Pork Tenderloin vs Chicken Breast: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Pork tenderloin contains 26.0 g of protein and 147 calories, while chicken breast has 31.0 g of protein and 165 calories. Chicken breast is higher in protein, but also higher in calories.

Pork tenderloin and chicken breast are popular protein sources, each with unique nutritional benefits. Understanding their differences can help you make informed dietary choices.

What Is the Difference Between Pork Tenderloin and Chicken Breast?

Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat from the loin of a pig, known for its tenderness and mild flavor. It is often used in various culinary dishes. Chicken breast is a lean cut of poultry that is widely consumed for its high protein content and versatility in cooking. It is a staple in many diets.

Pork Tenderloin vs Chicken Breast: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of pork tenderloin and chicken breast, highlighting their nutritional values.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Pork tenderloin (cooked)	Chicken breast (roasted, skinless)
Calories	147 kcal	165 kcal
Protein	26.0 g	31.0 g
Carbs	0 g	0 g
Sugar	0 g	0 g
Fat	4.0 g	3.6 g
Fiber	0 g	0 g
Sodium	57 mg	74 mg

Which Is Better, Pork Tenderloin or Chicken Breast?

For weight loss: Pork tenderloin has 147 calories per 100 g, while chicken breast has 165 calories. Choosing pork tenderloin may be slightly better for calorie control.

For muscle and protein: Chicken breast provides 31.0 g of protein per 100 g, compared to 26.0 g in pork tenderloin. Thus, chicken breast is a superior choice for protein intake.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Both pork tenderloin and chicken breast contain 0 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of sugar. They are both suitable options for low-carb diets.

How to Track Pork tenderloin and Chicken breast 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 healthcare professional for dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Chicken breast has 31.0 g of protein per 100 g, while pork tenderloin has 26.0 g.

Which has fewer calories?

Pork tenderloin has 147 calories per 100 g, while chicken breast has 165 calories.

What is the fat content in pork tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin contains 4.0 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the sodium content in chicken breast?

Chicken breast contains 74 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Do both meats have carbohydrates?

Both pork tenderloin and chicken breast contain 0 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

How much sugar is in pork tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin contains 0 g of sugar per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

• Pork tenderloin has 147 calories per 100 g.
• Chicken breast has 165 calories per 100 g.
• Pork tenderloin contains 26.0 g of protein.
• Chicken breast contains 31.0 g of protein.
• Both meats have 0 g of carbohydrates and sugar.
• Pork tenderloin has 4.0 g of fat, while chicken breast has 3.6 g.