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

Sardines vs Seitan: 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?

Sardines is generally healthier

Sardines comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 2 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (208 vs 370), more protein (25g vs 25g), less sugar (0g vs 0g), less sodium (505mg vs 1088mg)making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Sardines

208 kcal

More Protein

Sardines

25g

More Fiber

Seitan

2g

Less Sugar

Sardines

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Sardines
208
Seitan
370
Proteinper 100g
Sardines
25g
Seitan
25g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Sardines
0g
Seitan
14g
Fatper 100g
Sardines
12g
Seitan
1.7g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientSardinesSeitanDifference
Calories208kcal370kcal-162.0kcal
Protein25g25g0.0g
Carbohydrates0g14g-14.0g
Fat12g1.7g+10.3g
Fiber0g2g-2.0g
Sugar0g0g0.0g
Sodium505mg1088mg-583.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

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

Sardines

Per 100g:208 calories
Per cup (150g):312 calories
Per serving (85g):177 calories

Seitan

Per 100g:370 calories
Per cup (150g):555 calories
Per serving (85g):315 calories

Diet Compatibility

Sardines

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleo

Seitan

High-ProteinPaleo

When to Choose Sardines

  • Lower in calories (208 vs 370)
  • Higher in protein (25g vs 25g)
  • Lower in carbs (0g vs 14g)
  • Less sugar (0g vs 0g)
  • Lower sodium (505mg vs 1088mg)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Sardines nutrition →

When to Choose Seitan

  • More fiber (2g vs 0g)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Seitan nutrition →

Sardines vs Seitan: Nutritional Analysis

Seitan is more calorie-dense at 370 calories per 100g compared to 208 for Sardines, a difference of 162 calories. 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 Sardines and Seitan tell different nutritional stories. Sardines provides 0g of carbohydrates, 12g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Seitan contains 14g carbs, 1.7g fat, and 2g fiber. The higher fiber content in Seitan supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Sardines is the lower-calorie choice at 208 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Sardines provides more protein (25g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Seitan offers more fiber (2g/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, Sardines or Seitan?

Seitan has more calories with 370 kcal per 100g, compared to Sardines with 208 kcal. That's a difference of 162 calories per 100g serving.

Is Sardines healthier than Seitan?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Sardines is generally the healthier choice, winning in 2 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Sardines has 208 calories, 25g protein, and 0g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Sardines and Seitan?

Sardines and Seitan have the same protein content at 25g per 100g.

Which is better for weight loss, Sardines or Seitan?

For weight loss, Sardines is the better choice with only 208 calories per 100g compared to 370 calories in Seitan. Seitan also offers 2g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Sardines or Seitan have fewer carbs?

Sardines has fewer carbs with 0g per 100g, compared to Seitan with 14g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Sardines is the better option with 14.0g 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.