The price tag on the shelf tells you nothing useful. What matters is how many grams of protein you're getting per dollar — and that number changes every time gas prices shift, supply chains tighten, or your local store runs a sale.
This page exists to answer one specific question: at the price you actually pay for Dry Lentils in 2026, what is your true cost per 100g of protein? We also compare it head-to-head against Black Beans — its closest competitor in the Plant-Based category — so you know exactly when to switch.
Full Nutrition Profile: Dry Lentils
Here is the complete macronutrient breakdown for Dry Lentils per 100g, based on USDA nutritional data. This is the baseline we use for all cost-per-protein calculations on this page.
The Real Cost Breakdown: Dry Lentils in 2026
The formula for true protein cost is simple but almost nobody does this math at the store: Price ÷ Total Protein Grams × 100. Here is that math broken out in full for Dry Lentils at 2026 US average prices.
| Calculation Step | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Package price | $1.89 | 2026 US national average (1 lb bag (dry)) |
| Protein content | 9g / 100g | USDA nutritional data |
| Total protein per unit | ~90g | 200g × 5 servings |
| Cost per gram of protein | $0.0042 | $1.89 ÷ 90g |
| True cost per 100g of protein | $0.416 | The number that actually matters |
| National ranking | #13 | Out of 24 tracked protein sources (cheapest = #1) |
Dry lentils are the single cheapest protein source available at any US grocery store when measured by cost per gram of protein. At $1.89/lb, a one-pound bag of dry lentils yields 5+ servings of 18g protein each — for about $0.38 per serving. Cook time is just 20 minutes with no soaking required.
Dry Lentils vs Black Beans: Direct Comparison
The most useful comparison for Dry Lentils is against Black Beans — the closest competing protein source in the same category. Here is the head-to-head at 2026 national average prices.
$1.89 per 1 lb bag (dry)
9g protein per 100g food
5/5 value rating
Use the calculator below to enter local prices for both items and find which one wins in your specific market.
Green and brown lentils hold their shape better for salads and grain bowls. Red lentils break down into a thick, creamy texture perfect for soups and dals. Both are nutritionally identical.
Local Price Calculator — Find Your Exact Cost
National averages don't apply to your Kroger. Enter the price you actually pay for Dry Lentils and get your real cost per 100g of protein. Optionally, enter what you pay for Black Beans to see which one wins in your market.
2026 National Protein Cost Rankings
Below are the top 8 cheapest protein sources tracked by DailyReport247 in 2026, ranked by cost per 100g of protein at US national average prices. Dry Lentils ranks #13.
| # | Protein Source | Category | Cost / 100g Protein | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🥤 Whey Protein Concentrate | Supplements | $0.156 | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | 🌱 Plant Protein Powder (Pea/Rice blend) | Supplements | $0.201 | ★★★★☆ |
| 3 | 🥛 Whey Protein Isolate | Supplements | $0.209 | ★★★★★ |
| 4 | 🍖 Chicken Thighs | Poultry | $0.211 | ★★★★★ |
| 5 | 🥛 Skim Milk | Eggs & Dairy | $0.254 | ★★★★★ |
| 6 | 🫘 Black Beans (canned) | Plant-Based | $0.262 | ★★★★★ |
| 7 | 🫘 Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) | Plant-Based | $0.288 | ★★★★☆ |
| 8 | 🐟 Canned Tuna (Chunk Light) | Fish & Seafood | $0.302 | ★★★★★ |
These rankings shift when you factor in local store prices, bulk buying, and sale cycles. Use the calculator above to find the true winner for your specific situation.
Where to Buy Dry Lentils Cheapest in the US
The national average is just a baseline. Prices for Dry Lentilsvary by as much as 40–60% depending on store, region, and whether you're buying in bulk.
Bulk bins at Whole Foods (surprisingly competitive), Walmart Great Value bag, or Aldi.
The single highest-impact change most US shoppers can make is switching from buying individual packages to bulk or multi-packs. On Dry Lentils, this typically reduces the per-unit cost by 25–45% — which translates directly to a lower cost-per-100g-protein. Run that number through the calculator above to see the exact impact in dollar terms.
How 2026 Grocery Inflation Affects Dry Lentils Prices
The USDA Economic Research Service projects all food prices will rise 3.6% in 2026, but the impact varies dramatically by category:
| Protein Category | 2026 USDA Price Forecast | Impact on Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Beef & Veal | +10.1% | High — most expensive protein category in 2026 |
| Fish & Seafood | +5.2% | Moderate — canned varieties much more stable than fresh |
| Pork | +1.3% | Low — best value meat category in 2026 |
| Poultry | +0.3% | Very low — most stable major protein in 2026 |
| Eggs & Dairy | −2.1% | Prices declining — best buying opportunity in 2026 |
| Plant-Based / Grains | +2.8% | Moderate — still among the cheapest calories and protein |
Plant-Based items face moderate 2026 inflation pressure — roughly in line with the 3.6% overall grocery forecast. Buying in bulk and timing purchases around sales remains the best hedge.