USDA-derived comparison

Black Beans (cooked) vs Lentils (cooked)

Black Beans (cooked) leads for Magnesium and Vitamin E; Lentils (cooked) answers with Folate and Iron.

Who each is for: Choose black Beans (cooked) for magnesium and vitamin E. Choose lentils (cooked) for folate and iron.

Reviewed 20 July 2026. Generic food data per 100g; brands and preparation vary.

Black Beans (cooked)

Typical serving: 1 cup (172g)

14/100

More magnesiumMore vitamin E
Full Black Beans (cooked) page

Lentils (cooked)

Typical serving: 1 cup (198g)

15/100

More folateMore iron
Full Lentils (cooked) page

Side by side, per 100g

The stronger number is highlighted, honestly: higher wins for aim-for nutrients, lower wins for stay-under ones like saturated fat and sodium.

NutrientBlack Beans (cooked)Lentils (cooked)
Calories132 kcal116 kcal
Protein9 g9 g
Carbs24 g20 g
Fat1 g0 g
Fiber9 g8 g
Sat fat0 g0 g
Sodium1 mg2 mg
Potassium355 mg369 mg
Calcium27 mg19 mg
Iron2.1 mg3.3 mg
Magnesium70 mg36 mg
Zinc1.1 mg1.3 mg
Vitamin C0 mg2 mg
Vitamin D0 µg0 µg
Vitamin B120 µg0 µg
Folate149 µg181 µg

Servings differ: 1 cup of black beans (cooked) is about 172g, 1 cup of lentils (cooked) about 198g. Scale accordingly before deciding anything on the 100g basis alone.

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