Brown Rice vs Whole Wheat Pasta
Side-by-side macro comparison. Brown Rice vs Whole Wheat Pasta per their standard serving sizes.
Whole Wheat Pasta
per 1 cup cooked (140g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Brown Rice | Whole Wheat Pasta | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 112 cal | 174 cal | -36% Brown |
| Protein | 2.6g | 7.5g | -65% Brown |
| Carbs | 24g | 37g | -35% Brown |
| Fat | 0.9g | 0.8g | +12% Brown |
Differences shown relative to Brown Rice. Positive = Brown Rice has more.
Quick Take
Brown Rice delivers 112 calories per serving with 2.6g protein, 24g carbs, and 0.9g fat. Whole Wheat Pasta delivers 174 calories with 7.5g protein, 37g carbs, and 0.8g fat. The most meaningful difference: Brown Rice saves 62 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, Brown Rice gives you 62 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), Whole Wheat Pasta delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Whole Wheat Pasta brings 174 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Whole Wheat Pasta delivers 7.5g 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
Brown Rice fits cleanly into keto with only 24g carbs. Whole Wheat Pasta at 37g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Brown Rice or Whole Wheat Pasta?
Whole Wheat Pasta has more protein: 7.5g vs 2.6g per serving. That's a difference of 4.9g.
Which has fewer calories, Brown Rice or Whole Wheat Pasta?
Brown Rice has 112 calories per serving vs 174 calories in Whole Wheat Pasta — a difference of 62 calories.
Is Brown Rice or Whole Wheat Pasta better for keto?
Brown Rice is the better keto choice at 24g carbs per serving vs 37g carbs in Whole Wheat Pasta.
Is Brown Rice or Whole Wheat Pasta better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Brown Rice gives you more calorie flexibility (62 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Whole Wheat Pasta delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Whole Wheat Pasta.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Whole Wheat Pasta
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Whole Wheat Pasta
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Brown Rice
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 Brown Rice and Whole Wheat Pasta stack up:
Full Brown Rice guide • Full Whole Wheat Pasta guide • All comparisons