USDA-derived comparison

Lentils (cooked) vs Soybeans

Lentils (cooked) leads for Folate; Soybeans answers with Iron, Phosphorus and Protein.

Who each is for: Choose lentils (cooked) for folate. Choose soybeans for iron and phosphorus.

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

Lentils (cooked)

Typical serving: 1 cup (198g)

15/100

More folate
Full Lentils (cooked) page

Soybeans

Typical serving: half a cup (90g)

18/100

More ironMore phosphorusMore proteinMore magnesium
Full Soybeans 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.

NutrientLentils (cooked)Soybeans
Calories116 kcal172 kcal
Protein9 g18 g
Carbs20 g8 g
Fat0 g9 g
Fiber8 g6 g
Sat fat0 g1 g
Sodium2 mg1 mg
Potassium369 mg515 mg
Calcium19 mg102 mg
Iron3.3 mg5.1 mg
Magnesium36 mg86 mg
Zinc1.3 mg1.2 mg
Vitamin C2 mg2 mg
Vitamin D0 µg0 µg
Vitamin B120 µg0 µg
Folate181 µg54 µg

Servings differ: 1 cup of lentils (cooked) is about 198g, half a cup of soybeans about 90g. Scale accordingly before deciding anything on the 100g basis alone.

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