Written by CalorieData Nutrition TeamReviewed by a Registered DietitianLast Updated: March 2026

Breakfast Cereal vs Ham: Nutrition Comparison

Which is healthier? Compare calories, protein, carbs, and more

Complete side-by-side nutrition comparison per 100g serving | Updated 2026

Which is Healthier?

Ham is generally healthier

Ham comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (145 vs 379), more protein (21g vs 7g), less sugar (1.5g vs 24g), making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Ham

145 kcal

More Protein

Ham

21g

More Fiber

Breakfast Cereal

6g

Less Sugar

Ham

1.5g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
379
Ham
145
Proteinper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
7g
Ham
21g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
84g
Ham
1.5g
Fatper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
1.9g
Ham
6g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientBreakfast CerealHamDifference
Calories379kcal145kcal+234.0kcal
Protein7g21g-14.0g
Carbohydrates84g1.5g+82.5g
Fat1.9g6g-4.1g
Fiber6g0g+6.0g
Sugar24g1.5g+22.5g
Sodium760mg1203mg-443.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:

Breakfast Cereal

Per 100g:379 calories
Per cup (150g):569 calories
Per serving (85g):322 calories

Ham

Per 100g:145 calories
Per cup (150g):218 calories
Per serving (85g):123 calories

Diet Compatibility

Breakfast Cereal

VeganVegetarian

Ham

Low-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleo

When to Choose Breakfast Cereal

  • More fiber (6g vs 0g)
  • Lower sodium (760mg vs 1203mg)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Breakfast Cereal nutrition →

When to Choose Ham

  • Lower in calories (145 vs 379)
  • Higher in protein (21g vs 7g)
  • Lower in carbs (1.5g vs 84g)
  • Less sugar (1.5g vs 24g)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Ham nutrition →

Breakfast Cereal vs Ham: Nutritional Analysis

Breakfast Cereal is more calorie-dense at 379 calories per 100g compared to 145 for Ham, a difference of 234 calories. On the protein front, Ham delivers more with 21g per 100g versus 7g, which matters for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall metabolic health. These differences become meaningful when you consider how each food fits into your daily dietary pattern rather than looking at any single nutrient in isolation.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The macronutrient profiles of Breakfast Cereal and Ham tell different nutritional stories. Breakfast Cereal provides 84g of carbohydrates, 1.9g of fat, and 6g of fiber per 100g, while Ham contains 1.5g carbs, 6g fat, and 0g fiber. The higher fiber content in Breakfast Cereal supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety. Sugar content also differs: Breakfast Cereal contains 24g while Ham has 1.5g per 100g. Lower sugar options are generally preferable for blood sugar management and dental health.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Ham is the lower-calorie choice at 145 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Ham provides more protein (21g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Breakfast Cereal offers more fiber (6g/100g), which slows digestion and provides steadier energy release.
  • Overall: Neither food is universally "better" than the other. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, meal context, and dietary preferences. Both can play a role in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more calories, Breakfast Cereal or Ham?

Breakfast Cereal has more calories with 379 kcal per 100g, compared to Ham with 145 kcal. That's a difference of 234 calories per 100g serving.

Is Breakfast Cereal healthier than Ham?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Ham is generally the healthier choice, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Ham has 145 calories, 21g protein, and 0g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Breakfast Cereal and Ham?

Ham has more protein with 21g per 100g, compared to Breakfast Cereal with 7g. Ham provides 14.0g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Breakfast Cereal or Ham?

For weight loss, Ham is the better choice with only 145 calories per 100g compared to 379 calories in Breakfast Cereal. Breakfast Cereal also offers 6g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Breakfast Cereal or Ham have fewer carbs?

Ham has fewer carbs with 1.5g per 100g, compared to Breakfast Cereal with 84g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Ham is the better option with 82.5g fewer carbohydrates.

About Our Data

All nutrition data in this comparison is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central, the official food composition database maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Values are based on 100g servings for accurate comparison.

Health Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Nutritional needs vary by individual. The best food choice depends on your personal health goals, dietary requirements, and preferences. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.