USDA macros joined to US grocery prices, July 2026. Ranked cheapest first.
| # | Food | $/g protein | 30 g costs | Protein/100 kcal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oats (dry) | $0.009 | $0.27 | 4.3 g |
| 2 | Soybeans (dried, raw) | $0.010 | $0.29 | 8.2 g |
| 3 | Wheat flour (all-purpose) | $0.012 | $0.35 | 2.8 g |
| 4 | Vital wheat gluten | $0.013 | $0.40 | 20.3 g |
| 5 | Peanuts (raw) | $0.017 | $0.52 | 4.6 g |
| 6 | Split peas (cooked) | $0.022 | $0.65 | 7.2 g |
| 7 | Peanut butter | $0.022 | $0.66 | 4.3 g |
| 8 | Lentils (cooked) | $0.022 | $0.67 | 7.8 g |
| 9 | Tofu (firm) | $0.024 | $0.71 | 11.8 g |
| 10 | Black beans (cooked) | $0.025 | $0.74 | 6.7 g |
| 11 | Cottage cheese (lowfat) | $0.027 | $0.82 | 13.1 g |
| 12 | Whey protein (1 scoop) | $0.031 | $0.94 | 20.0 g |
| 13 | Edamame | $0.033 | $1.00 | 9.9 g |
| 14 | Greek yogurt (nonfat) | $0.035 | $1.05 | 16.9 g |
| 15 | Milk (2%) | $0.035 | $1.06 | 6.8 g |
| 16 | Eggs (~2 large) | $0.036 | $1.07 | 8.8 g |
| 17 | Chicken breast (raw) | $0.040 | $1.20 | 18.8 g |
| 18 | Canned tuna (in water) | $0.042 | $1.27 | 22.4 g |
| 19 | Turkey breast (raw) | $0.044 | $1.31 | 21.6 g |
| 20 | Egg whites (liquid) | $0.046 | $1.38 | 21.0 g |
| 21 | Tilapia (raw) | $0.048 | $1.43 | 20.8 g |
| 22 | Sardines (canned in oil) | $0.055 | $1.65 | 11.8 g |
| 23 | Ground beef 90/10 (raw) | $0.055 | $1.65 | 11.4 g |
| 24 | Quinoa (cooked) | $0.068 | $2.05 | 3.7 g |
| 25 | Beef jerky | $0.166 | $4.97 | 8.1 g |