black beans vs pork: Protein

black beans: 8.9 g / 100 g. pork: 25 g / 100 g.

black beans vs pork: Climate impact

black beans: 0.8 kg CO₂e / kg. pork: 12 kg CO₂e / kg.

black beans vs pork: Water use

black beans: 55 L / kg. pork: 796 L / kg.

black beans vs pork: Land use

black beans: 3.1 m² / kg. pork: 11 m² / kg.

black beans vs pork: Saturated fat

black beans: 0.1 g / 100 g. pork: 3.8 g / 100 g.

black beans vs pork: Fibre

black beans: 8.7 g / 100 g. pork: 0 g / 100 g.

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black beans vs pork

How black beans and pork compare on protein, climate impact, water use, land use, saturated fat and fibre — with a clear verdict.

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The numbers

The numbers	black beans	pork
Protein (g / 100 g)	8.9	25
Climate impact (kg CO₂e / kg)	0.8	12
Water use (L / kg)	55	796
Land use (m² / kg)	3.1	11
Saturated fat (g / 100 g)	0.1	3.8
Fibre (g / 100 g)	8.7	0

The verdict

black beans is the better everyday choice. It uses less land and water and carries a smaller carbon footprint than pork, while covering the same role on the plate. If protein density is your priority, adjust portion size rather than going back to pork.

Sources: Poore & Nemecek (Science, 2018), FAO, USDA FoodData Central, Mekonnen & Hoekstra (2011).

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