Protein Cost Calculator
Enter a food's package price and protein content to find out how much you're paying per gram of protein — and how it compares to other sources.
💪 Protein Cost Analysis
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Cost Per Serving
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Total Protein in Pkg
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Grams per $1
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Cost Per Gram
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Value Rating
Reference: Common Budget Protein Sources
| Food | Est. Cost/g Protein | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen) | ~$0.02–0.04/g | Excellent |
| Dried lentils (1 lb) | ~$0.03–0.05/g | Excellent |
| Canned tuna | ~$0.04–0.08/g | Good |
| Chicken thighs | ~$0.04–0.07/g | Good |
| Ground turkey | ~$0.05–0.09/g | Good |
| Greek yogurt | ~$0.06–0.12/g | Good |
| Cottage cheese | ~$0.05–0.10/g | Good |
| Chicken breast | ~$0.06–0.12/g | Fair |
| Canned beans | ~$0.05–0.11/g | Good |
| Protein powder (whey) | ~$0.03–0.08/g | Good–Excellent |
Estimates based on typical U.S. retail prices. Actual prices vary by store, region, and brand.
How much protein do I need? General guidance varies, but many active adults aim for roughly 0.7–1g per pound of body weight daily. The right amount depends on your age, activity level, and goals. For personalized guidance, consult a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer
Results are estimates for general planning and educational awareness. This tool does not provide medical or dietary advice. Protein needs vary significantly by individual — consult a qualified healthcare or nutrition professional for personalized guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under $0.05/g is excellent — these are foods like eggs, dried lentils, and canned tuna. $0.05–$0.10/g is good and includes most lean meats and dairy. Over $0.15/g starts to get pricey relative to budget alternatives. These are general estimates; prices vary by region and store.
Budget-friendly protein sources include eggs (roughly $0.02–0.04/g), dried lentils ($0.03–0.05/g), canned tuna ($0.04–0.08/g), chicken thighs ($0.04–0.07/g), and canned chickpeas ($0.05–0.09/g). The reference table above has more examples.
Not necessarily. Most people can meet their protein needs through food alone. Whole food sources like eggs, legumes, dairy, and meats are often more cost-effective and nutritious. That said, protein powders can be a convenient and cost-efficient option for some people. Talk with a healthcare provider if you have specific dietary goals.
Divide the package cost by the number of servings to get cost per serving. Multiply servings per package by protein per serving to get total protein. Divide the package cost by total protein to get cost per gram. That's the core formula — this calculator just automates it and gives you a rating.