seitan vs chicken: Protein

seitan: 25 g / 100 g. chicken: 27 g / 100 g.

seitan vs chicken: Climate impact

seitan: 1.4 kg CO₂e / kg. chicken: 6.9 kg CO₂e / kg.

seitan vs chicken: Water use

seitan: 90 L / kg. chicken: 660 L / kg.

seitan vs chicken: Land use

seitan: 1.2 m² / kg. chicken: 7.1 m² / kg.

seitan vs chicken: Saturated fat

seitan: 0.3 g / 100 g. chicken: 1 g / 100 g.

seitan vs chicken: Fibre

seitan: 0.6 g / 100 g. chicken: 0 g / 100 g.

Compare

seitan vs chicken

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

Compare

The numbers

The numbers	seitan	chicken
Protein (g / 100 g)	25	27
Climate impact (kg CO₂e / kg)	1.4	6.9
Water use (L / kg)	90	660
Land use (m² / kg)	1.2	7.1
Saturated fat (g / 100 g)	0.3	1
Fibre (g / 100 g)	0.6	0

The verdict

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

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 →lentils vs beef →tempeh vs beef →chickpeas vs tuna →

All comparisons

Keep going

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

Newsletter

One short letter. Once a month.

A handful of recipes, a story worth your time, and one thing you can do this week. Nothing else.

We never share your email. Unsubscribe in one click.