How Many Calories in Fava Beans? Nutrition Facts & Macros
100 grams of cooked fava beans has 110 calories
Protein 7.6g · Carbs 19.7g · Fat 0.4g
Fava beans have 110 calories per 100g — a protein-rich legume also known as broad beans. Excellent plant protein (7.6g) with very low fat (0.4g) and strong fiber (5.4g). Outstanding folate source (104µg = 26% DV) — one of the best among legumes. Good potassium (268mg) and iron (1.5mg). A staple in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines for thousands of years. Fresh in spring/summer, dried year-round.
460 kJ · per 100g · Water: 71.54 g
Calorie Calculator: Fava Beans
100 g Fava Beans contains 110 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup cooked (170g) | 187 kcal | 12.9g | 33.4g | 0.7g |
| ½ cup cooked (85g) | 94 kcal | 6.5g | 16.7g | 0.3g |
| 100 grams | 110 kcal | 7.6g | 19.7g | 0.4g |
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Fava Beans — Nutrition Facts
| Fava Beans | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Protein | 7.6 g |
| Fat | 0.4 g |
| Carbs | 19.65 g |
| Fiber | 5.4 g |
| Sugar | 1.82 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Potassium | 268 mg |
| Magnesium | 43 mg |
| Phosphorus | 125 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.072 mg |
| Folate | 104 mcg |
| Water | 71.54 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 173753) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Ful medames (Egyptian style)
Egypt's national breakfast dish — slow-cooked fava beans mashed with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin. Served with flatbread, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh vegetables. About 200-250 kcal per serving with oil. One of the oldest prepared dishes in the world, eaten daily by millions across the Middle East and North Africa.
Sautéed with herbs
Italian/Mediterranean preparation — blanched and double-peeled fava beans sautéed in olive oil with garlic, mint or dill, and a squeeze of lemon. Sometimes with pecorino cheese. The double-peeling removes the tough outer skin, revealing the bright green, tender bean inside. About 150-180 kcal per serving (beans + 1 tbsp olive oil).
In soup
Dried fava beans make excellent hearty soups — they break down into a thick, creamy base. Egyptian bessara (fava bean soup with cumin and dill), Sicilian maccu (puréed fava bean soup), or simple fava bean and vegetable soup. Dried beans are most common for soup. About 150-200 kcal per bowl depending on additions.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Fava beans are excellent for weight loss — 110 calories per 100g with 7.6g protein and 5.4g fiber for lasting satiety. Nearly fat-free (0.4g). High protein-to-calorie ratio keeps you full longer than many other carb sources. Use as a meat substitute in salads, bowls, or as a side dish. The fiber and protein combination slows digestion and stabilizes blood sugar.
For Athletic Performance
Good plant protein source for athletes — 7.6g per 100g with excellent folate (104µg for red blood cell production). The carb-to-protein ratio (2.6:1) is close to ideal for post-workout recovery. Good iron (1.5mg) and potassium (268mg). Combine with rice or grains for complete amino acid profile. Timing: good as a post-workout meal with a carb source.
For Keto
Fava beans have 14.3g net carbs per 100g (19.7g minus 5.4g fiber) — too high for strict keto as a main dish. A small serving of 50g (~7g net carbs) could fit as a side. Better keto legume alternatives: edamame (3.5g net carbs), black soybeans (2g net). If you want the fava flavor, use very small portions as a garnish rather than a base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in fava beans?
100g of cooked fava beans has 110 calories — 19.7g carbs (5.4g fiber = 14.3g net), 0.4g fat, 7.6g protein. One cup cooked (~170g) = 187 calories. Raw dried fava beans are ~341 kcal per 100g (they absorb water when cooked, nearly tripling in weight).
Are fava beans healthy?
Very healthy — high plant protein (7.6g), excellent fiber (5.4g), outstanding folate (104µg = 26% DV), good potassium (268mg), iron (1.5mg), and magnesium (43mg). Nearly fat-free (0.4g). Rich in L-dopa (a dopamine precursor). Cholesterol-free. One of the most nutrient-dense legumes.
What do fava beans taste like?
Creamy, slightly nutty, with an earthy sweetness. Young/fresh beans are tender and mild — almost buttery. Mature cooked beans are denser with a starchier texture. Dried and recooked are firmer with deeper flavor. The skin can be slightly bitter — many recipes call for double-peeling (removing both the pod and individual bean skin).
Are fava beans and broad beans the same thing?
Yes — fava beans (Vicia faba) are called 'broad beans' in British English, 'fèves' in French, 'fave' in Italian. Same legume, different names by region. In the US, 'fava' is more common; in the UK and Australia, 'broad beans' is standard.
Who should avoid fava beans?
People with G6PD deficiency (favism) — a genetic enzyme disorder common in Mediterranean, African, and Asian populations. Fava beans contain vicine and convicine which can trigger hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient individuals. Also, people taking MAO inhibitors should limit intake due to tyramine content.
How do you cook dried fava beans?
Soak overnight (8-12 hours). Drain, cover with fresh water, bring to boil, then simmer 45-60 minutes until tender. For faster prep: split dried fava beans (skin removed) cook in 30-40 minutes without soaking. Fresh in-pod beans just need 3-5 minutes blanching. Double-peel for the smoothest texture.
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