Quinoa vs Pasta

Complete nutrition comparison per 100g serving

Which is Healthier?

Pasta is generally healthier

Pasta comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has more protein (5.3g vs 4.4g), less sugar (0.6g vs 1.6g), less sodium (3mg vs 7mg)making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Quinoa

120 kcal

More Protein

Pasta

5.3g

More Fiber

Quinoa

2.8g

Less Sugar

Pasta

0.6g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Quinoa
120
Pasta
131
Proteinper 100g
Quinoa
4.4g
Pasta
5.3g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Quinoa
21g
Pasta
25g
Fatper 100g
Quinoa
1.9g
Pasta
1.1g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientQuinoaPastaDifference
Calories120kcal131kcal-11.0kcal
Protein4.4g5.3g-0.9g
Carbohydrates21g25g-4.0g
Fat1.9g1.1g+0.8g
Fiber2.8g1.8g+1.0g
Sugar1.6g0.6g+1.0g
Sodium7mg3mg+4.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:

Quinoa

Per 100g:120 calories
Per cup (150g):180 calories
Per serving (85g):102 calories

Pasta

Per 100g:131 calories
Per cup (150g):197 calories
Per serving (85g):111 calories

Diet Compatibility

Quinoa

VeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

Pasta

VeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

When to Choose Quinoa

  • Lower in calories (120 vs 131)
  • More fiber (2.8g vs 1.8g)
  • Lower in carbs (21g vs 25g)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Quinoa nutrition →

When to Choose Pasta

  • Higher in protein (5.3g vs 4.4g)
  • Less sugar (0.6g vs 1.6g)
  • Lower sodium (3mg vs 7mg)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Pasta nutrition →