Brussels Sprouts vs Rice Cakes
Side-by-side macro comparison. Brussels Sprouts vs Rice Cakes per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Brussels Sprouts | Rice Cakes | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 38 cal | 35 cal | +9% Brussels |
| Protein | 3g | 0.7g | +329% Brussels |
| Carbs | 8g | 7g | +14% Brussels |
| Fat | 0.3g | 0.3g | 0% 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. Rice Cakes delivers 35 calories with 0.7g protein, 7g carbs, and 0.3g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 3 calories per serving, so calorie load is essentially equivalent. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Rice Cakes gives you 3 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. Brussels Sprouts brings 38 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Brussels Sprouts delivers 3g 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
Both Brussels Sprouts and Rice Cakes are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Brussels Sprouts or Rice Cakes?
Brussels Sprouts has more protein: 3g vs 0.7g per serving. That's a difference of 2.3g.
Which has fewer calories, Brussels Sprouts or Rice Cakes?
Rice Cakes has 35 calories per serving vs 38 calories in Brussels Sprouts — a difference of 3 calories.
Is Brussels Sprouts or Rice Cakes better for keto?
Rice Cakes is the better keto choice at 7g carbs per serving vs 8g carbs in Brussels Sprouts.
Is Brussels Sprouts or Rice Cakes better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Rice Cakes gives you more calorie flexibility (3 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
Brussels Sprouts
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Rice Cakes
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:
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Other ways Brussels Sprouts and Rice Cakes stack up:
Full Brussels Sprouts guide • Full Rice Cakes guide • All comparisons