tempeh vs beef: Protein

tempeh: 19 g / 100 g. beef: 26 g / 100 g.

tempeh vs beef: Climate impact

tempeh: 3 kg CO₂e / kg. beef: 60 kg CO₂e / kg.

tempeh vs beef: Water use

tempeh: 140 L / kg. beef: 1451 L / kg.

tempeh vs beef: Land use

tempeh: 2.2 m² / kg. beef: 164 m² / kg.

tempeh vs beef: Saturated fat

tempeh: 0.9 g / 100 g. beef: 6 g / 100 g.

tempeh vs beef: Fibre

tempeh: 7 g / 100 g. beef: 0 g / 100 g.

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tempeh vs beef

How tempeh 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	tempeh	beef
Protein (g / 100 g)	19	26
Climate impact (kg CO₂e / kg)	3	60
Water use (L / kg)	140	1451
Land use (m² / kg)	2.2	164
Saturated fat (g / 100 g)	0.9	6
Fibre (g / 100 g)	7	0

The verdict

tempeh 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).

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