Pink or Red Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt: Which Is Healthier?

Pink or Red Lentils and tofu yogurt belong to the legumes and legume products food group, one of the staple food groups for people on a plant-based diet.

Legumes and most legume products are an affordable source of plant protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc, minerals that are usually harder to get on a plant-based diet.

This article will thoroughly compare pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

Pink or Red Lentils

Pink or red lentils (Lens culinaris) are a type of legume native to Southwest Asia.

They are a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes due to their high protein and fiber content, as well as their mild, slightly nutty flavor.

Pink and red lentils are also a good source of several important nutrients, including potassium, iron, and B vitamins.

They can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, such as lentil soup, curry, and all types of salads.

In addition to being a nutritious food, pink and red lentils have been shown to have a number of potential health benefits.

They have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control, and may also help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Pink or Red Lentils are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin K.

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin E and some Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

Tofu Yogurt

Tofu yogurt is a vegan, dairy-free version of traditional yogurt made by blending tofu with probiotics and other ingredients to create a creamy, fermented dairy alternative.

Tofu yogurt is a good source of plant-based protein and is low in calories and fat. It is also rich in nutrients such as iron, calcium, and manganese.

Additionally, the fermentation process used to make tofu yogurt helps to increase the bioavailability of these nutrients, making them easier for the body to absorb.

In terms of health benefits, tofu yogurt may help improve digestive health due to the presence of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome.

Tofu yogurt may also help manage weight, as it is a low-calorie, low-fat alternative to dairy yogurt. Some studies have also suggested that tofu yogurt may positively affect bone health due to its high calcium content.

Overall, tofu yogurt is a nutritious and tasty alternative to traditional dairy yogurt, suitable for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy.

Tofu Yogurt is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.

However, it also contains Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) in a small amount.

Pink or Red Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing pink or red lentils vs tofu yogurt.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Pink or Red Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt Calories

Most calories in raw legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.

Comparing tofu yogurt vs pink or red lentils for weight loss, tofu yogurt is slightly lower in calories, with 94 calories per 100 grams, compared to 358 calories per 100 grams of pink or red lentils.

However, both pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Pink or Red Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Pink or Red Lentils offer around 85% more protein than tofu yogurt.

Pink or Red Lentils have 23.9 grams of protein per 100 grams, while tofu yogurt has 3.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Pink or Red Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt 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 pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 75% higher in pink or red lentils than in tofu yogurt. They have 63.1 grams per 100 grams, compared to 16 grams in tofu yogurt.

There’s less sugar in tofu yogurt than in pink or red lentils, 86% precisely.

One handful of tofu yogurt (28 grams) contains 0.3 grams of sugar, while the same amount of pink or red lentils contains 2.1 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt.

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

With 3 grams of fiber per portion, pink or red lentils are a better source of fiber than tofu yogurt which pink or red lentils offer 0.1 grams per portion.

Pink or Red Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt Fats

Like most other legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt are low in fat.

Fats in pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt:

• Pink or Red Lentils: 2.2 grams per 100 grams
• Tofu Yogurt: 1.8 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, tofu yogurt is 25% lower in saturated fats.

Tofu Yogurt and pink or red lentils contain 0.3 grams and 0.4 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Pink or Red Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt.

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

Pink or Red Lentils have a higher amount of vitamin C.

However, tofu yogurt has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Pink or Red Lentils and tofu yogurt contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Pink or Red Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt 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 pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Pink or Red Lentils are a better source of calcium, selenium, and sodium than tofu yogurt.

On the other hand, tofu yogurt is a higher amount of copper, fluoride, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Check out the table below to learn how pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Pink or Red Lentils and tofu yogurt are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both pink or red lentils and tofu yogurt are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in beans and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes are versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.