Amaranth vs Quinoa: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Quinoa is higher in protein with 4.4 g compared to amaranth's 3.8 g. Amaranth has fewer calories at 102, while quinoa has 120.

Amaranth and quinoa are both ancient grains known for their nutritional value. This comparison highlights their calorie content, protein levels, and other key nutrients.

What Is the Difference Between Amaranth and Quinoa?

Amaranth is a gluten-free grain that is rich in protein and fiber. It is often used in various dishes and is praised for its health benefits. Quinoa is a seed that is commonly prepared and consumed like a grain. It is known for being a complete protein source and is also gluten-free.

Amaranth vs Quinoa: Nutrition Side by Side

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of amaranth and quinoa's nutritional values.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Amaranth (cooked)	Quinoa (cooked)
Calories	102 kcal	120 kcal
Protein	3.8 g	4.4 g
Carbs	18.7 g	21.3 g
Sugar	0 g	0.9 g
Fat	1.6 g	1.9 g
Fiber	2.1 g	2.8 g
Sodium	6 mg	7 mg

Which Is Better, Amaranth or Quinoa?

For weight loss: Amaranth has 102 calories, while quinoa contains 120 calories, making amaranth the lower-calorie option.

For muscle and protein: Quinoa offers 4.4 g of protein, which is higher than amaranth's 3.8 g, making it a better choice for protein intake.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Amaranth has 18.7 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of sugar, whereas quinoa has 21.3 g of carbohydrates and 0.9 g of sugar.

How to Track Amaranth and Quinoa Accurately

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How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a professional for personalized guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Quinoa has 4.4 g of protein, while amaranth has 3.8 g.

Which has fewer calories?

Amaranth has 102 calories, whereas quinoa has 120 calories.

How much fiber is in each grain?

Amaranth contains 2.1 g of fiber, while quinoa has 2.8 g of fiber.

What is the carbohydrate content?

Amaranth has 18.7 g of carbohydrates, and quinoa has 21.3 g.

How much fat is in amaranth and quinoa?

Amaranth has 1.6 g of fat, while quinoa has 1.9 g of fat.

What is the sugar content in both grains?

Amaranth has 0 g of sugar, and quinoa has 0.9 g of sugar.

Key Takeaways

• Amaranth has 102 calories per 100 g.
• Quinoa contains 120 calories per 100 g.
• Amaranth has 3.8 g of protein.
• Quinoa has 4.4 g of protein.
• Amaranth has 18.7 g of carbohydrates.
• Quinoa has 21.3 g of carbohydrates.