Blog Research API Download App

Cooked Rice VS Barley

A detailed nutritional comparison

Cooked Rice

Cooked Rice

Barley

Barley

🎯 Quick Verdict

🏆 Higher Protein
💪 More Fiber
⚡ Lower Calories

Barley is nutritionally denser than cooked rice, offering higher protein, fiber, and vitamins per serving. Cooked rice, on the other hand, is lower in calories and carbs, making it more suitable for low-calorie or easily digestible meals. Barley is better for sustained energy and nutrient density, while rice works well for simple and quick-fuel dishes.

Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie

★★★★★ 4.8/5 (2M+ downloads)
Track meals with just a photo
Hit your nutrition goals easier
Join 2M+ happy users
SnapCalorie App Screenshot

📊 Nutritional Comparison

Macronutrients

NutrientFood 1Food 2Winner
Calories 130 193
Protein 2.7g 3.5g
Carbs 28g 44g
Fat 0.3g 0.7g
Fiber 0.4g 6g

Vitamins & Minerals

NutrientFood 1Food 2Winner
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 0.02mg 0.12mg
Magnesium 12mg 36mg
Iron 0.2mg 1mg

🏆 Category Winners

🏆

Protein

Barley contains 30% more protein compared to cooked rice.

🏆

Fiber

Barley has 15 times more fiber than cooked rice, crucial for digestion and satiety.

🏆

Calories

Cooked rice has 33% fewer calories per serving.

🏆

Vitamins

Barley is richer in essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and B vitamins.

🥗 Diet Compatibility

Keto

Food 1: Not Compatible

Food 2: Not Compatible

Both are high-carb grains and unsuitable for keto diets.

Vegan

Food 1: Compatible

Food 2: Compatible

Both are plant-based.

Gluten Free

Food 1: Compatible

Food 2: Not Compatible

Cooked rice is naturally gluten-free, but barley contains gluten.

Paleo

Food 1: Not Compatible

Food 2: Not Compatible

Grains like rice and barley are not included in paleo diets.

Low-Carb

Food 1: Moderately Compatible

Food 2: Not Compatible

Cooked rice has fewer carbs than barley, but both are relatively high-carb choices.

💪 Health Benefits Comparison

Food 1 Benefits

  • Quick source of energy from easily digestible carbs
  • Gluten-free option for individuals with celiac or gluten sensitivity
  • Low in fat for heart-friendly meals

Food 2 Benefits

  • Rich in dietary fiber for improved digestion and satiety
  • Higher protein content to support muscle maintenance
  • Source of essential nutrients like magnesium and iron for cardiovascular health

✅ The Bottom Line

Choose barley for a nutrient-dense option rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, ideal for sustained energy and heart health. Opt for cooked rice when seeking a lower-calorie, fast-digesting carb, especially for simple meals or gluten-free diets.

Choose Food 1 for: Quick energy, gluten-free diets, low-fat meals

Choose Food 2 for: Sustained energy, higher protein intake, nutrient density