How Much Protein Is in a Cooked Sweet Potato? (2024)

By Melodie Anne Updated November 27, 2018

Protein is an essential macronutrient that builds lean muscle tissue, supports neurological function, provides energy and plays a role in many other body functions. You'll get a small amount of protein from cooked sweet potatoes, but pairing them with other protein-rich foods further boosts your protein intake. Sweet potatoes are a healthy starch option for any entree, because they are relatively low in calories, packed with fiber, and loaded with minerals and vitamins.

Protein in Sweet Potatoes

One 4-ounce sweet potato provides nearly 2 grams of protein. This amount of cooked sweet potato offers a minimal 110 calories and approximately 7 percent of the caloric content comes from protein. The remaining calories come from carbohydrates, with a trace amount of fat. Between 10 and 35 percent of your total calories need to come from protein. As an example, if you usually stick to a 2,200-calorie diet, you need 55 to 192 grams of daily protein, depending on your activity level and caloric needs.

A Source of Incomplete Protein

Although sweet potatoes add some protein to your diet, plant-based protein foods are incomplete. This means that they do not provide all of the more than 20 essential amino acids your body needs on a daily basis. If you do not eat animal-based protein foods, it is important to consume a variety of plant proteins. You do not need to have several different plant-based protein foods in the same meal; rather, fill your diet with several different types throughout the day.

Pairing Proteins

Boosting the protein content of sweet potatoes is easier than you may think. Pair your sweet potato with brown rice, which offers about 2 grams of protein per one-third cup cooked portion. Mash sweet potatoes with silken tofu to get even more essential amino acids from the same meal. Adding 1 ounce of silken tofu to 4 ounces of mashed sweet potato adds about an additional 2 grams of protein to your side dish. (If you enjoy a crunchy component in your foods, top a baked sweet potato or side of mashed sweet potato with finely chopped walnuts, which contain 2 grams of protein per .5 ounce.

Cooking Tips

Thoroughly wash sweet potatoes and scrub before preparation. Leaving the skin on gives you the maximum amount of nutrients from the vegetable, since the skin is full of fiber and the surface below the skin is rich in micronutrients. Wrap sweet potatoes in foil and bake on a medium temperature until fork tender while you prepare the rest of your meal. Once they are cooked, simply slice in half and enjoy with a touch of Greek yogurt and chopped fresh thyme. Whole sweet potatoes may take up to an hour or more to fully cook, but chopping them into smaller chunks makes the cooking process quicker. As an alternative, make mashed sweet potatoes by cutting them into wedges and boiling until tender. Save the cooking water and add it back to the sweet potatoes, as needed, to ease the mashing process.

How Much Protein Is in a Cooked Sweet Potato? (2024)

FAQs

Is sweet potato a good source of protein? ›

Protein. A medium-sized sweet potato holds 2 grams of protein, making it a poor protein source.

How much protein is in a boiled sweet potato? ›

Nutrients per Serving

A ½-cup serving of boiled sweet potato contains: Calories: 125. Protein: 2 grams.

What is the nutrition of 1 2 cup sweet potato? ›

Sweet potato, 1/2 cup (100 grams), baked with skin: 90 calories. 0 grams fat. 20 grams carbohydrate.

What is a serving size of sweet potato cooked? ›

Nutrition Facts Serving size: 1 medium (4.6 oz / 130 g) Calories 100 Calories from Fat 0 *Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Why do bodybuilders eat sweet potato? ›

Good Source of Potassium

Vigorous workouts and sweating also increase your body's need for electrolytes, such as potassium. Without enough potassium, your muscles won't work properly. One large sweet potato provides nearly 900 milligrams of the mineral, which is over one-fifth of an adult's daily requirement.

Does pumpkin or sweet potato have more protein? ›

Sweet Potato, Potato and pumpkin all basically have the same amount of protein, with potatoes edging out by a gram. The fat content in all three is very low. It's carbs where the difference lies. Potatoes have the most carbs at 20 grams per 100 gram serving.

How much protein in avocado? ›

Source Of. A whole medium avocado contains about 240 calories, 13 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams protein, 22 grams fat (15 grams monounsaturated, 4 grams polyunsaturated, 3 grams saturated), 10 grams fiber, and 11 milligrams sodium. Along with their low sodium levels, avocados contain no cholesterol.

What is the healthiest way to cook sweet potatoes? ›

Boiling sweet potatoes retains more beta-carotene and makes the nutrient more absorbable than other cooking methods such as baking or frying. Up to 92% of the nutrient can be retained by limiting the cook time, such as boiling in a pot with a tightly covered lid for 20 minutes.

Is one sweet potato a day too much? ›

Sweet potatoes' rich orange color indicates their high vitamin A content, in the form of beta-carotene. One medium sweet potato yields 1,096 micrograms of this nutrient -- women require 700 micrograms daily, and men 900 micrograms, so one potato gives you more than you need.

Is it OK to eat one sweet potato a day? ›

Vitamins and Minerals

Just one sweet potato gives you 400% of the vitamin A you need each day. This helps keep your eyes healthy as well as your immune system, your body's defense against germs. It's also good for your reproductive system and organs like your heart and kidneys.

Is sweet potato healthier than banana? ›

In a nutrition battle between a banana and sweet potato, the sweet potato would come out ahead. A baked sweet potato has the same calories per gram as a banana, yet has one gram more fiber and five grams less sugar per medium serving.

How much protein is in sweet potato without skin? ›

Sweet potato, without skin, boiled, cooked contains 249 calories per 328 g serving. This serving contains 0.5 g of fat, 4.5 g of protein and 58 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 19 g sugar and 8.2 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate.

What is a healthy serving of sweet potato? ›

A serving size of raw sweet potato, which is around 3.5 ounces (100 grams), has the following sweet potato nutrition: Carbs: 20.1 g. Vitamin A: 709 mg. Potassium: 337 mg.

Are yams and sweet potatoes the same? ›

That sweet, orange-colored root vegetable that you love so dearly is actually a sweetpotato. Yes, all so-called “yams” are in fact sweetpotatoes. Most people think that long, red-skinned sweetpotatoes are yams, but they really are just one of many varieties of sweetpotatoes.

What fruit is highest in protein? ›

Guava. Guava is one of the most protein-rich fruits around. You'll get a whopping 4.2 grams of the stuff in every cup. This tropical fruit is also high in vitamin C and fiber.

Which food is king of protein? ›

High Protein Foods by Nutrient Density (Most Protein per 100 Grams)
FoodServingProtein
1 Spirulina View (Source)100 grams115% DV (57.5g)
2 Dry-Roasted Soybeans View (Source)100 grams87% DV (43.3g)
3 Grated Parmesan Cheese View (Source)100 grams83% DV (41.6g)
4 Lean Veal Top Round View (Source)100 grams73% DV (36.7g)
6 more rows
Sep 26, 2022

What is the richest protein food? ›

8 Best High-Protein Foods
  • Lean Beef. 22 grams protein (3-ounce serving) of 93% lean ground beef. ...
  • Chicken. 27 grams protein (3-ounce serving) of skinless chicken breast. ...
  • Salmon. 19 grams protein (3-ounce serving) ...
  • Eggs. 6 grams protein (1 large egg) ...
  • Peanut Butter. 7 grams protein (2 tablespoons) ...
  • Pasta. ...
  • Cottage Cheese. ...
  • Lentils.
Feb 1, 2023

What is the best time to eat sweet potato? ›

Lunch: The best time to eat the sweet potato is to eat at lunch. After eating, calcium in sweet potatoes takes 4-5 hours to absorb into the body, 2 to 5 pm sunlight can promote calcium absorption. In addition, the ability to help the potatoes long enough to work to help you reduce appetite in the evening.

What does sweet potato do for your brain? ›

Sweet potatoes also provide vitamin B6 and vitamin C, which have powerful health benefits. Vitamin B6 bolsters brain development in children and brain function in adults. B6 also helps the body produce serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood and helps you cope with stress.

Why are sweet potatoes anti inflammatory? ›

The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes has been shown to fight inflammation, and eating them regularly can help ease joint pain and other symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. If you're looking for a delicious way to reduce inflammation, add some sweet potatoes to a salad or bake alongside protein!

Which is healthier carrots or sweet potatoes? ›

It's important to note that for the same amount of calories, carrots have almost double the Vitamin A and beta-carotene, 17+ fold more alpha-carotene, and contain lutein+xeaxanthin (whereas sweet potatoes don't have any!).

Why is sweet potato a Superfood? ›

They're loaded with beta carotene, which functions as a potent antioxidant and a rich source of vitamin A. These nutrients are important for your immune system, skin, vision, bones, and reproductive health, and have cleansing properties that may even reduce one's risk of developing cancer, Tallmadge adds.

Which potato has the most protein? ›

Russet potatoes contain more protein than many other potato types; one medium Russet potato has 4.55 grams of protein. Try Russet potatoes in this oven-baked French fries recipe.

Do cucumbers have protein? ›

According to the USDA, one 142-g cup of unpared, raw, chopped cucumber contains the following nutrients: water: 137 g. calories: 17. protein: 0.8 g.

How much protein do I need a day? ›

The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day.

Is it OK to eat one avocado a day? ›

In fact, researchers have found that avocados may protect the heart in a similar way as olive oil and nuts do in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. A 2018 analysis of 10 studies found an increase in HDL (protective cholesterol) in people who consumed an average of 1 to 3.7 avocados daily.

Is it better to cook a sweet potato with skin on? ›

Removing the skins removes some of the nutrients from the potato, so don't peel them if you're making healthy sweet potato recipes. The skin also helps the inside stay moist as the potato cooks.

Is it better to cook sweet potatoes with skin on or off? ›

There is not much difference between boiling sweet potatoes with the skins on versus peeling them, but you will get a boost of fiber and potassium if you keep the skin on. The skin also adds a subtle texture to each bite. If you're looking for a smoother mash, peel the potatoes first before boiling.

Are sweet potatoes healthier than bread? ›

One small sweet potato contains half the calories as a piece of toast. Vitamins A and C don't even register on the charts for bread, while sweet potatoes offer a good source of vitamin C and some potassium.

What are the disadvantages of sweet potato? ›

Consuming sweet potatoes in excess can result in Vitamin A toxicity which is manifested in skin rashes and headaches. Due to high fibre content, excess intake of sweet potatoes can result in bloating, stomach pain and diarrhoea.

Can we eat egg and sweet potato together? ›

A delicious and nutritious meal combining egg with vegetable purees. The recipe provides high quality protein, vitamins and minerals from the egg and extra nutrients from other ingredients such as some vitamin C in the broccoli and carotene in the sweet potato. Suitable from six months.

What vegetables should I eat everyday? ›

The 6 Best Vegetables You Should Be Eating Every Day
  • Cabbage. Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable that is part of the cruciferous family. ...
  • Radish. Radishes are a great vegetable to eat every day. ...
  • Carrots. ...
  • Brussel sprouts. ...
  • Kale.
Sep 2, 2022

How much is too much sweet potato? ›

The only side effect of eating too many sweet potatoes at once would be discolored yellow skin. But we have a feeling you'll likely eat the right portion of sweet potatoes at a time. A cup of cubed sweet potatoes, or one medium-sized sweet potato, usually is about one serving for a person.

Why does sweet potato make me sleepy? ›

3. Sweet potatoes. Similarly to oats, sweet potatoes stimulate melatonin production and gradually energise your body throughout the course of the night, increasing the duration of your sleep.

Which is healthier pumpkin or sweet potato? ›

Sweet potatoes are healthier than pumpkins because they contain more magnesium, potassium, fiber, copper and vitamins A and B6. Sweet potatoes provide antioxidants like beta-carotene which helps support the immune system.

Do sweet potatoes boost metabolism? ›

Consuming sweet potato helps rehydrate your cells and boost metabolic activity in the body. This, in turn, will help prevent your body from accumulating fat, balance the natural pH levels and flush out toxins.

Why is sweet potato healthier than rice? ›

The sweet potato scores higher than the rice in fiber, giving you 13 percent of the daily value (DV) on a 2,000-calorie diet, while brown rice supplies just 7 percent. Fiber has numerous benefits, including maintaining healthy bowel movements, assisting with weight control and helping to lower cholesterol.

Does white potato have more protein than sweet potato? ›

As with boiling, calories, carbohydrate and fat were higher in the baked sweet potato per 100g, but protein was higher in the baked white potato (2.2 g vs 1.6g per 100g).

Is sweet potato good for losing weight? ›

Sweet potato is loaded with dietary fiber, and vitamins like A, C, and B5 and also very low on calories which makes it great for weight loss.

Do sweet potatoes have more protein than regular potatoes? ›

Nutritional Differences Between White and Sweet Potatoes

Calories There are 125 calories in a white potato versus 108 calories in a sweet potato. Protein There is 1.9 g of protein in a white potato versus 1.3 g protein in a sweet potato.

Is a sweet potato a carb or protein? ›

‌Sweet potatoes have a lot of carbohydrates. One 5-inch sweet potato has about 26 grams of carbohydrates. In a low-carb diet, one sweet potato has half of the calories from carbohydrates that you may be allowed. But that's still less than the carb content of a white potato: 35 grams, on average.

Can you eat sweet potato skin? ›

Yes, you can eat sweet potato skin, whether it's an orange, white or purple sweet potato. So the next time you make sweet potatoes, try keeping the skin on. Not only will it save you prep time and add a textural component to the dish, but there are also nutritional benefits to leaving the peel on.

Can diabetics eat sweet potatoes? ›

Sweet potatoes have a sterling nutritional profile, making them a great food for people with diabetes. Here's how to start incorporating them into your diet. Sweet potatoes are one of the most popular foods for diabetes at Everyday Health, and with good reason.

Are Bruce's yams actually sweet potatoes? ›

Now produced solely in Effingham, SC, Bruce's uses only the freshest sweet potatoes planted and harvested by proud family-owned farms throughout North and South Carolina.

Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? ›

When feeding your dog a sweet potato, make sure it's cooked and that the skin is removed; leaving the skin on makes it harder for your dog to digest. You should never feed your dog a raw sweet potato. Not only are they difficult to chew, but they can upset your dog's stomach and potentially cause intestinal blockage.

Can I freeze boiled sweet potatoes? ›

Boiled Sweet Potatoes: Boiled sweet potatoes can also be frozen. Peel and slice a sweet potato into chunks, then boil for 10 to 15 minutes until tender. Drain and let them cool completely. Transfer to a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal.

Is it OK to eat sweet potato everyday? ›

Sweet potatoes are starches and not low-carb vegetables, with about 20 net carbs per medium potato. If you're counting carbs, you might want to choose them only occasionally and not every day. Also, don't make sweet potatoes your only vegetable choice in a day.

What foods is highest in protein? ›

Top 10 Protein Foods
  • Fish.
  • Seafood.
  • Skinless, white-meat poultry.
  • Lean beef (including tenderloin, sirloin, eye of round) ADVERTIsem*nT.
  • Skim or low-fat milk.
  • Skim or low-fat yogurt.
  • Fat-free or low-fat cheese.
  • Eggs.

Which has more protein white potato or sweet potato? ›

Nutritional Differences Between White and Sweet Potatoes

Protein There is 1.9 g of protein in a white potato versus 1.3 g protein in a sweet potato.

Should I eat sweet potato skin? ›

The Bottom Line. You can eat sweet potato skin. It's a good source of fiber, a nutrient that may help lower the risk of heart disease and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. The next time you make a sweet potato dish, whether it's a roasted side dish or a hearty, cozy casserole, leave the peel on.

What is the healthiest way to eat sweet potatoes? ›

Boiling sweet potatoes retains more beta-carotene and makes the nutrient more absorbable than other cooking methods such as baking or frying. Up to 92% of the nutrient can be retained by limiting the cook time, such as boiling in a pot with a tightly covered lid for 20 minutes.

Is Peanut Butter high in protein? ›

It's a good protein source

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of peanut butter contains ( 4 ): Carbohydrates: 22 grams of carbs (14% of calories), 5 of which are fiber. Protein: 22.5 grams of protein (14% of calories), which is quite a lot compared with most other plant foods.

How to get 60g of protein a day? ›

14 Easy Ways to Increase Your Protein Intake
  1. Eat your protein first. ...
  2. Snack on cheese. ...
  3. Replace cereal with eggs. ...
  4. Top your food with chopped almonds. ...
  5. Choose Greek yogurt. ...
  6. Have a protein shake for breakfast. ...
  7. Include a high protein food with every meal. ...
  8. Choose leaner, slightly larger cuts of meat.

What's the healthiest potato to eat? ›

Red Desiree Potatoes are part of the Red Potato family and are considered to be the healthiest of all potatoes, as they contain the highest levels of vitamins, minerals and healthy phytochemicals.

Does potato have more protein than rice? ›

Nutrients found in white rice:

Protein. Fibre – much less than potatoes. B vitamins and vitamin E in very small quantities. Calcium, manganese, magnesium, selenium, phosphorous, and iron in very small quantities.

How much protein is in oats? ›

Oat has a unique protein composition along with high protein content of 11–15 %.

How much protein is in a tomato? ›

Here are the nutrients in a small (100-gram) raw tomato ( 1 ): Calories: 18. Water: 95% Protein: 0.9 grams.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tuan Roob DDS

Last Updated:

Views: 5649

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tuan Roob DDS

Birthday: 1999-11-20

Address: Suite 592 642 Pfannerstill Island, South Keila, LA 74970-3076

Phone: +9617721773649

Job: Marketing Producer

Hobby: Skydiving, Flag Football, Knitting, Running, Lego building, Hunting, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Tuan Roob DDS, I am a friendly, good, energetic, faithful, fantastic, gentle, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.