Spelt vs Miso: Which Is Healthier?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between spelt and miso, foods from the grains and legumes food groups. Read on to learn more about the spelt vs miso comparison.
Esther Bumpus, Health Writer

Written by Esther Bumpus, Health Writer. Updated on February 21, 2023.

Although spelt and miso belong to different food groups, while spelt belong is a grain, and miso 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 spelt and miso, 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 spelt and miso compare specifically.

Spelt

Spelt (Triticum spelta) is an ancient type of wheat that is believed to have originated in the Near East.

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

Spelt is commonly used in baking, particularly in traditional dishes such as bread and pasta. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor and can be used as a substitute for wheat flour in most recipes. It is also gluten-free and easy to digest, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Spelt is considered a functional food, as it has been shown to have a positive impact on health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. It is also a sustainable crop, as it can be grown in poor soil conditions and is resistant to pests and diseases.

Spelt is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin B3 (Niacin).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) and some Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin E.

Miso

Miso (fermented soybean paste) is a traditional Japanese condiment made by fermenting soybeans with salt and a type of fungus called koji.

It is a thick, paste-like substance that adds flavor to various dishes, such as soups, sauces, and marinades.

Miso is an important part of Japanese cuisine and has been used for centuries to preserve and enhance food flavor.

One of the main health benefits of miso is its high protein content. Miso is made from soybeans, a good source of plant-based protein, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Miso also contains many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The fermentation process used to make miso also helps to increase the bioavailability of these nutrients, making them easier for the body to absorb.

In terms of health benefits, miso has been shown to have many positive effects on the body.

It is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome.

Miso may also help to reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, due to its high content of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Miso is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.

However, it also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin K and some Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

Spelt vs Miso Nutrition

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

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

SpeltMiso
Energy338 kcal198 kcal
Carbs70.2 g25.4 g
Sugar6.82 g6.2 g
Fiber10.7 g5.4 g
Protein14.6 g12.8 g
Fat2.43 g6.01 g
Saturated Fat0.406 g1.02 g

Spelt vs Miso 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 miso vs spelt for weight loss, miso is slightly lower in calories, with 198 calories per 100 grams, compared to 338 calories per 100 grams of spelt.

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

Spelt vs Miso Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including spelt and miso, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Spelt offers around 12% more protein than miso.

Spelt has 14.6 grams of protein per 100 grams, while miso has 12.8 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Spelt vs Miso 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 spelt and miso.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 64% higher in spelt than in miso. It have 70.2 grams per 100 grams, compared to 25.4 grams in miso.

There’s less sugar in miso than in spelt, 11% precisely.

One handful of miso (28 grams) contains 1.7 grams of sugar, while the same amount of spelt contains 1.9 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in spelt and miso.

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, spelt is a better source of fiber than miso which spelt offers 1.5 grams per portion.

Spelt vs Miso Fats

Like most other grains and legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, spelt and miso are low in fat.

Fats in spelt and miso are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in spelt and miso:

  • Spelt: 2.4 grams per 100 grams
  • Miso: 6 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, spelt is 60% lower in saturated fats.

Spelt and miso contain 0.4 grams and 1 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Spelt vs Miso Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of spelt and miso.

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

Spelt has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), and vitamin K.

However, miso has a higher amount of vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), and vitamin E.

Spelt and miso contain the same amount of vitamin C, and vitamin D.

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

SpeltMiso
Vitamin A10 IU87 IU
Vitamin C00
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)0.364 mg0.098 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.113 mg0.233 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)6.84 mg0.906 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)1.07 mg0.337 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.23 mg0.199 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)45 µg19 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00.08 µg
Vitamin E0.79 mg0.01 mg
Vitamin K3.6 µg29.3 µg

Spelt vs Miso 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 spelt and miso comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Spelt is a better source of calcium, and sodium than miso.

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

Spelt and miso contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how spelt and miso compare when it comes to mineral content.

SpeltMiso
Calcium27 mg57 mg
Copper0.511 mg0.42 mg
Fluoride00
Iron4.44 mg2.49 mg
Magnesium136 mg48 mg
Manganese2.98 mg0.859 mg
Phosphorus401 mg159 mg
Potassium388 mg210 mg
Selenium11.7 µg7 µg
Sodium8 mg3730 mg
Zinc3.28 mg2.56 mg

The Final Word

Spelt and miso are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both spelt and miso 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.

Sources

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