Do Sweet Potatoes Have Protein?

Yes, but only a little. One 5-inch raw sweet potato weighing about 130 g contains around 2.0 g of protein.

Per 100 g, raw sweet potato contains approximately 1.6 g of protein.

Protein in sweet potato by serving

Sweet potato is mainly a carbohydrate-rich starchy vegetable. It contributes some protein, but the amount stays modest even in a full potato.

Serving Protein Calories
1/2 of a 5-inch sweet potato · 65 g 1.0 g 56 kcal
1 sweet potato, 5-inch · 130 g 2.0 g 112 kcal
1 cup raw cubes · 133 g 2.1 g 114 kcal
100 g raw 1.6 g 86 kcal

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Is sweet potato a high-protein food?

Sweet potato contains protein, but most of its calories come from carbohydrate.

A medium-sized 5-inch raw sweet potato provides only about 2 g of protein.

It works well as a carbohydrate and fiber source, but it should be paired with a more protein-dense food when protein is a priority.

How much sweet potato would provide 20–30 g of protein?

These amounts are intentionally shown for context: sweet potato is not a practical primary protein source.

~20 g protein

1.27 kg

~1092 kcal

~25 g protein

1.59 kg

~1367 kcal

~30 g protein

1.91 kg

~1643 kcal

Nutrition data and methodology

Nutrition and serving weights use USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy record 168482 for raw, unprepared sweet potato. It reports 1.57 g of protein and 86 kcal per 100 g, with one 5-inch sweet potato weighing about 130 g and one cup of cubes weighing about 133 g.

Cooking changes water content and can change the weight of the food, while added oil, butter or toppings change calories. Use a nutrition record that matches the state you weigh.

Common questions about protein in sweet potatoes

Do sweet potatoes have protein?

Yes. Raw sweet potato contains about 1.6 g of protein per 100 g.

How much protein is in one sweet potato?

A raw sweet potato about 5 inches long weighs around 130 g and contains approximately 2.0 g of protein.

How much protein is in a cup of sweet potato?

One cup of raw sweet potato cubes weighs about 133 g and contains approximately 2.1 g of protein.

Are sweet potatoes a good source of protein?

No. They contribute some protein, but the amount is low compared with protein-rich foods. Sweet potatoes are primarily a source of carbohydrate and fiber.

Does cooking sweet potato increase its protein?

Cooking does not create extra protein. It changes water content and weight, so protein per 100 g can differ depending on the cooking method and whether you compare raw or cooked weight.

How much protein should you eat per day?

Knowing that a 5-inch sweet potato has about 2.0 g of protein is useful. Knowing how that fits into your own daily protein and macro targets is more useful.