Protein in Broad Beans: How Much per 100g and per Portion
Boiled broad beans provide 9.0g of protein per 100g. This amount is slightly higher than the protein found in other common pulses like boiled red kidney beans and mung beans, which both contain 8.6g per 100g. Protein supplies 40% of the total energy in broad beans, making them a useful plant-based option for those tracking their intake.
CoFID 13-648 · Beans, broad, whole, boiled in unsalted water
What the numbers say
- Protein per calorie. Broad beans provide 9.9g of protein for every 100 kcal. Protein accounts for a high proportion of their energy, at 40% of the total calories.
- High in fibre. A 100g amount of boiled broad beans contains 9.0g of dietary fibre, an amount equal to its protein content.
- Low in fat, sugar and salt. Based on the UK’s front-of-pack traffic light labelling system, boiled broad beans are rated ‘low’ in fat, saturated fat, sugars, and salt.
- Contribution to reference intake. A 100g portion of boiled broad beans supplies 18% of the UK’s daily reference intake for protein.
Broad Beans macros per 100g
| Per 100g | Amount | % RI | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 91 kcal 387 kJ |
5% | – |
| Protein | 9g | 18% | – |
| Fat | 1g | 1% | low |
| of which saturates | 0.1g | 1% | low |
| Carbohydrate | 12.3g | 5% | – |
| of which sugars | 1.1g | 1% | low |
| Fibre | 9g | – | – |
| Salt | 0.01g | 0% | low |
% RI is the share of the adult reference intake used on UK food labels (protein 50g, energy 2,000 kcal). Label colour applies the FSA front-of-pack bands for fat, saturates, sugars and salt per 100g. “Trace” means CoFID reports only a trace amount.
Protein in broad beans by amount
| Amount | Protein | kcal | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80g | 7.2g | 73 | 9.8g | 0.8g |
| 100g | 9g | 91 | 12.3g | 1g |
| 200g | 18g | 182 | 24.6g | 2g |
Example amounts for comparison, not recommended portions. Weigh your own serving.
Amount of broad beans for 20g or 30g of protein
- To achieve a 20g protein target from this source alone, you would need to consume 222g of boiled beans, which would provide 202 kcal.
- For a larger 30g protein goal, the required amount increases to 333g, containing 303 kcal and 41.0g of carbohydrates.
- This nutritional data is for broad beans after they have been boiled in unsalted water, so you should weigh them cooked. Adding salt during cooking will alter the final salt content.
How it compares with other beans, pulses and soya foods
Within the ‘beans, pulses and soya foods’ category, boiled broad beans rank 5th for protein content per 100g and 4th for protein per 100 kcal. Their 9.0g of protein per 100g is higher than that of tofu (8.1g), red kidney beans (8.6g), and mung beans (8.6g). However, they have less protein than some other popular choices in this group, such as boiled soya beans, which contain 14.0g of protein per 100g. This places them as a strong mid-range protein source among pulses.
| Per 100g | Protein | kcal | Protein per 100 kcal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broad Beans | 9g | 91 | 9.9g |
| Red Kidney Beans | 8.6g | 100 | 8.6g |
| Mung Beans | 8.6g | 100 | 8.6g |
| Tofu | 8.1g | 73 | 11.1g |
| Soya Beans | 14g | 141 | 9.9g |
Quick answers
Are broad beans a good source of protein?
Boiled broad beans contain 9.0g of protein per 100g. A larger 200g portion provides 18.0g of protein, making them a useful plant-based protein source for a meal.
How much fibre is in broad beans?
Boiled broad beans provide 9.0g of fibre per 100g. This is a significant amount, equal to their protein content.
How do broad beans compare to other beans for protein?
With 9.0g of protein per 100g, boiled broad beans have more protein than boiled red kidney beans (8.6g) but less than boiled soya beans (14.0g).
When to speak to a GP or dietitian
- If tracking protein or calories starts to feel stressful or takes over your day, talk to your GP. Our safety note lists support services.