Quinoa vs Amaranth: Calories & Nutrition Showdown



Quinoa - calories, kcal, weight, nutrition
Quinoa - calories, kcal, weight, nutrition

Quinoa vs Amaranth
Nutrition Facts

Quinoa
Serving size:
  change
handful (35g)tablespoon (15g)cup (185g)half cup (92.5g)
5g10g15g20g30g40g50g60g80g100g120g140g160g180g200g220g250g300g350g400g450g500g600g700g800g900g1000g
1oz2oz3oz4oz5oz6oz7oz8oz10oz12oz15oz20oz25oz30oz35oz40oz50oz

Amount Per Serving:
Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat g
0%

Cholesterol mg
0%

Sodium mg
0%

Total Carbohydrates g
0%

Dietary Fiber g
0%

Protein g
0%

Calcium mg
0%

Iron mg
0%

Potassium mg
0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) shows how much a nutrient in one serving of food contributes to your total daily diet. A 2000-calorie daily intake is used as a general guideline for nutrition advice.
Amaranth
Serving size:
  change
tablespoon (14g)teaspoon (5g)glass (200g)small glass (37g)cup (246g)half cup (123g)
5g10g15g20g30g40g50g60g80g100g120g140g160g180g200g220g250g300g350g400g450g500g600g700g800g900g1000g
1oz2oz3oz4oz5oz6oz7oz8oz10oz12oz15oz20oz25oz30oz35oz40oz50oz

Amount Per Serving:
Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat g
0%

Saturated Fat g
0%

Cholesterol mg
0%

Sodium mg
0%

Total Carbohydrates g
0%

Dietary Fiber g
0%

Protein g
0%

Vitaminium C mg
0%

Calcium mg
0%

Iron mg
0%

Potassium mg
0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) shows how much a nutrient in one serving of food contributes to your total daily diet. A 2000-calorie daily intake is used as a general guideline for nutrition advice.

Quinoa vs Amaranth 100g Compare


per 100gQuinoaAmaranth
Calories368 409
Carbohydrates64.16 g67 g
Fat6.07 g8 g
Dietary fiber7 g6.7 g
Protein14.12 g17 g
Calcium47 mg159 mg
Iron4.57 mg7.6 mg
Magnessium197 mg248 mg
Phosphorus457 mg557 mg
Potassium563 mg508 mg
Sodium5 mg0.01 mg
Zink3.1 mg2.9 mg

When it comes to superfoods, quinoa and amaranth are often mentioned in the same breath. Both grains (though technically, quinoa is a pseudocereal) have been cultivated for thousands of years, revered by ancient civilizations for their nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking. Quinoa, once called "the gold of the Incas," is well-known for its complete protein profile, while amaranth, consumed by the Aztecs, is celebrated for its impressive mineral content. But how do these ancient grains compare when we look closely at their nutritional makeup?

A Nutritional Overview

Quinoa and amaranth are both excellent sources of nutrients, offering a wide range of vitamins and minerals alongside their high protein and fiber content. They're both gluten-free, making them popular choices for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. When comparing quinoa vs amaranth, particularly focusing on calories, amaranth is slightly higher in calories, with 409 calories per 100 grams compared to quinoa's 368. This difference may be significant for those closely monitoring their calorie intake.

Delving into the Details

Looking at the carbohydrates, both grains are relatively similar, with amaranth leading slightly at 67 grams per 100 grams, compared to quinoa's 64.16 grams. However, quinoa provides a bit more fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. In the fats department, amaranth contains more total fat and saturated fat, which might be a consideration for those watching their fat intake.

Protein is a highlight for both grains, with amaranth edging out quinoa at 17 grams per 100 grams, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans looking to boost their protein intake. When it comes to micronutrients, amaranth is a powerhouse of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, generally offering higher levels than quinoa. This makes amaranth an excellent choice for bone health and energy production.

Quinoa and Amaranth in the Kitchen

Beyond nutrition, both quinoa and amaranth are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Quinoa has a slightly nutty flavor and a fluffy texture when cooked, making it a great base for salads, a side dish for meats, or even a breakfast cereal. Amaranth, on the other hand, has a more distinct, earthy taste and a sticky texture, which works well in porridges, soups, and as a thickener for sauces.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between quinoa and amaranth ultimately comes down to personal preference and nutritional needs. For those looking to increase their protein intake without significantly upping their calorie consumption, quinoa might be the better choice. However, if you're aiming to boost your intake of minerals like calcium and iron, amaranth could be the way to go. Both grains offer unique flavors and textures to explore in your cooking, making them exciting additions to any diet.

In conclusion, both quinoa and amaranth are nutritious, versatile grains that can enrich your diet. Whether you lean towards quinoa for its protein and fiber or amaranth for its mineral content, incorporating these ancient grains into your meals is a tasty way to boost your nutritional intake. Try experimenting with both to discover which one best fits your dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

Quinoa 100g

368kcal

Calories source

  • 70% CARBS.
  • 15% PROTEIN
  • 15% FAT

Amaranth 100g

409kcal

Calories source

  • 66% CARBS
  • 17% PROTEIN
  • 18% FAT
Marcin Piotrowicz
Author of this page
Marcin Piotrowicz

calories-info.com creator
Healthy diet and healthy lifestyle promoter

All information about nutrition on this website was created with help of information from the official United States Department of Agriculture database.

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