Durum wheat vs Triticale: What’s The Difference?

Durum wheat and triticale belong to the grains food group, one of the staple food groups for people on a plant-based diet.

Grains and grain products are an affordable source of carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (such as thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin), iron, and zinc, minerals that are usually harder to get on a plant-based diet.

They also provide a small amount of protein and healthy fats.

However, it is important to note that whole grains are generally a better source of these nutrients than refined grains.

This article will thoroughly compare durum wheat and triticale and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

Durum wheat

Durum wheat (Triticum durum) is a type of wheat that is known for its high protein and gluten content.

It is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B-vitamins. It is also rich in antioxidants and essential amino acids, making it a valuable food for vegetarians and vegans.

Durum wheat is commonly used in the production of pasta and couscous and also in traditional dishes like semolina porridge and bread. It is also used in some breakfast cereals and snacks. The high gluten content of durum wheat gives pasta and other products made from it a distinct texture and yellow color due to the presence of carotenoids in the wheat endosperm.

Durum wheat is gluten-rich. Thus, it is unsuitable for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It can be enjoyed as a balanced diet, combined with vegetables, lean protein sources, and healthy fats.

Durum wheat is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) and some Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin E.

Triticale

Triticale (× Triticosecale) is a hybrid cereal grain that is a cross between wheat (Triticum) and rye (Secale).

It is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals like zinc, iron, and B-vitamins. It is also rich in antioxidants and protein, making it a valuable food for vegetarians and vegans.

Triticale is often used in baking and traditional dishes such as porridge and crisp bread. Its unique nutritional profile, which combines the best features of wheat and rye, makes it a good option for people looking for a healthier alternative to wheat or rye.

Triticale is gluten-rich. Thus it is not suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, combined with vegetables, lean protein sources, and healthy fats.

Triticale is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) and some Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin E.

Durum wheat vs Triticale Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing durum wheat vs triticale.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of durum wheat and triticale and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Durum wheat vs Triticale Calories

Most calories in grains come from carbs.

Comparing triticale vs durum wheat for weight loss, triticale is slightly lower in calories, with 336 calories per 100 grams, compared to 339 calories per 100 grams of durum wheat.

However, both durum wheat and triticale can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Durum wheat vs Triticale Protein

Grains and most grain products, including durum wheat and triticale, are important sources of plant-based protein.

However, it should be noted that most grains, with the exception of quinoa and buckwheat, for example, are low in lysine and methionine.

That said, you can combine grains with legumes to get a complete protein.

Durum wheat offers around 5% more protein than triticale.

Durum wheat has 13.7 grams of protein per 100 grams, while triticale has 13 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Durum wheat vs Triticale Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in durum wheat and triticale.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 1% higher in triticale than in durum wheat. It has 72.1 grams per 100 grams, compared to 71.1 grams in durum wheat.

That said, 100 grams of durum wheat and triticale contains 0 grams of sugar, the same amount.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in durum wheat and triticale.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

Durum wheat and triticale contain the same amount of fiber, 3.4 grams per 100 gram portion.

Durum wheat vs Triticale Fats

Like most other grains, durum wheat and triticale are low in fat.

Fats in durum wheat and triticale are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in durum wheat and triticale:

• Durum wheat: 2.5 grams per 100 grams
• Triticale: 2.1 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, triticale is 20% lower in saturated fats.

Triticale and durum wheat contain 0.4 grams and 0.5 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Durum wheat vs Triticale Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of durum wheat and triticale.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Durum wheat has a higher amount of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and vitamin B9 (Folate).

However, triticale has a higher amount of vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B3 (Niacin), and vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

Durum wheat and triticale contain the same amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins durum wheat and triticale contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Durum wheat vs Triticale Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc, or iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the durum wheat and triticale comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Durum wheat is a better source of calcium, manganese, and sodium than triticale.

On the other hand, triticale is a higher amount of copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc.

Durum wheat and triticale contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how durum wheat and triticale compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

This article highlighted the similarities and differences between durum wheat and triticale.

Grains, also known as cereal grains, are an important source of nutrition for many people around the world. They are a rich source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.

Whole grains contain important vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron. Whole grains, in particular, are high in dietary fiber and can help with digestion and weight management.

They may also have other health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Grains are also a staple food and an important source of food security in many parts of the world.