Gnocchi vs Pasta: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Pasta has higher protein at 5.8 g compared to gnocchi's 2.4 g. Gnocchi is lower in calories at 135 compared to pasta's 157.

Gnocchi and pasta are both staple foods in many cuisines, each offering unique textures and flavors. Understanding their nutritional differences can help inform dietary choices.

What Is the Difference Between Gnocchi and Pasta?

Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, often served with sauces. It has a soft, chewy texture. Pasta is a staple food made from wheat flour and water, typically shaped into various forms and cooked in boiling water. It is versatile and widely consumed.

Gnocchi vs Pasta: Nutrition Side by Side

The following comparison highlights the nutritional values of gnocchi and pasta side by side.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Potato gnocchi	Pasta (cooked)
Calories	135 kcal	157 kcal
Protein	2.4 g	5.8 g
Carbs	17.2 g	30.9 g
Sugar	1.0 g	0.6 g
Fat	6.3 g	0.9 g
Fiber	1 g	1.8 g
Sodium	279 mg	131 mg

Which Is Better, Gnocchi or Pasta?

For weight loss: Gnocchi has 22 fewer calories per 100 g than pasta, making it a slightly better option for those focused on calorie reduction.

For muscle and protein: Pasta contains 5.8 g of protein per 100 g, significantly higher than gnocchi's 2.4 g, making it a better choice for muscle building.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Pasta has 30.9 g of carbs and 0.6 g of sugar, while gnocchi contains 17.2 g of carbs and 1.0 g of sugar, making gnocchi the lower-carb option.

How to Track Gnocchi and Pasta Accurately

Portion sizes and macronutrient content can be easily misjudged, affecting overall dietary intake. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

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 healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein, gnocchi or pasta?

Pasta has 5.8 g of protein, while gnocchi has 2.4 g of protein.

Which has fewer calories, gnocchi or pasta?

Gnocchi has 135 calories, while pasta has 157 calories.

What are the carbohydrate contents of gnocchi and pasta?

Gnocchi contains 17.2 g of carbs, while pasta contains 30.9 g of carbs.

How much fat is in gnocchi compared to pasta?

Gnocchi has 6.3 g of fat, while pasta has 0.9 g of fat.

What is the sugar content in gnocchi and pasta?

Gnocchi has 1.0 g of sugar, while pasta has 0.6 g of sugar.

How much sodium is present in gnocchi and pasta?

Gnocchi contains 279 mg of sodium, while pasta contains 131 mg of sodium.

Key Takeaways

• Gnocchi has 135 calories per 100 g.
• Pasta has 157 calories per 100 g.
• Gnocchi contains 2.4 g of protein.
• Pasta contains 5.8 g of protein.
• Gnocchi has 17.2 g of carbs.
• Pasta has 30.9 g of carbs.