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

Ham vs Butter: 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?

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles with each winning in different categories. Your choice should depend on your specific dietary goals and preferences. Ham has 145 calories while Butter has 717 calories per 100g.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Ham

145 kcal

More Protein

Ham

21g

More Fiber

Ham

0g

Less Sugar

Butter

0.1g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Ham
145
Butter
717
Proteinper 100g
Ham
21g
Butter
0.9g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Ham
1.5g
Butter
0.1g
Fatper 100g
Ham
6g
Butter
81g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientHamButterDifference
Calories145kcal717kcal-572.0kcal
Protein21g0.9g+20.1g
Carbohydrates1.5g0.1g+1.4g
Fat6g81g-75.0g
Fiber0g0g0.0g
Sugar1.5g0.1g+1.4g
Sodium1203mg11mg+1192.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

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

Ham

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

Butter

Per 100g:717 calories
Per cup (150g):1076 calories
Per serving (85g):609 calories

Diet Compatibility

Ham

Low-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleo

Butter

KetoLow-CarbVegetarianLow-Sodium

When to Choose Ham

  • Lower in calories (145 vs 717)
  • Higher in protein (21g vs 0.9g)
  • More fiber (0g vs 0g)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Ham nutrition →

When to Choose Butter

  • Lower in carbs (0.1g vs 1.5g)
  • Less sugar (0.1g vs 1.5g)
  • Lower sodium (11mg vs 1203mg)

Common Uses

BreakfastSnacksCooking ingredientPost-workout
View full Butter nutrition →

Ham vs Butter: Nutritional Analysis

Butter is more calorie-dense at 717 calories per 100g compared to 145 for Ham, a difference of 572 calories. On the protein front, Ham delivers more with 21g per 100g versus 0.9g, 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 Ham and Butter tell different nutritional stories. Ham provides 1.5g of carbohydrates, 6g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Butter contains 0.1g carbs, 81g fat, and 0g fiber. Sugar content also differs: Ham contains 1.5g while Butter has 0.1g 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: Ham offers more fiber (0g/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, Ham or Butter?

Butter has more calories with 717 kcal per 100g, compared to Ham with 145 kcal. That's a difference of 572 calories per 100g serving.

Is Ham healthier than Butter?

Ham and Butter have similar nutritional profiles, with each food winning in different categories. The healthier choice depends on your specific dietary goals and nutritional needs.

What is the protein difference between Ham and Butter?

Ham has more protein with 21g per 100g, compared to Butter with 0.9g. Ham provides 20.1g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Ham or Butter?

For weight loss, Ham is the better choice with only 145 calories per 100g compared to 717 calories in Butter. Butter also offers 0g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Ham or Butter have fewer carbs?

Butter has fewer carbs with 0.1g per 100g, compared to Ham with 1.5g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Butter is the better option with 1.4g 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.