
Sodium	5 mg	6 mg

Which Is Better, Fava Beans or Edamame?

For weight loss: Fava beans have 110 calories, while edamame contains 121 calories. Choosing fava beans may be slightly better for weight loss.

For muscle and protein: Edamame has 11.9 g of protein, compared to 7.6 g in fava beans. Therefore, edamame is a better option for muscle building.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Fava beans contain 19.6 g of carbs and 1.8 g of sugar, while edamame has 8.9 g of carbs and 2.2 g of sugar. Edamame is lower in carbs.

How to Track Fava beans and Edamame Accurately

Portion sizes and macronutrient content can often be misjudged, impacting dietary choices. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use, not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Edamame has 11.9 g of protein, while fava beans contain 7.6 g of protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Fava beans have 110 calories, whereas edamame contains 121 calories.

What is the fiber content in fava beans?

Fava beans contain 5.4 g of fiber per 100 g.

What is the sodium content in edamame?

Edamame has 6 mg of sodium per 100 g.

How much sugar is in fava beans?

Fava beans contain 1.8 g of sugar per 100 g.

What are the carbohydrate levels in edamame?

Edamame has 8.9 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

• Fava beans: 110 calories per 100 g.
• Edamame: 121 calories per 100 g.
• Fava beans: 7.6 g of protein per 100 g.
• Edamame: 11.9 g of protein per 100 g.
• Fava beans: 19.6 g of carbs per 100 g.
• Edamame: 8.9 g of carbs per 100 g.