Rice noodles vs Split Peas: Which Is Better?

Although rice noodles and split peas belong to different food groups, while rice noodles belong is a grain, and split peas belong to legumes food group, and it’s not that common to compare foods from different groups, people are often interested in these comparisons as well.

That’s why we decided to create an in-depth article that compares rice noodles and split peas, their nutritional values, similarities, differences, macronutrients, and micronutrients – vitamins and minerals.

Generally speaking, foods from grains and legume food groups are both high in carbs and protein and valuable addition to a plant-based diet.

Now, let’s see how rice noodles and split peas compare specifically.

Rice noodles

Rice noodles (Oryza sativa) are a type of pasta made from rice flour and water and are commonly used in many Asian cuisines such as Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese.

They are a good source of carbohydrates, small amounts of protein and fibers. They are gluten-free and easy to digest, making them a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Rice noodles can be used in various dishes such as soups, stir-fries, and salads. They are often used in traditional Asian dishes like pho, pad Thai, and chow mein. They are also available in different widths and lengths and can be used in various ways to suit different dishes and preferences.

Rice noodles are considered a functional food, as they have been shown to positively impact health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. They are also a sustainable crop, as they are easy to grow and have a low environmental impact.

Rice noodles is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.

Split Peas

Split peas (Pisum sativum) are a type of legume that are native to the Middle East and have been grown for thousands of years.

They are made by splitting dried peas and removing the outer skin, resulting in a small, round, flat legume that is green or yellow in color.

Split peas are a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as split pea soup, and are highly valued for their nutritional content.

One of the main health benefits of split peas is their high protein content.

They are a good source of plant-based protein, making them a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Split peas are also high in fiber, which can help to improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

They are rich in nutrients such as iron, potassium, and B vitamins. They also contain several plant compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Split Peas are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin K and some Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

Rice noodles vs Split Peas Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing rice noodles vs split peas.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of rice noodles and split peas and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Rice noodles vs Split Peas Calories

Most calories in raw grains and 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 split peas vs rice noodles for weight loss, rice noodles and split peas contain the same amount of calories, 364 per 100 grams.

However, both rice noodles and split peas can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Rice noodles vs Split Peas Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including rice noodles and split peas, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Split Peas offer around 74% more protein than rice noodles.

Split Peas have 23.1 grams of protein per 100 grams, while rice noodles has 6 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Rice noodles vs Split Peas 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 rice noodles and split peas.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 23% higher in rice noodles than in split peas. It have 80.2 grams per 100 grams, compared to 61.6 grams in split peas.

There’s less sugar in rice noodles than in split peas, 100% precisely.

One handful of rice noodles (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of split peas contains 0.9 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in rice noodles and split peas.

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

With 6.2 grams of fiber per portion, split peas are a better source of fiber than rice noodles which offer 0.4 grams per portion.

Rice noodles vs Split Peas Fats

Like most other grains and legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, rice noodles and split peas are low in fat.

Fats in rice noodles and split peas are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in rice noodles and split peas:

• Rice noodles: 0.6 grams per 100 grams
• Split Peas: 3.9 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, rice noodles is 50% lower in saturated fats.

Rice noodles and split peas contain 0.2 grams and 0.4 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Rice noodles vs Split Peas Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of rice noodles and split peas.

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

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

Rice noodles and split peas contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins rice noodles and split peas contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Rice noodles vs Split Peas 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 rice noodles and split peas comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Rice noodles is a better source of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc than split peas.

On the other hand, split peas are a higher amount of selenium, and sodium.

Rice noodles and split peas contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how rice noodles and split peas compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Rice noodles and split peas are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both rice noodles and split peas are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in grains 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 and grains are a 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.