Quinoa vs Brown Rice?! Difference?

AimersBee
AimersBee Posts: 775 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I hear a lot of good things about quinoa, just wondering what the huge difference is between other similar products.. I see a lot of people say quinoa instead of brown rice, for example...

Generic - Quinoa Cooked, 0.5 cup
Carbs:111
Fat:20
Protein:4
Sodium:7


Rice - Brown, medium-grain, cooked, 0.5 cup
Carbs:109
Fat:23
Protein:2
Sodium:1

Replies

  • MalloryCurrent
    MalloryCurrent Posts: 62 Member
    Never had quinoa but I really want to try it. Putting it on my shopping list. I know im not much help haha
  • soygurl
    soygurl Posts: 44 Member
    They're really very different IMO. Quinoa is higher in protein than brown rice, and in addition to that, it contains a "complete" protein (all the essential amino acids) while brown rice does not. Quinoa is also very high in iron and trace minerals. I think both are great, and variety is important, so I suggest eating both!
  • maremare312
    maremare312 Posts: 1,143 Member
    You need to label your units of measurement. What does 20 fat mean? it's obviously not 20 grams. Percent of total calories? Number of Calories? Why do you not have total calories or list fiber? None of this is helpful or a useful comparison.

    I hear a lot of good things about quinoa, just wondering what the huge difference is between other similar products.. I see a lot of people say quinoa instead of brown rice, for example...

    Generic - Quinoa Cooked, 0.5 cup
    Carbs:111
    Fat:20
    Protein:4
    Sodium:7


    Rice - Brown, medium-grain, cooked, 0.5 cup
    Carbs:109
    Fat:23
    Protein:2
    Sodium:1
  • myukniewicz
    myukniewicz Posts: 906 Member
    quinoa is the ONLY grain that is considered a complete protein, which means it contains all 9 essential amino acids.
    i considered much more nutritionally sound than brown rice.

    ★M
  • AimersBee
    AimersBee Posts: 775 Member
    You need to label your units of measurement. What does 20 fat mean? it's obviously not 20 grams. Percent of total calories? Number of Calories? Why do you not have total calories or list fiber? None of this is helpful or a useful comparison.

    I hear a lot of good things about quinoa, just wondering what the huge difference is between other similar products.. I see a lot of people say quinoa instead of brown rice, for example...

    Generic - Quinoa Cooked, 0.5 cup
    Carbs:111
    Fat:20
    Protein:4
    Sodium:7


    Rice - Brown, medium-grain, cooked, 0.5 cup
    Carbs:109
    Fat:23
    Protein:2
    Sodium:1

    Sorry was in a rush, fixed that now though... (grams im assuming as MFP uses grams)

    Generic - Quinoa Cooked, 0.5 cup
    calories: 111
    carbs: 20
    fat: 3
    protein: 4
    sugar: 0
    sodium: 7

    Rice - Brown, medium-grain, cooked, 0.5 cup
    calories: 109
    carbs: 23
    fat: 1
    protein: 2
    sugar: 0
    sodium: 1
  • Mindmovesbody
    Mindmovesbody Posts: 399 Member
    They're really very different IMO. Quinoa is higher in protein than brown rice, and in addition to that, it contains a "complete" protein (all the essential amino acids) while brown rice does not. Quinoa is also very high in iron and trace minerals. I think both are great, and variety is important, so I suggest eating both!

    ^^^this!
  • madamchoochoo
    madamchoochoo Posts: 36 Member
    I have no idea healtwise but I dont like rice or pasta so its a godsend for me. It can taste quite bland, I use low sodium chicken stock and some cooked onions and its gorgeous.. enjoy!
  • SuffolkSally
    SuffolkSally Posts: 964 Member
    I'm experimenting with quinoa. For taste, I'd have brown rice anytime and everytime. But quinoa is a better source of protein, so I'm persisting with it - I don't think it's a direct substitute really, doesn't work fo me as a side dish or in salads etc, seems better as a baking ingredient. I'm finding I use it where otherwise I'd use breadcrumbs.
  • trijoe
    trijoe Posts: 729 Member
    Quinoa cooks a hell of a lot quicker than brown rice, too! A big plus in my book.

    Complete protein from a grain! And not just any grain, a DELICIOUS grain!

    Quinoa is perfect for substitutions and integrations. It can be used for almost anything other grains are traditionally used for. Highly versatile. It comes in different varieties. It's a whole grain. What's not to love about it?
  • nileighttig
    nileighttig Posts: 147 Member
    Bump for later
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    We use both. I make some type of stir fry at least twice a week. We love our chicken, tuna, veggies and rice or quinoa!
  • devonette
    devonette Posts: 263 Member
    I don't particularly care for the taste of it, so have only had it a few times. It's supposedly healthier, but I'd rather have the brown rice as far as flavor and texture goes..
  • whiteheaddg
    whiteheaddg Posts: 325 Member
    Had some quinoa last night cooked up with a healthy dose of garlic. It was pretty awesome.
  • sabusby
    sabusby Posts: 78 Member
    If you would like to turn brown rice into a complete protein, eat it with beans.

    Like all above said, higher in protein, fiber and fat.

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