Chickpeas
1 cup cooked (164g)
Lentils
1 cup cooked (198g)
Chickpeas vs Lentils
A detailed nutrient-by-nutrient comparison per serving.
Quick Verdict
Chickpeas wins
Ties
Lentils wins
Chickpeas leads on more nutrients per serving, but both foods have unique strengths.
Nutrient Comparison
Top nutrients as % Daily Value (capped at 100%)
Nutrient-by-Nutrient Breakdown
Chickpeas
Nutrient
Lentils
Magnesium
Iron
Calcium
Zinc
Potassium
Selenium
Manganese
Phosphorus
Copper
Vitamin C
Folate
Vitamin K
Vitamin E
Fiber
Choline
Practicality & Cost
Practicality Ratings
Diet tags: Chickpeas (vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, dairy_free, nut_free) •Lentils (vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, dairy_free, nut_free)
Weekly Cost Estimate
Both cost about the same per week.
Better Together
These foods complement each other nutritionally through synergy effects.
Vitamin C dramatically increases iron absorption
Pro tip: Squeeze lemon on your lentils or pair spinach with bell peppers
Folate and B12 work together for red blood cell formation
Pro tip: Lentils (folate) + eggs (B12) make a complete pair
Magnesium is required to activate vitamin D
Pro tip: Pumpkin seeds + salmon = activation combo
High fiber can reduce zinc absorption — balance intake
Pro tip: Space high-fiber and zinc-rich meals apart if possible
Zinc helps transport vitamin A from the liver
Pro tip: Sweet potato + pumpkin seeds covers both nutrients
Selenium and vitamin E work together as antioxidants
Pro tip: Brazil nuts (selenium) + almonds (vitamin E) = antioxidant duo
Selenium is essential for thyroid hormone conversion alongside iodine
Pro tip: Seaweed (iodine) + Brazil nuts (selenium) = thyroid support
Copper is essential for iron metabolism and red blood cell formation
Pro tip: Liver and shellfish provide both — or pair cashews with lentils
Phosphorus and calcium work together for bone mineralization
Pro tip: Dairy naturally provides both in ideal ratios
High zinc intake can reduce copper absorption — balance both
Pro tip: Vary your protein sources between shellfish, nuts, and seeds
B6, B12, and folate drive the methylation cycle for DNA repair and homocysteine clearance
Pro tip: Salmon covers B6 and B12 — add lentils for folate to complete the trio
Leucine triggers muscle protein synthesis — pair with complete protein for full effect
Pro tip: Chicken breast or eggs provide both protein and leucine together
Related Comparisons
Full Nutrition Profiles
Disclaimer: Nutrient values are approximate and based on USDA FoodData Central. Actual values may vary by source, preparation method, and brand. Not medical advice.