Barley vs Brussels Sprouts
Side-by-side macro comparison. Barley vs Brussels Sprouts per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Barley | Brussels Sprouts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 193 cal | 38 cal | +408% Barley |
| Protein | 3.5g | 3g | +17% Barley |
| Carbs | 44g | 8g | +450% Barley |
| Fat | 0.7g | 0.3g | +133% Barley |
Differences shown relative to Barley. Positive = Barley has more.
Quick Take
Barley delivers 193 calories per serving with 3.5g protein, 44g carbs, and 0.7g fat. Brussels Sprouts delivers 38 calories with 3g protein, 8g carbs, and 0.3g fat. The most meaningful difference: Brussels Sprouts saves 155 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Brussels Sprouts gives you 155 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Brussels Sprouts delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Barley brings 193 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Barley delivers 3.5g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.
For Keto / Low-Carb
Brussels Sprouts fits cleanly into keto with only 8g carbs. Barley at 44g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Barley or Brussels Sprouts?
Barley has more protein: 3.5g vs 3g per serving. That's a difference of 0.5g.
Which has fewer calories, Barley or Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels Sprouts has 38 calories per serving vs 193 calories in Barley — a difference of 155 calories.
Is Barley or Brussels Sprouts better for keto?
Brussels Sprouts is the better keto choice at 8g carbs per serving vs 44g carbs in Barley.
Is Barley or Brussels Sprouts better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Brussels Sprouts gives you more calorie flexibility (155 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Brussels Sprouts delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Brussels Sprouts.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Brussels Sprouts
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Barley
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Brussels Sprouts
Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.
Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.
Find Your Personal Macros
The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Barley and Brussels Sprouts stack up:
Full Barley guide • Full Brussels Sprouts guide • All comparisons