Edamame

vegetables

Edamame

6/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.2

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve2 caution4 avoid
Is Edamame Healthy?

It depends — Edamame is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
121kcal
Protein
11g
Carbs
8.9g
Fat
5.2g
Fiber
5.2g
Sugar
2.2g
Sodium
6mg

Diet Ratings

Keto5/10CAUTION

Edamame contains approximately 6g net carbs per 100g. Moderate portions (1 cup) can fit into keto macros, but legume classification and carb density require careful tracking.

iSome keto practitioners embrace edamame as a legume exception due to superior protein content (11g per 100g) and micronutrient profile, viewing it as acceptable for flexible keto approaches.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

Whole plant food legume with no animal products. Complete protein source with all essential amino acids.

Paleo2/10AVOID

Soy product. Legume with high phytic acid, lectins, and potential endocrine disruptors. Excluded from paleo diet.

Mediterranean8/10APPROVED

Young soybeans providing complete protein, fiber, and minerals. While not traditionally Mediterranean, fits core principles of plant-based legume consumption and minimal processing.

Carnivore2/10AVOID

Legume (soybean) product with plant-based protein and carbohydrates. Legumes explicitly excluded from carnivore diet. Additional concerns regarding phytoestrogens.

Whole301/10AVOID

Edamame are immature soybeans. Soy is explicitly excluded from Whole30.

Low-FODMAP1/10AVOID

Edamame (immature soybeans) are high in GOS. Monash University rates edamame as high-FODMAP due to oligosaccharide content, even at small portions.

DASH9/10APPROVED

Excellent plant-based protein source with fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Low sodium when unsalted. Core DASH legume food supporting cardiovascular health.

Zone6/10CAUTION

Legume with balanced protein and carbs but higher overall carb load than lean proteins. Provides complete amino acids and some monounsaturated fat. Usable as protein block but requires careful portioning; higher carb density than fish or poultry.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Young soybeans with strong anti-inflammatory properties. Excellent source of plant-based protein, isoflavones, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Whole food form avoids processing concerns of soy isolates. Well-supported by research for anti-inflammatory benefits.

GLP-1 Friendly9/10APPROVED

Exceptional protein source (11g per 100g cooked) with good fiber (2.2g per 100g) and low fat. Plant-based complete protein, nutrient-dense, and portion-friendly. Ideal for meeting protein targets on GLP-1.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.2Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Edamame

Keto 5/10
  • 6g net carbs per 100g
  • 11g protein per 100g
  • Legume with higher carb load
  • Portion control essential
Vegan 9/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Complete protein
  • Whole food
  • High nutrient density
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Complete plant protein
  • High fiber and minerals
  • Minimally processed
  • Legume-based
DASH 9/10
  • High plant protein
  • Rich in fiber and minerals
  • Low sodium (unsalted)
  • Supports healthy lipid profile
Zone 6/10
  • Complete protein source
  • Moderate carb content
  • Contains monounsaturated fats
  • Portion control essential
  • complete plant protein
  • isoflavones with anti-inflammatory effects
  • omega-3 content
  • high fiber
  • whole food form
  • minimal processing
  • High protein (11g per 100g)
  • Complete amino acid profile
  • Good fiber content
  • Low fat
  • Portion-friendly
Last reviewed: Our methodology
Is Edamame Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai