Green peas vs fava beans

Key differences

• They provide similar protein per calorie: 6.4 g per 100 kcal for green peas and 6.9 g for fava beans.
• Green peas have fewer calories: 84 kcal per 100 g, versus 110 for fava beans, so the same calories come with more grams of food.
• They have similar fiber: 5.5 g per 100 g for green peas and 5.4 g for fava beans.

Comparison per 100 g and per serving

In bold, the value more favorable to satiety when the gap is clear. Difference: Fava beans minus Green peas. Source: USDA FDC 170420 and 173753.

Per typical serving

With typical servings, 100 g (3.5 oz) of green peas have about 84 kcal and 5.4 g of protein, and 150 g (5.5 oz) of fava beans about 165 kcal and 11.4 g.

To get 20 g of protein you would need about 373 g of green peas (313 kcal) or about 263 g of fava beans (289 kcal).

The typical serving is a common amount used for the math, not a recommendation. Ounces are rounded US equivalents; the values come from the database entries cited in the sources.

Which is more filling?

Green peas and fava beans have the same estimated satiety score: 5 out of 5.

• 5/5Green peas: Low energy density; moderate protein per calorie; a lot of fiber per calorie; high water content.
• 5/5Fava beans: Calculation: 1 (base) + 1 (low energy density: 110 kcal/100 g) + 1 (protein: 6.9 g/100 kcal) + 2 (fiber: 4.9 g/100 kcal) + 1 (solid food with 71.5 g of water) = 6; capped at 5.

The 1 to 5 score is our own estimate: it starts at 1 point, adds points for low energy density, for protein and fiber per 100 kcal, and for the water in solid foods, and subtracts points for drinks with calories. It is useful for comparing foods with each other; it is not a measurement in people.

When to choose each one

Green peas

• If you want to eat more grams for the same calories: 84 kcal per 100 g.
• If you prefer a lighter typical serving: about 84 kcal in 100 g (3.5 oz).
• If gas or bloating bothers you: they do not carry our “May cause bloating” tag, which fava beans do.

Fava beans

• If you want more protein in a typical serving: 11.4 g in 150 g (5.5 oz).

On a GLP-1 medication

Green peas. “High in fiber”: a good amount of fiber, which helps keep you regular; it is easier to tolerate when you increase it gradually and drink enough water. “Low energy density”: plenty of volume for few calories; make sure it does not push protein foods off your plate.

Fava beans. “High in fiber”: a good amount of fiber, which helps keep you regular; it is easier to tolerate when you increase it gradually and drink enough water. “May cause bloating”: it can cause gas or bloating in some people, and on a GLP-1 medication that feeling can be more noticeable.

These are general guidelines, not medical advice: everyone tolerates foods differently.

Full food pages

• Green peas: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.
• Fava beans: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.

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