Dates vs Wild Rice

Side-by-side macro comparison. Dates vs Wild Rice per their standard serving sizes.

Dates

per 2 medjool dates (48g)

133 cal
0.9g Protein
36g Carbs
0.1g Fat
Full Dates macros →
vs

Wild Rice

per 1 cup cooked (164g)

166 cal
6.5g Protein
35g Carbs
0.6g Fat
Full Wild Rice macros →

Macro Comparison Table

Macro Dates Wild Rice Difference
Calories 133 cal 166 cal -20% Dates
Protein 0.9g 6.5g -86% Dates
Carbs 36g 35g +3% Dates
Fat 0.1g 0.6g -83% Dates

Differences shown relative to Dates. Positive = Dates has more.

Quick Take

Dates delivers 133 calories per serving with 0.9g protein, 36g carbs, and 0.1g fat. Wild Rice delivers 166 calories with 6.5g protein, 35g carbs, and 0.6g fat. The most meaningful difference: Dates saves 33 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Wild Rice wins at 16% of calories from protein.

When to Pick Each

For Cutting / Weight Loss

When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Dates gives you 33 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), Wild Rice delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.

For Bulking / Muscle Gain

For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Wild Rice brings 166 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Wild Rice delivers 6.5g 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

Wild Rice fits cleanly into keto with only 35g carbs. Dates at 36g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.

Frequently Asked

Which has more protein, Dates or Wild Rice?

Wild Rice has more protein: 6.5g vs 0.9g per serving. That's a difference of 5.6g.

Which has fewer calories, Dates or Wild Rice?

Dates has 133 calories per serving vs 166 calories in Wild Rice — a difference of 33 calories.

Is Dates or Wild Rice better for keto?

Wild Rice is the better keto choice at 35g carbs per serving vs 36g carbs in Dates.

Is Dates or Wild Rice better for weight loss?

For weight loss, Dates gives you more calorie flexibility (33 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Wild Rice delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Wild Rice.

Which Is Better for Your Goal?

🔥 Weight Loss

Wild Rice

Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.

💪 Muscle Gain

Wild Rice

Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.

🥑 Low-Carb / Keto

Wild 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:

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Related Comparisons

Other ways Dates and Wild Rice stack up:

Full Dates guideFull Wild Rice guideAll comparisons