Split peas

plant-proteins

Split peas

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.7

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid
Is Split peas Healthy?

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

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
341kcal
Protein
24g
Carbs
60g
Fat
1.2g
Fiber
26g
Sugar
8.5g
Sodium
15mg

Diet Ratings

Keto2/10AVOID

Split peas contain approximately 21g net carbs per cooked cup. High carbohydrate content makes them unsuitable for ketogenic diets.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

Whole plant-based legume. Excellent protein and fiber source. No animal products or derivatives.

Paleo2/10AVOID

Legume product explicitly excluded from paleo. Contains lectins and phytic acid despite being dried/split. Not available to hunter-gatherers.

Mediterranean9/10APPROVED

Split peas are a legume with strong Mediterranean heritage, particularly in Greek and Turkish cuisines. Excellent source of plant protein, fiber, and micronutrients with minimal processing.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Legume; plant-derived with high carbohydrate and anti-nutrient content. Completely incompatible with carnivore diet principles.

Whole301/10AVOID

Split peas are legumes and explicitly excluded from Whole30, despite being a dried pea product.

Low-FODMAP2/10AVOID

Split peas are high in GOS. Monash University testing confirms high-FODMAP status even at modest portions.

DASH9/10APPROVED

Excellent DASH food. High in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and plant protein. Minimal sodium when prepared without salt. Strong cardiovascular benefits documented in DASH research.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Low glycemic index (~25-32) with decent protein content, but carb-dense. Zone-compatible as a carb source but requires measured portions. Better than higher-GI legumes but still requires careful balancing.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Legume with excellent anti-inflammatory credentials. High in fiber, polyphenols, and plant protein. Supports stable blood sugar and healthy gut microbiota, reducing systemic inflammation.

GLP-1 Friendly9/10APPROVED

Excellent protein (16g per cooked cup), very high fiber (16g per cup), low fat, nutrient-dense. Naturally soft texture aids digestion. Portion-friendly and highly satiating. Ideal GLP-1 food.

Controversy Index

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

Consensus7.7Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Split peas

Vegan 9/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Whole food
  • High protein content
  • Nutrient-dense
Mediterranean 9/10
  • Traditional Mediterranean legume
  • High protein and fiber
  • Minimal processing
  • Supports satiety
DASH 9/10
  • High fiber content
  • Rich in potassium
  • Plant-based protein
  • Low sodium (unsalted)
  • Supports blood pressure control
Zone 5/10
  • Low glycemic index
  • High carbohydrate density
  • Good plant protein
  • Portion control critical
  • High fiber
  • Polyphenol antioxidants
  • Plant protein
  • Low glycemic index
  • Resistant starch
  • High protein density
  • Very high fiber
  • Low fat
  • Soft, easy-to-digest texture
  • Nutrient-dense
Last reviewed: Our methodology