How to use the protein cost comparison calculator
- List each product with its price, the servings in the package and the protein per serving in grams.
- Add rows for more products, up to 15.
- Read the cost of 25 grams of protein for each product, ranked from lowest to highest.
- Use the table for the cost of 100 grams and the grams of protein per dollar.
Formula
protein in the package = servings x grams of protein per serving
cost per 25 g = price / protein in the package x 25
cost per 100 g = price / protein in the package x 100
grams per dollar = protein in the package / price
Only the price per gram of protein is compared. A lower number means more protein for the money.
Four pantry staples
Dried lentils at $2.49 with 13 servings of 13 g hold 169 g of protein, which costs $0.37 for 25 g. Canned tuna at $1.35 with 2 servings of 20 g holds 40 g and costs $0.84 for 25 g. Whey powder at $34.99 with 30 servings of 24 g holds 720 g and costs $1.21 for 25 g. A dozen eggs at $4.20 with 6 servings of 12 g holds 72 g and costs $1.46 for 25 g.
The dearest here costs 3.96 times as much per gram of protein as the cheapest. Lentils give 67.9 g of protein for each dollar and eggs give 17.1 g. Two brands of a powder, one at $24.00 for 20 servings of 20 g and the other at $19.50 for 15 servings of 25 g, cost $1.50 and $1.30 per 25 g.
What price per gram leaves out
Protein per dollar is one measure of value, and it ignores most of what matters about food. Foods differ in the mix of amino acids, calories, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They differ in how much you can eat, how long they keep and how you like them. A cheap source is not better for you if you will not eat it.
The page compares what is printed on the label. It is not dietary advice, and it cannot tell you how much protein you need. For that, ask a qualified professional.
Related tools
To compare any products by weight or volume, use the Unit Price Calculator. To estimate your own daily protein, see the Protein Intake Calculator and the Macro Calculator. To cost a whole meal, use the Recipe Cost Calculator.
Assumptions and limits
- The price is for the whole package and the servings are the number on the label.
- Protein per serving is the label figure in grams.
- Shipping, tax, coupons and storage are not included.
- The products and prices shown when the page opens are examples and not current prices.
Frequently asked questions
Why 25 grams?
It is a convenient round amount close to the protein in a common serving of many foods, so the numbers are easy to compare. The page also shows the cost of 100 grams.
Can I compare foods with different serving sizes?
Yes. Enter the number of servings in the package and the grams of protein in one serving. The page multiplies them, so the serving size does not matter.
Does it matter which kind of protein it is?
For the price, no. The page counts grams on the label. Quality and nutrition are separate questions that this page does not answer.
How many products can I compare?
Between 2 and 15. At least two are needed for a comparison.