CALCULATOR

Protein Cost Calculator

Compare any two foods on cost per 20 g of actual protein, which is the only fair way to compare protein sources on price.

Cost per 20 g protein

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Food A–

Food B–

Cheaper option–

Difference–

Cost of 150 g protein daily–

Price per pack tells you nothing across different foods. Cost per gram of actual protein is the only fair comparison.

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Comparing protein sources on price

Price per pack tells you nothing useful when comparing different foods, because packs differ in weight and foods differ enormously in protein density. The only fair comparison is cost per gram of actual protein.

The formula is straightforward: total protein in the pack is weight divided by 100, multiplied by protein per 100 g. Divide the price by that figure and scale to 20 g.

Running this comparison usually surprises people. Whey concentrate, eggs, chicken, milk and cottage cheese cluster near the bottom on cost per gram, while protein bars, ready meals and fortified snacks often cost three to six times more for the same protein.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest protein source?

Usually whey concentrate, eggs, milk, chicken and legumes, depending on local prices. Run your own comparison.

Why are protein bars so expensive per gram?

You are paying for convenience, packaging and branding rather than protein.

Does cheaper protein mean lower quality?

Not necessarily. Whey concentrate is among the cheapest and highest quality by amino acid profile.

How much does hitting 150 g of protein cost daily?

With efficient sources, commonly a few dollars. With bars and ready meals, several times that.

Sources

US Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. fdc.nal.usda.gov
Drewnowski A. The cost of US foods as related to their nutritive value. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2010.
Food and Agriculture Organization. Dietary protein quality evaluation in human nutrition, 2013.
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Nutrient fact sheets. ods.od.nih.gov
NHS. Nutrition and health guidance. nhs.uk
US Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030. dietaryguidelines.gov

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General information, not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your diet, especially with a medical condition.