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Rice VS Black Beans

A detailed nutritional comparison

Rice

Rice

Black Beans

Black Beans

🎯 Quick Verdict

🏆 Higher Protein
💪 More Fiber
⚡ Lower Calories

Black beans are more nutrient-dense, offering more protein (9g vs 2.7g per 100g) and fiber (6.9g vs 0.4g per 100g), making them a better choice for protein and digestion. Rice, on the other hand, is lighter in calories (130 vs 150 per 100g) and is better suited for energy-focused diets or as a versatile base for meals. Choosing between them depends on your dietary goals and meal context.

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📊 Nutritional Comparison

Macronutrients

NutrientFood 1Food 2Winner
Calories 130 150
Protein 2.7g 9g
Carbs 28g 27g
Fat 0.3g 0.5g
Fiber 0.4g 6.9g

Vitamins & Minerals

NutrientFood 1Food 2Winner
Vitamin B6 0.1mg 0.1mg
Folate (B9) 6mcg 172mcg
Iron 0.2mg 2.1mg
Calcium 10mg 35mg
Magnesium 12mg 70mg

🏆 Category Winners

🏆

Protein

Black beans provide over three times the protein per serving compared to rice.

🏆

Fiber

Black beans have 17 times the fiber content of rice.

🏆

Calories

Rice has slightly fewer calories per 100g than black beans, making it more calorie-light.

🏆

Vitamins

Black beans excel in providing folate, iron, calcium, and magnesium, far surpassing rice in these vitamins and minerals.

🥗 Diet Compatibility

Keto

Food 1: Not Compatible

Food 2: Not Compatible

Both foods are high in carbohydrates and unsuitable for keto diets.

Vegan

Food 1: Compatible

Food 2: Compatible

Both are plant-based and ideal for vegan diets.

Gluten Free

Food 1: Compatible

Food 2: Compatible

Neither contains gluten, making them gluten-free.

Paleo

Food 1: Not Compatible

Food 2: Compatible

Rice is not paleo-friendly, while black beans are allowed in some versions of the paleo diet.

Low Carb

Food 1: Not Compatible

Food 2: Not Compatible

Both foods are high in carbohydrates and not suitable for strict low-carb diets.

💪 Health Benefits Comparison

Food 1 Benefits

  • Low in calories, making it suitable for weight management
  • Provides energy-rich carbohydrates for physical activity
  • Gentle on the digestive system, appropriate for sensitive stomachs

Food 2 Benefits

  • Rich in plant-based protein, ideal for muscle repair
  • High in fiber for improved digestion and gut health
  • Good source of iron and magnesium for energy and bone support
  • Contains folate, supporting healthy cell growth and function

✅ The Bottom Line

Choose rice if you need a lighter, easy-to-digest base for meals or are focusing on calorie control. Opt for black beans if you're looking for a nutrient-dense, high-protein, and fiber-rich food with added vitamins and minerals. Combining both foods can provide a balanced and complete nutritional profile.

Choose Food 1 for: Weight management, sensitive digestion, energy-focused meals

Choose Food 2 for: High-protein diets, digestion support, nutrient-dense meals