Top 10 foods high in protein and low in fat
Ranked from USDA's reference data for whole and generic foods. Pick a food to see its full nutrition label.
- USDA FoodData Central for whole and branded foods.
- Open Food Facts for product photos and international labels.
- Wikimedia Commons for photos of whole foods.
Calories, vitamins, and minerals for your age, sex, size, and activity.
Work out your targetsAll foods high in protein and low in fat
Ranked by amount per 100 g, balancing every criterion across 7,011 USDA foods that report these nutrients.
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21
Spaghetti, protein-fortified, dry, enriched (n x 6.25)
SR LegacyCereal Grains and Pasta · 374 kcal per 100 gProtein high 22 g per 100 g · 44% DVAbout 12 g in 2 oz (57 g)Total Fat low 2.2 g per 100 g · 3% DVAbout 1.3 g in 2 oz (57 g) -
22
Beef, round, top round roast, boneless, separable lean only, trimmed to 0" fat, select, raw
Foundation FoodsBeef Products · 123 kcal per 100 gProtein high 24 g per 100 g · 47% DVAbout 187 g in 1 roast raw (788 g)Total Fat low 2.4 g per 100 g · 3% DVAbout 19 g in 1 roast raw (788 g) -
23
Blackeye pea, dry
Foundation FoodsLegumes and Legume Products · 346 kcal per 100 gProtein high 21 g per 100 g · 42% DVTotal Fat low 2.4 g per 100 g · 3% DV -
24
Spices, garlic powder
SR LegacySpices and Herbs · 331 kcal per 100 gProtein high 17 g per 100 g · 33% DVAbout 0.513 g in 1 tsp (3.1 g)Total Fat low 0.73 g per 100 g · 1% DVAbout 0.023 g in 1 tsp (3.1 g) -
25
Rye flour, dark
SR LegacyCereal Grains and Pasta · 325 kcal per 100 gProtein high 16 g per 100 g · 32% DVAbout 20 g in 1 cup (128 g)Total Fat low 2.2 g per 100 g · 3% DVAbout 2.8 g in 1 cup (128 g) -
26
Wheat, hard red spring
SR LegacyCereal Grains and Pasta · 329 kcal per 100 gProtein high 15 g per 100 g · 31% DVAbout 30 g in 1 cup (192 g)Total Fat low 1.9 g per 100 g · 2% DVAbout 3.7 g in 1 cup (192 g) -
27
Meat extender
SR LegacyLegumes and Legume Products · 311 kcal per 100 gProtein high 42 g per 100 g · 83% DVAbout 37 g in 1 cup (88 g)Total Fat low 3 g per 100 g · 4% DVAbout 2.6 g in 1 cup (88 g) -
28
Leeks, (bulb and lower-leaf portion), freeze-dried
SR LegacyVegetables and Vegetable Products · 321 kcal per 100 gProtein high 15 g per 100 g · 30% DVAbout 0.03 g in 1 tbsp (0.2 g)Total Fat low 2.1 g per 100 g · 3% DVAbout 0.004 g in 1 tbsp (0.2 g) -
29
Flour, whole wheat, unenriched
Foundation FoodsCereal Grains and Pasta · 370 kcal per 100 gProtein high 15 g per 100 g · 30% DVAbout 18 g in 1 cup (120 g)Total Fat low 2.7 g per 100 g · 3% DVAbout 3.3 g in 1 cup (120 g) -
30
Peppers, sweet, red, freeze-dried
SR LegacyVegetables and Vegetable Products · 314 kcal per 100 gProtein high 18 g per 100 g · 36% DVAbout 0.072 g in 1 tbsp (0.4 g)Total Fat low 3 g per 100 g · 4% DVAbout 0.012 g in 1 tbsp (0.4 g)
Amounts are per 100 g, so compare serving sizes too: a food can rank high per 100 g but be eaten in small amounts. Similar foods, such as organ meats from different animals or different cuts of beef, appear once: the highest-ranked one is shown.
Data: USDA FoodData Central, Foundation Foods (2026-04-30 release) and SR Legacy (2018), with Foundation values preferred. Brand-name products aren't ranked, including the brand-name items in USDA's reference data. How rankings work · See percentages of your own daily needs · Search for the words “high protein low fat” instead
If you're limiting a nutrient for a health reason, follow your care team's guidance.