A detailed nutritional comparison
Cheese is a concentrated source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats while being low in calories compared to penne pasta with tomato sauce. On the other hand, penne pasta offers higher fiber content and more carbs, making it suitable for energy-heavy meals or athletes needing fuel. Choose cheese for low-carb or keto diets, and go for penne pasta when sustained energy is required.
| Nutrient | Food 1 | Food 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120 per ounce | 350 per cup | ✓ |
| Protein | 7g per ounce | 8g per cup | ✓ |
| Carbs | 1g per ounce | 72g per cup | ✓ |
| Fat | 9g per ounce | 6g per cup | ✓ |
| Fiber | 0g per ounce | 4g per cup | ✓ |
| Nutrient | Food 1 | Food 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D | 0.3mcg per ounce | 0mcg per cup | ✓ |
| Calcium | 200mg per ounce | 40mg per cup | ✓ |
| Iron | 0mg per ounce | 3mg per cup | ✓ |
| Vitamin A | 60mcg per ounce | 20mcg per cup | ✓ |
Cheese packs higher protein density per serving compared to penne pasta.
Penne pasta contains 4g of fiber per cup while cheese has none.
Cheese has significantly lower calories per ounce compared to penne pasta.
Cheese is richer in calcium and vitamin D, while penne pasta contributes more iron.
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Cheese is low-carb with only 1g per ounce, while penne pasta is high in carbs.
Food 1: Not Compatible
Food 2: Compatible
Cheese comes from animal products, while penne pasta with tomato sauce can be vegan-friendly.
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Cheese is naturally gluten-free, but penne pasta is typically made from wheat.
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Cheese fits some paleo interpretations, but pasta is excluded due to grains.
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Cheese is very low in carbs (1g per ounce), whereas penne pasta is high-carb (72g per cup).
Cheese is the better choice for low-carb diets, muscle maintenance, and bone health, while penne pasta with tomato sauce excels at providing sustained energy and fiber. Use cheese for weight loss or keto meals, and penne pasta for high-energy meals or as part of a carb-fueled diet.
Choose Food 1 for: Low-carb, keto, and high-protein diets
Choose Food 2 for: Endurance sports, high-energy meal plans, and vegan diets