Is Peanut Chutney High in Protein?

November 18, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, peanuts themselves are considered a protein powerhouse, containing approximately 25 grams of protein per 100 grams. This high-protein legume is the primary ingredient in peanut chutney, suggesting that the popular Indian condiment can indeed offer a significant protein boost to your meals. However, the exact amount can vary based on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

Quick Summary

Peanut chutney is a good source of plant-based protein due to its main ingredient, peanuts. The protein content varies depending on the recipe, but it is generally higher than many other traditional chutneys. This flavorful condiment can be a great addition to vegetarian and vegan diets.

Key Points

High Protein Source: Yes, peanut chutney is high in protein, thanks to its primary ingredient, peanuts.
Varies by Recipe: The exact protein amount depends on the ratio of peanuts to other ingredients like water and oil.
More Protein than Other Chutneys: Peanut chutney generally contains significantly more protein than coconut, mint, or tomato chutneys.
Supports Vegetarian Diets: It's an excellent plant-based protein option for vegetarians and vegans.
Beyond Protein: Besides protein, it offers healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Beneficial for Satiety: The protein and fiber content help promote a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
Easy to Boost: You can further increase the protein content by adjusting ingredient ratios or adding seeds.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Peanuts

Peanuts, the core ingredient in peanut chutney, are renowned for their nutritional value. They are not only a rich source of plant-based protein but also contain healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, fiber, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. The protein in peanuts is considered high-quality, making it an excellent choice for those following vegetarian and vegan diets.

How Protein-Rich are Peanuts?

In 100 grams of raw peanuts, you can find around 25.8 grams of protein. This impressive figure places them among the highest-protein nuts and legumes available. While the protein content remains relatively consistent across different preparations, such as roasting, the final protein count in a chutney can be affected by other added ingredients.

The Protein Content of Peanut Chutney

Peanut chutney’s protein level is directly influenced by the quantity of peanuts used and other ingredients in the recipe. A typical 100-gram serving of peanut chutney can contain anywhere from 12 to 19 grams of protein, depending on the preparation. This makes it a considerably more protein-dense condiment than many others, such as coconut or mint chutney.

Factors Affecting Chutney's Protein Content

The Peanut-to-Other-Ingredient Ratio: Recipes that use a higher proportion of peanuts to other ingredients like water, oil, and spices will naturally have a higher protein concentration.
Preparation Method: The protein content in dry peanut chutney powder (like Shengdana Chutney) may be higher by weight compared to a wetter, paste-like chutney, as the latter contains water.
Serving Size: The protein contribution is also dependent on the serving size. A standard 15-gram tablespoon serving might provide around 2 grams of protein.

Comparison: Peanut Chutney vs. Other Chutneys

When looking to add a protein-rich condiment to your meal, it is useful to compare peanut chutney with other popular varieties. While most chutneys are flavorful, they are often not a significant source of protein. This is where peanut chutney stands out.


Chutney Type	Primary Ingredients	Protein Content (per 100g, approx.)	Key Nutritional Benefit	Contribution to Protein Intake
Peanut Chutney	Peanuts, chilies, spices, tamarind	12-19 grams	High in protein and healthy fats	High
Coconut Chutney	Coconut, chilies, ginger	1-3 grams	Good source of healthy fats	Low
Mint Chutney	Mint, coriander, green chilies	0.5-2 grams	Rich in antioxidants and vitamins	Very Low
Tomato Chutney	Tomatoes, onions, spices	1-2 grams	High in vitamin C	Very Low

How to Increase the Protein in Your Chutney

For those seeking to maximize the protein content, there are several modifications you can make to a standard peanut chutney recipe:

Use a higher ratio of roasted peanuts to water or oil when blending.
Add a handful of other protein-rich seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Include a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of unsalted protein powder (unflavored) when blending for an extra boost.

Health Benefits Beyond Protein

In addition to its protein content, peanut chutney offers several other health benefits thanks to its core ingredient, peanuts.

Heart Health: Peanuts contain monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Antioxidant Properties: Peanuts are rich in polyphenolic antioxidants, like p-coumaric acid and resveratrol, which combat free radical damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Weight Management: The combination of protein, fat, and fiber in peanuts promotes satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer and potentially reducing overall food intake.

Essential Nutrients: Peanuts are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including biotin, niacin (B3), folate (B9), manganese, and magnesium.

Conclusion: A High-Protein, Flavorful Condiment

So, is peanut chutney high in protein? The answer is a clear yes. Derived from protein-dense peanuts, this versatile Indian condiment provides a substantial protein boost compared to many other chutneys. While the exact nutritional profile can vary with the recipe, it is undoubtedly a great addition for anyone looking to increase their plant-based protein intake. By understanding the core ingredients and how to optimize your recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious condiment that supports your dietary goals. As with any food, moderation is key, especially given its higher fat and calorie content.

Visit Healthline for more detailed peanut nutritional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in moderation. The high protein and fiber content can increase satiety and reduce overall food intake, which can support weight management efforts. However, it is also high in calories, so portion control is important.

A single tablespoon (about 15 grams) of peanut chutney can contain approximately 2 grams of protein, depending on the recipe's composition. This can vary if other ingredients like yogurt or seeds are added.

Yes, peanut chutney contains healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from the peanuts. These fats are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol.

Dry peanut chutney powder is often more protein-dense by weight because it lacks the water content found in wet chutneys. For example, some dry chutneys can have up to 19 grams of protein per 100 grams.

To reduce the calorie count, you can use less oil in the tempering process. Using a higher ratio of peanuts to spices and less fat-heavy ingredients can also help.

Yes, most traditional peanut chutney recipes are naturally vegan. They typically consist of peanuts, spices, chilies, and tamarind. Just ensure no dairy products like yogurt are added.

Peanut chutney is a versatile condiment that pairs excellently with a variety of dishes. It is commonly served with South Indian breakfast items like idli, dosa, and uttapam. It also works well as a sandwich spread, a dip for snacks, or a sauce for wraps.