lentils vs beef: Protein

lentils: 9 g / 100 g. beef: 26 g / 100 g.

lentils vs beef: Climate impact

lentils: 0.9 kg CO₂e / kg. beef: 60 kg CO₂e / kg.

lentils vs beef: Water use

lentils: 50 L / kg. beef: 1451 L / kg.

lentils vs beef: Land use

lentils: 3.4 m² / kg. beef: 164 m² / kg.

lentils vs beef: Saturated fat

lentils: 0.1 g / 100 g. beef: 6 g / 100 g.

lentils vs beef: Fibre

lentils: 7.9 g / 100 g. beef: 0 g / 100 g.

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lentils vs beef

How lentils and beef 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	lentils	beef
Protein (g / 100 g)	9	26
Climate impact (kg CO₂e / kg)	0.9	60
Water use (L / kg)	50	1451
Land use (m² / kg)	3.4	164
Saturated fat (g / 100 g)	0.1	6
Fibre (g / 100 g)	7.9	0

The verdict

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

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

oat milk vs almond milk →soya milk vs cow's milk →tofu vs chicken →tempeh vs beef →seitan vs chicken →chickpeas vs tuna →

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Is it vegan? →Vegan swaps →Vegan city guides →

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