Calories in Soybeans

Updated July 2026 · Source: USDA FoodData Central

173
kcal
per 100g
16.64
g
Protein
8.97
g
Fat
9.93
g
Carbs
6.0
g
Fiber
297
kcal per cup cooked (172g)
173
kcal per 100g cooked
48
kcal per oz (28g)
Soybeans nutrition facts per 100g
💪Only complete plant protein — PDCAAS 1.0
🔴Highest iron of any legume — 4.4mg/100g
Potassium — 515mg per 100g
😌Lowest GI of any legume — 15
🌿6g fiber per 100g
🔬Isoflavones — hormonal health

🫛 Calculate Calories for Any Soybeans Weight

Weight100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g cooked soybeans

* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.


Quick summary: Soybeans contain 173 calories per 100g cooked. A cup (172g) has 297 calories with 28.6g protein. Soybeans are the only legume providing a complete protein (PDCAAS 1.0 — equal to meat and eggs). Rich in isoflavones with estrogen-modulating effects. Excellent potassium (515mg/100g), magnesium (20% DV), and iron (4.4mg/100g — highest of any legume).

Vitamins & Minerals — per 100g

NutrientAmount% Daily ValueBar
Iron4.4mg24%
Manganese0.97mg42%
Magnesium86mg20%
Phosphorus245mg20%
Potassium515mg11%
Copper0.41mg46%
Zinc1.15mg10%
Vitamin B60.23mg14%
Folate54µg14%
Thiamine (B1)0.16mg13%

Calories in Soybeans by Weight

WeightCaloriesProteinNet CarbsFiber
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Macronutrient Breakdown — per 100g

Carbohydrates9.93g · 23% of calories
Protein16.64g · 38% of calories
Fat8.97g · 47% of calories
Fiber6.0g · Net carbs: 3.9g

Net carbs: 3.9g/100g — lowest of any legume. Complete protein (PDCAAS 1.0). GI ~15 — lowest of any legume. Rich in isoflavones (~90mg/100g). Highest protein legume (16.64g/100g cooked). Also the basis for tofu, tempeh, soy milk, miso.

Micronutrient Highlights

💪
Protein
16.64g
33% DV
Only legume with complete protein — PDCAAS 1.0
🔴
Iron
4.4mg
24% DV
Highest of any legume — oxygen transport
Potassium
515mg
11% DV
Blood pressure regulation
Magnesium
86mg
20% DV
ATP, muscle, nerve — high for a legume
🔬
Isoflavones
~90mg
Phytoestrogens
Hormonal health, bone density, cardiovascular
💊
Folate (B9)
54µg
14% DV
Cell division

Soybean Health Benefits

Complete Protein — The Only Legume

Soybeans are the only legume with a PDCAAS of 1.0 — the maximum protein quality score, shared with eggs and meat. All other legumes are limiting in methionine, requiring grain combination for complete protein. Soy protein is as effective as whey protein for muscle protein synthesis in multiple comparative studies. This makes soybeans uniquely valuable for vegans and vegetarians who need high-quality standalone protein sources.

Isoflavones — The Misunderstood Phytoestrogens

Soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein) are phytoestrogens — but at 1/1,000 to 1/100,000 the potency of human oestrogen. Multiple large meta-analyses find no hormonal disruption in men or women from dietary soy. Benefits include: reduced breast cancer risk (particularly in Asian populations with lifelong exposure), reduced cardiovascular disease risk, reduced menopausal symptoms, and improved bone density. The 'soy causes cancer' claim is not supported by clinical evidence.

Iron — Highest of Any Legume

Soybeans provide 4.4mg of iron per 100g — the highest of any legume, and comparable to beef (2.7mg). While non-haem iron is less bioavailable than haem iron, soybeans also contain significant amounts of vitamin C and citric acid that enhance non-haem iron absorption. For vegan diets, soybeans are the most iron-efficient plant protein source.

Cardiovascular Protection — FDA Claim

The FDA approved a health claim for soy protein: 25g of soy protein daily may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Multiple meta-analyses confirm soy protein significantly reduces LDL cholesterol by 3-5mg/dL. Soy isoflavones also improve arterial flexibility and reduce blood pressure. The combination of protein, fiber, potassium, and isoflavones makes soybeans one of the most cardioprotective foods available.

Is Soybeans Suitable for Your Diet?

Weight loss
Excellent — complete protein, low carb
⚠️
Keto
Yes — 3.9g net carbs (edamame better)
Paleo
No — legumes excluded
Gluten-free
Yes
Diabetic
Yes — lowest GI legume (15)
Vegan
Yes — only complete legume protein
Vegetarian
Yes
Heart health
FDA-approved cholesterol claim

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in soybeans?
Cooked soybeans have 173 calories per 100g. A cup (172g): 297 kcal and 28.6g protein.
Are soybeans a complete protein?
Yes — soybeans are the only legume with a PDCAAS of 1.0 (the maximum), meaning they provide all 9 essential amino acids in the proportions needed by humans — equivalent to meat and eggs.
Is soy safe to eat?
Yes for most people. Large reviews of clinical evidence have found no harm from moderate soy consumption (1-2 servings/day). Soy isoflavones are phytoestrogens but do not behave identically to human oestrogen — multiple meta-analyses show no hormonal disruption in men or women at typical dietary amounts.
Is soy bad for hormones?
No — multiple large reviews find no hormonal disruption in men or women from normal dietary soy intake. The isoflavones in soy are significantly weaker than human oestrogen (1/1000-1/100,000 the potency) and act more like SERM drugs (selective oestrogen receptor modulators) — beneficial for bone and cardiovascular health.
Are soybeans keto?
In moderation — only 3.9g net carbs per 100g — the lowest of any legume. Edamame is popular in keto diets.
Is tempeh or tofu better than soybeans?
All are nutritionally excellent. Tempeh: fermented, more protein (19g), more bioavailable minerals, probiotics. Tofu: more calcium if calcium-set. Edamame: closest to whole soybeans, more fiber. All provide complete protein.

Nutrition values from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.