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

Lentils vs Cucumber: 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. Lentils has 116 calories while Cucumber has 16 calories per 100g.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Cucumber

16 kcal

More Protein

Lentils

9g

More Fiber

Lentils

7.9g

Less Sugar

Cucumber

1.7g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Lentils
116
Cucumber
16
Proteinper 100g
Lentils
9g
Cucumber
0.7g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Lentils
20g
Cucumber
4g
Fatper 100g
Lentils
0.4g
Cucumber
0.1g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientLentilsCucumberDifference
Calories116kcal16kcal+100.0kcal
Protein9g0.7g+8.3g
Carbohydrates20g4g+16.0g
Fat0.4g0.1g+0.3g
Fiber7.9g0.5g+7.4g
Sugar1.8g1.7g+0.1g
Sodium2mg2mg0.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

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

Lentils

Per 100g:116 calories
Per cup (150g):174 calories
Per serving (85g):99 calories

Cucumber

Per 100g:16 calories
Per cup (150g):24 calories
Per serving (85g):14 calories

Diet Compatibility

Lentils

VeganVegetarianPaleoLow-Sodium

Cucumber

Low-CarbLow-CalorieVeganVegetarianPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Lentils

  • Higher in protein (9g vs 0.7g)
  • More fiber (7.9g vs 0.5g)
  • Lower sodium (2mg vs 2mg)

Common Uses

SaladsStir-friesRoasted sidesSoups
View full Lentils nutrition →

When to Choose Cucumber

  • Lower in calories (16 vs 116)
  • Lower in carbs (4g vs 20g)
  • Less sugar (1.7g vs 1.8g)

Common Uses

SaladsStir-friesRoasted sidesSoups
View full Cucumber nutrition →

Lentils vs Cucumber: Nutritional Analysis

Lentils is more calorie-dense at 116 calories per 100g compared to 16 for Cucumber, a difference of 100 calories. On the protein front, Lentils delivers more with 9g per 100g versus 0.7g, 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 Lentils and Cucumber tell different nutritional stories. Lentils provides 20g of carbohydrates, 0.4g of fat, and 7.9g of fiber per 100g, while Cucumber contains 4g carbs, 0.1g fat, and 0.5g fiber. The higher fiber content in Lentils supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety. Sugar content also differs: Lentils contains 1.8g while Cucumber has 1.7g per 100g. Lower sugar options are generally preferable for blood sugar management and dental health.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Cucumber is the lower-calorie choice at 16 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Lentils provides more protein (9g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Lentils offers more fiber (7.9g/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, Lentils or Cucumber?

Lentils has more calories with 116 kcal per 100g, compared to Cucumber with 16 kcal. That's a difference of 100 calories per 100g serving.

Is Lentils healthier than Cucumber?

Lentils and Cucumber 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 Lentils and Cucumber?

Lentils has more protein with 9g per 100g, compared to Cucumber with 0.7g. Lentils provides 8.3g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Lentils or Cucumber?

For weight loss, Cucumber is the better choice with only 16 calories per 100g compared to 116 calories in Lentils. Lentils also offers 7.9g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Lentils or Cucumber have fewer carbs?

Cucumber has fewer carbs with 4g per 100g, compared to Lentils with 20g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Cucumber is the better option with 16.0g 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.