Rice VS Pearl Barley
A detailed nutritional comparison
Rice
Pearl Barley
🎯 Quick Verdict
Pearl barley and rice differ significantly in their nutritional profiles. Pearl barley is higher in protein, fiber, and several key vitamins, making it more suitable for nutrient-dense diets. Rice has fewer calories, is lower in fat, and is a better fit for low-calorie meals or simple carbohydrate sources. Rice works well for quick-digesting energy, while pearl barley is better for sustained energy and overall nutrition balance.
Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie
📊 Nutritional Comparison
Macronutrients
| Nutrient | Food 1 | Food 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 per 100g (cooked) | 120 per 100g (cooked) | ✓ |
| Protein | 2.7g per 100g | 3.5g per 100g | ✓ |
| Carbs | 28g per 100g | 28.2g per 100g | − |
| Fat | 0.3g per 100g | 0.4g per 100g | ✓ |
| Fiber | 0.5g per 100g | 3.8g per 100g | ✓ |
Vitamins & Minerals
| Nutrient | Food 1 | Food 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0mcg | − |
| Calcium | 10mg per 100g | 11mg per 100g | ✓ |
| Iron | 0.1mg per 100g | 0.5mg per 100g | ✓ |
| Magnesium | 13mg per 100g | 33mg per 100g | ✓ |
🏆 Category Winners
Protein
Pearl barley contains 30% more protein per serving compared to rice.
Fiber
Pearl barley is significantly higher in fiber, making it better for digestion and satiety.
Calories
Rice is slightly lower in calories per serving, ideal for calorie-controlled diets.
🥗 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 rice and pearl barley are plant-based and fit vegan diets.
Gluten Free
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Rice is gluten-free, while pearl barley contains gluten.
Paleo
Food 1: Not Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Neither rice nor pearl barley fits strict paleo guidelines.
Low-Carb
Food 1: Not Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Both foods are high-carb and not suitable for low-carb diets.
💪 Health Benefits Comparison
Food 1 Benefits
- Quick source of easily digestible energy
- Low in fat, suitable for weight management
- Versatile and pairs well with many dishes
Food 2 Benefits
- Excellent source of dietary fiber for digestive health
- Provides more protein for muscle repair and maintenance
- Rich in magnesium and iron for bone and blood health
✅ The Bottom Line
Choose pearl barley for nutrient density, better protein and fiber content, and sustained energy; ideal for hearty meals and lasting satiety. Opt for rice when you need a quick carbohydrate source for fast energy or when seeking a gluten-free alternative.
Choose Food 1 for: Low-calorie meals, gluten-free diets, quick energy
Choose Food 2 for: Sustained energy, high-fiber and high-protein meals, nutrient-dense recipes
