Brussels Sprouts vs Pasta (regular)
Side-by-side macro comparison. Brussels Sprouts vs Pasta (regular) per their standard serving sizes.
Pasta (regular)
per 1 cup cooked (140g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Brussels Sprouts | Pasta (regular) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 38 cal | 220 cal | -83% Brussels |
| Protein | 3g | 8g | -62% Brussels |
| Carbs | 8g | 43g | -81% Brussels |
| Fat | 0.3g | 1.3g | -77% Brussels |
Differences shown relative to Brussels Sprouts. Positive = Brussels Sprouts has more.
Quick Take
Brussels Sprouts delivers 38 calories per serving with 3g protein, 8g carbs, and 0.3g fat. Pasta (regular) delivers 220 calories with 8g protein, 43g carbs, and 1.3g fat. The most meaningful difference: Brussels Sprouts saves 182 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 182 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. Pasta (regular) brings 220 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Pasta (regular) delivers 8g 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. Pasta (regular) at 43g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Brussels Sprouts or Pasta (regular)?
Pasta (regular) has more protein: 8g vs 3g per serving. That's a difference of 5g.
Which has fewer calories, Brussels Sprouts or Pasta (regular)?
Brussels Sprouts has 38 calories per serving vs 220 calories in Pasta (regular) — a difference of 182 calories.
Is Brussels Sprouts or Pasta (regular) better for keto?
Brussels Sprouts is the better keto choice at 8g carbs per serving vs 43g carbs in Pasta (regular).
Is Brussels Sprouts or Pasta (regular) better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Brussels Sprouts gives you more calorie flexibility (182 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
Pasta (regular)
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 Brussels Sprouts and Pasta (regular) stack up:
Full Brussels Sprouts guide • Full Pasta (regular) guide • All comparisons