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Rice Cake VS Steamed Rice

A detailed nutritional comparison

Rice Cake

Rice Cake

Steamed Rice

Steamed Rice

🎯 Quick Verdict

🏆 Higher Protein
💪 More Fiber
⚡ Lower Calories

Rice cakes and steamed rice serve different dietary purposes. Rice cakes are lower in calories and more portable for snacks, while steamed rice provides more fiber and is more filling. Rice cakes may be better for weight loss or keto diets, while steamed rice supports sustained energy and a balanced meal approach.

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📊 Nutritional Comparison

Macronutrients

NutrientFood 1Food 2Winner
Calories 35 per cake (~9g) 130 per 100g
Protein 0.7g per cake 2.4g per 100g
Carbs 7.3g per cake 28g per 100g
Fat 0.1g per cake 0.3g per 100g
Fiber 0g per cake 0.4g per 100g

Vitamins & Minerals

NutrientFood 1Food 2Winner
Vitamin D 0mcg 0mcg
Calcium 0mg 3mg
Iron 0mg 0.2mg

🏆 Category Winners

🤝

Protein

Protein amounts in both are minimal (around 0.7g per cake vs. 2.4g per 100g), so neither is a protein-rich food.

🏆

Fiber

Steamed rice contains 0.4g of fiber per 100g compared to no fiber in rice cakes.

🏆

Calories

Rice cakes have significantly fewer calories, about 35 per serving compared to steamed rice at 130 per 100g.

🏆

Vitamins

Steamed rice contains small amounts of calcium and iron, absent in rice cakes.

🥗 Diet Compatibility

Keto

Food 1: Not Compatible

Food 2: Not Compatible

Both foods are high in carbohydrates and unsuitable for a keto diet.

Vegan

Food 1: Compatible

Food 2: Compatible

Both foods are plant-based and suitable for a vegan diet.

Gluten Free

Food 1: Compatible

Food 2: Compatible

Neither food contains gluten; suitable for gluten-free diets.

Paleo

Food 1: Not Compatible

Food 2: Compatible

Rice cakes are processed and non-paleo, while steamed rice aligns more closely with paleo principles as a whole food.

Low-Carb

Food 1: Not Compatible

Food 2: Not Compatible

Both foods are primarily carbohydrate-based and inappropriate for low-carb diets.

💪 Health Benefits Comparison

Food 1 Benefits

  • Low calorie snack for weight management
  • Portable and convenient for on-the-go
  • Simple, easily digestible carbohydrate source

Food 2 Benefits

  • Filling, energy-sustaining carbohydrate source
  • Contains trace amounts of calcium and iron
  • Moderate fiber content aids digestion

✅ The Bottom Line

Choose rice cakes for a light, portable snack or when focused on calorie control. Steamed rice is better for balanced meals and providing sustained energy. Both can fit into a vegan or gluten-free diet, but those on paleo or low-carb plans should consider alternatives.

Choose Food 1 for: Weight management, light snacks, portability

Choose Food 2 for: Filling meals, sustained energy, balanced nutrition