Quinoa vs Rice Nutritional Value - Carbs, Glycemic Index, Calories & More

by Arpi Gasparyan | Last updated on November 14, 2024

Medically reviewed by Victoria Mazmanyan

Summary

In summary, quinoa is 1.6 times richer in protein, 7 times richer in fat and dietary fiber compared to white rice. Quinoa is 16 times richer in vitamin E and over 6 times richer in vitamin B2, whereas white rice is higher in calories and net carbs, as well as vitamins B1, B3, folate, and selenium.

Whole-grain brown rice has nutritional superiority over refined white rice.

Quinoa and brown rice are associated with more beneficial impacts on health as a healthy pseudocereal, rich in dietary fiber, proteins, and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, whereas refined or white rice lacks dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins due to having the germ and the bran removed.

Introduction

Quinoa and rice are crops that have been known to humanity for centuries. On the one hand, we have rice - one of the most consumed cereal grains worldwide, and on the other hand, there is quinoa, which started gaining popularity again in recent years. In this article, the two will be compared for their nutritional quality and impact on health.

Classification

Rice is the seed of swamp grass belonging to the Oryza genus and the sativa (Asian rice) or glaberrima (African rice) species. The grass belongs to the Poaceae or Gramineae family, also known as grasses, and includes corn, wheat, millets, rye, and barley.

Quinoa belongs to the Chenopodium genus and Amaranthaceae family. The Amaranth family includes pseudocereal amaranth, lamb’s quarter, spinach, beets, and chard.

Quinoa is classified as a pseudocereal, whereas brown rice is a whole grain and white rice is a refined grain.

Appearance

Rice grains have long, thin seeds. Depending on the variety, rice can be white, red, brown, or black.

Uncooked quinoa looks like birdseed, whereas cooked quinoa pops open and is described to look like worms or tadpoles. Quinoa also comes in different colors, such as white, red, and black.

Types & Varieties

Rice, classified by its kernel size, can be long-grain (jasmine and basmati rice), medium-grain (risotto rice: carnaroli and arborio, japonica rice, forbidden black rice), and short-grain (sushi rice and glutinous rice).

Rice color differs by the degree of milling or hulling. White rice has the hull, bran, and germ removed, while brown, red, and black rice have only their hulls removed. Due to being inedible, the hull is removed in all types of rice.

Wild rice is not directly related to rice species.

The most common types of quinoa are red, white, black, tri-color or rainbow quinoa, quinoa flakes, and quinoa flour.

Quinoa flakes are mechanically pressed quinoa grains.

Quinoa flour is a commonly used alternative to wheat flour, as it is similar in texture and taste but is gluten-free.

Nutrition

Nutritional values in this article are presented for 100g servings of cooked, enriched, long-grained white rice and cooked quinoa.

Macronutrients and Calories

Rice is denser in nutrients compared to quinoa. Quinoa contains 72% water, while brown rice contains 70%, and white rice contains 68% water.

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison

Quinoa

Protein: 4.4 g

Fats: 1.92 g

Carbs: 21.3 g

Water: 71.61 g

Other: 0.77 g

Rice

Protein: 2.69 g

Fats: 0.28 g

Carbs: 28.17 g

Water: 68.44 g

Other: 0.42 g

Contains more ProteinProtein	+63.6%
Contains more FatsFats	+585.7%
Contains more OtherOther	+83.3%

Contains more CarbsCarbs

+32.3%

~equal in Water ~68.44g

The serving size of these foods is one cup. One cup of quinoa weighs 185g. One cup of white rice is 158g, whereas one cup of brown rice weighs 202g.

Calories

Both of these foods are high-calorie foods. A hundred grams of quinoa contains 120 calories. A hundred grams of brown rice contains 123 calories, while the same serving of white rice has 130 calories.

Carbohydrates

Rice and quinoa are high in carbohydrates; however, white rice contains 7g more carbohydrates per 100g serving.

Quinoa contains a higher level of dietary fiber. It contains 1.75 times more dietary fiber than brown rice and 7 times more than white rice. Due to having outer layers removed from white rice, it contains low levels of dietary fiber.

White rice provides 9g more net carbs or digestible carbs per 100g serving. Equal 100g servings of white rice and quinoa contain 27.8g and 18.5g of net carbs, respectively.

Most of the net carbs found in these grains are made up of starch.

Protein

Quinoa is richer in proteins compared to rice, providing 4.4g of protein per 100g serving, while white rice has 2.7g.

Quinoa and rice contain some levels of all essential amino acids. Quinoa is over 2 times richer in histidine and lysine and higher in other amino acids as well.

Fats

These foods are low in fats. Nonetheless, quinoa contains almost 7 times more fat than white rice and almost 2 times more fat than brown rice.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison

Quinoa

Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 0.231 g

Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0.528 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 1.078 g

Rice

Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 0.077 g

Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0.088 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.076 g

Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat	+500%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat	+1318.4%

Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat

-66.7%

Quinoa and rice are naturally absent in cholesterol.

Vitamins

Quinoa is almost 8.5 times richer in vitamin B2 than white rice and 1.5 times richer than brown rice. It is also 16 times richer in vitamin E than white rice and 3.7 times richer than brown rice.

Vitamin B3 - brown rice is over six times richer in vitamin B3 than quinoa. Brown rice is richer in this vitamin compared to white rice as well.

Enriched white rice is slightly higher in vitamin B9 or folate than quinoa. White rice is also a better source of vitamins B1 and B5.

Quinoa and rice are absent in vitamins C, D, and B12. Some vitamin A levels are found only in quinoa.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Quinoa

Rice

Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A	+∞%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E	+1475%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2	+746.2%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6	+32.3%
Contains more CholineCholine	+995.2%

Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1	+52.3%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3	+258.3%
Contains more FolateFolate	+38.1%

~equal in Vitamin C ~0mg

~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg

~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

~equal in Vitamin K ~0µg

Minerals

Quinoa is richer in all principal minerals compared to white rice: iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, phosphorus, and choline. Quinoa is richer in all minerals, except for manganese, compared to brown rice.

More specifically, quinoa provides 5 times more potassium and magnesium, 4 times more phosphorus, and 3 times more copper.

On the other hand, brown rice is richer in most minerals, except for iron and calcium, compared to white rice.

White rice contains less sodium compared to brown rice and quinoa. Enriched white rice is also almost 3 times higher in selenium.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Quinoa

Rice

Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium	+433.3%
Contains more CalciumCalcium	+70%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium	+391.4%
Contains more IronIron	+24.2%
Contains more CopperCopper	+178.3%
Contains more ZincZinc	+122.4%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus	+253.5%
Contains more ManganeseManganese	+33.7%

Contains less SodiumSodium	-85.7%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium	+167.9%

Glycemic Index

One quinoa variety is studied to be a medium glycemic index food. The glycemic index of cooked quinoa ranges from 51 to 78, with an average of 63 (1). However, according to The International Tables of Glycemic Index Values, the mean glycemic index of cooked quinoa is low, equal to 53±5 (2).

The glycemic index of rice varies depending on its variety, dietary fiber content, cooking method, and brand.

The average glycemic index of cooked white Basmati rice is 60 while quick-cooking Basmati rice has a higher glycemic value of 65. Jasmine white rice has a significantly higher glycemic index value of 89 (2).

As expected, brown rice has a lower average glycemic index of 50 (2).

Overall, rice has a wide range of glycemic indices, tending to fall from the medium to high category.

Insulin Index

The insulin index demonstrates how much the intake of a certain food raises insulin index levels in the blood.

The insulin index of brown rice is 62, whereas the insulin index of white rice is 79 (3). The insulin indices for Basmati and Jasmine rice are 57 and 76, respectively (4). These are medium to high insulin index values.

The insulin index value of quinoa has not yet been researched.

Acidity

Rice is considered to be slightly acidic. The pH value of cooked white rice ranges from 6.00 to 6.70. The pH value of cooked brown rice falls from 6.20 to 6.80. On the other hand, rice crispies are more acidic, with a pH value ranging from 5.40 to 5.73 (5).

Quinoa, in particular children’s quinoa, can be from slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH value ranging from 6.22 to 6.98 (6).

The PRAL or potential renal acid load value shows how much base or acid the consumed food produces in the organism.

The PRAL values for quinoa and white rice have been calculated to be 2.3 and 1.7, respectively. This means quinoa is more acid-producing.

Weight Loss & Diets

Even though these foods are high in calories, they are also rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins and low in fats. Quinoa is also rich in dietary fiber as well.

Quinoa is the better choice for low-calorie and low-carb diets. On the other hand, rice is a better choice for a low-fat diet.

Both quinoa and rice can be consumed during the DASH diet.

Quinoa and brown rice are consumed during the Mediterranean and anti-inflammatory diets as well. As a refined grain, white rice doesn’t suit these diets.

White rice is part of the BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. The BRAT diet was recommended for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; however, the experts say the diet has not been proven to work and can even lead to malnutrition and prolonged symptoms.

Several studies suggest that white rice consumption, but not brown, mixed, or multi-grain rice, may lead to body weight gain (7, 8). Compared to white rice, a brown rice diet may decrease weight, waist and hip circumference, and BMI (9). Quinoa consumption is also associated with body weight loss, reduced appetite, and improved lipid profile (10).

Health Impact

Quinoa is a healthy pseudocereal, rich in dietary fiber, proteins, and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, whereas refined or white rice lacks dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins due to having the germ and the bran removed. This section will provide information about the health benefits and risks of these foods.

Health Benefits

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan

Daily consumption of 50g of quinoa lowers serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. Reduced triglyceride levels may potentially lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (10). The current evidence suggests quinoa may be effective in preventing and controlling cardiovascular disease in humans; however, more research needs to be done (11).

Quinoa and brown rice are rich in dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is inversely associated with cardiovascular and coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis risks. Dietary fiber intake may also reduce arterial blood pressure (12, 13).

Several large studies have concluded that greater white or brown rice consumption is not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular or coronary heart disease (14, 15).

However, white rice is positively associated with several cardiovascular risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Nonetheless, another study claims it adds no additional risk of cardiovascular disease (14, 16).

Diabetes

Quinoa’s secondary bioactive metabolites are known to have antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Several components, such as dietary fiber, protein, 20HE, and polyphenols, may be protective against type 2 diabetes and metabolic complications of obesity (17, 18).

Substitution of brown rice for white rice may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and positively affect blood glucose levels (19, 20).

Digestive Health

Due to its potential prebiotic effects, quinoa may improve gastrointestinal health by enhancing beneficial bacteria growth (21, 22).

One animal study has demonstrated that differently processed red quinoa seeds revealed gastroprotective effects against alcohol-induced acute stomach injury (23).

As previously mentioned, quinoa and brown rice are rich in dietary fiber, which is studied to be protective against certain gastrointestinal diseases: constipation, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, diverticulitis, duodenal ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease (24, 25, 26, 27).

Cancer

Several isoflavones and other bioactive compounds found in quinoa are studied to have cytotoxic, anticancer, antiproliferative, or chemoprotective activity on hormone-independent cervical, breast, prostate cancer cells, leukemia, and potentially colon cancer cells (17).

A multi-grain rice diet may be inversely associated with the risk of breast cancer (28).

Rice by-products contain phytochemicals that can act as chemopreventive dietary agents (29).

One study has concluded that long-term consumption of white or brown rice has not been associated with a higher risk of developing cancer (30).

Downsides and Risks

Diabetes

Higher regular consumption of white rice is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The risks are more significant in South Asian countries (31, 32).

Replacing refined grains, such as white rice and white bread, with whole grains, such as brown rice, dark bread, and bran, may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (33).

Metal Poisoning

Brown and white rice have been reported to have high median concentrations of toxic heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium. However, only arsenic concentrations have been reported to exceed the codex standard.

The germ layer in brown rice has been shown to retain inorganic arsenic, leading to a higher arsenic concentration level compared to white rice (34).

According to the World Health Organization, long-term exposure to arsenic can cause bladder and lung cancers, as well as skin lesions. It has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and neurocognitive defects in children (35).

Alternating or coupling rice with other grains, such as wheat, barley, lentils, oats, beans, or peas, may reduce exposure to toxic metals and provide more essential nutrients to the rice diet (34).

References

Author name: Arpi Gasparyan

Education: General Medicine at YSMU

Last updated: November 14, 2024

Medically reviewed by Victoria Mazmanyan

Infographic

Infographic link

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.


Lower in Sugar
Lower in Sodium
Lower in Saturated Fat
Lower in Glycemic Index
Lower in price
Rich in minerals
Lower in Cholesterol	Equal
Rich in vitamins	Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient			Opinion
Calories	120kcal	130kcal
Protein	4.4g	2.69g
Fats	1.92g	0.28g
Net carbs	18.5g	27.77g
Carbs	21.3g	28.17g
Magnesium	64mg	12mg
Calcium	17mg	10mg
Potassium	172mg	35mg
Iron	1.49mg	1.2mg
Sugar	0.87g	0.05g
Fiber	2.8g	0.4g
Copper	0.192mg	0.069mg
Zinc	1.09mg	0.49mg
Starch	17.63g
Phosphorus	152mg	43mg
Sodium	7mg	1mg
Vitamin A	5IU	0IU
Vitamin E	0.63mg	0.04mg
Manganese	0.631mg	0.472mg
Selenium	2.8µg	7.5µg
Vitamin B1	0.107mg	0.163mg
Vitamin B2	0.11mg	0.013mg
Vitamin B3	0.412mg	1.476mg
Vitamin B5		0.39mg
Vitamin B6	0.123mg	0.093mg
Folate	42µg	58µg
Choline	23mg	2.1mg
Saturated Fat	0.231g	0.077g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.528g	0.088g
Polyunsaturated fat	1.078g	0.076g
Tryptophan	0.052mg	0.031mg
Threonine	0.131mg	0.096mg
Isoleucine	0.157mg	0.116mg
Leucine	0.261mg	0.222mg
Lysine	0.239mg	0.097mg
Methionine	0.096mg	0.063mg
Phenylalanine	0.185mg	0.144mg
Valine	0.185mg	0.164mg
Histidine	0.127mg	0.063mg
Omega-3 - DHA	0.015g	0g

Which food is preferable for your diet?

Low Calories diet

Low Fats diet

Low Carbs diet

Low Glycemic Index diet

is better in case of low diet


Low Calories diet
Low Fats diet
Low Carbs diet
Low Glycemic Index diet

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Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).

Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score

11%

12%

Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

38%

22%

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Sugar?

Rice is lower in Sugar (difference - 0.82g)

Which food contains less Sodium?

Rice contains less Sodium (difference - 6mg)

Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?

Rice is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.154g)

Which food is lower in glycemic index?

Quinoa is lower in glycemic index (difference - 7)

Which food is cheaper?

Quinoa is cheaper (difference - $1)

Which food is richer in minerals?

Quinoa is relatively richer in minerals

Which food contains less Cholesterol?

The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)

Which food is richer in vitamins?

It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.