Rice Cakes vs Wild Rice
Side-by-side macro comparison. Rice Cakes vs Wild Rice per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Rice Cakes | Wild Rice | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 35 cal | 166 cal | -79% Rice |
| Protein | 0.7g | 6.5g | -89% Rice |
| Carbs | 7g | 35g | -80% Rice |
| Fat | 0.3g | 0.6g | -50% Rice |
Differences shown relative to Rice Cakes. Positive = Rice Cakes has more.
Quick Take
Rice Cakes delivers 35 calories per serving with 0.7g protein, 7g carbs, and 0.3g fat. Wild Rice delivers 166 calories with 6.5g protein, 35g carbs, and 0.6g fat. The most meaningful difference: Rice Cakes saves 131 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, Rice Cakes gives you 131 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
Rice Cakes fits cleanly into keto with only 7g carbs. Wild Rice at 35g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Rice Cakes or Wild Rice?
Wild Rice has more protein: 6.5g vs 0.7g per serving. That's a difference of 5.8g.
Which has fewer calories, Rice Cakes or Wild Rice?
Rice Cakes has 35 calories per serving vs 166 calories in Wild Rice — a difference of 131 calories.
Is Rice Cakes or Wild Rice better for keto?
Rice Cakes is the better keto choice at 7g carbs per serving vs 35g carbs in Wild Rice.
Is Rice Cakes or Wild Rice better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Rice Cakes gives you more calorie flexibility (131 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
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 Rice Cakes and Wild Rice stack up:
Full Rice Cakes guide • Full Wild Rice guide • All comparisons